Chapter 19: Let's Split up and Look for Clues
The first task that befell the group in search of clues of where Anya, the Duke's daughter, had gone was where exactly the Duke's residence was. None of them had visited Astor before, so were unsure where his house would be. Thankfully, a quick question to the nearby Astorian guard was a great help in getting their bearings. While hesitant to answer such a question at first, showing the writ that the Duke had provided soon had anyone they asked happy to help.
It was not long before the group found themselves walking through a smaller gatehouse in the inner wall, located just behind the great marble tower. Once through, they were met with a long curved path with high hedges either side. After a short walk, the hedges separated and opened up to a large, open piece of land.
The sides of the large central pathway were now decorated by grand gardens. The majority of the land consisted of well manicured lawns, with topiary lining the main pathway. There were fountains and trees dotted along, with what appeared to be a hedge maze off to one side. Rose bushes and other flowers were growing in numerous beds throughout.
At the end of the long path stood the manor itself. Two stories high, and taking up most of the space between the walled off area, it sat just at the edge of the large outer wall of the city. Never had the group seen quite such an impressive residence, barring the tower itself behind them, of course.
After a brief period of admiration, Alistair was the first to step forward. He gave a low whistle, "Now that's what I call a home! Could really see myself in a place like this one day!" Rogon chuckled and slapped his back, stepping past him and starting to walk down the path, "Haha, yeh right. An' I might get meself a palace sometime. Come on, those clues won't find themselves." Na'ish followed along behind him, seemingly less impressed by the grandeur than the rest.
Alistair stayed still for a moment, his eyes roving across the building speculatively. He was interrupted by a bump from his side. Looking to the source, it was to see Indira giving him a suspicious look, her brow raised and a hand on her hip. "What?" he asked.
"I know that look. Don't get any ideas Alistair, we don't want to make an enemy of the Duke, you know?" she warned. Alistair gained an affronted look. "Would I? I mean, sure. He probably has all sorts of priceless items that he probably wouldn't even notice if they went missing…" He started, but a small cough from Indira stopped his train of thought. "Alright, alright. No taking anything...unless it will help us find Anya, of course. I, for one, am looking forward to that sweet, sweet reward money!"
Indira shook her head and laughed, before the two of them jogged to catch up to Rogon and Na'ish. The walkway was of such length, that it took them the best part of fifteen minutes to reach the building itself. As they drew nearer, the details of the architecture became more apparent.
The building was of mostly square construction, though the middle was indented a little to give the house a small courtyard in the front, where the large main doorway was present. The second floor had a large balcony held up by numerous marble columns. Each column was tastefully carved with a simple but pleasant pattern. The majority of the front of the house had large bay windows to allow the residents to view the impressive gardens beyond.
While Alistair was once more distracted by the impressive show of wealth, Rogon simply huffed and walked up towards the large wooden doors. These were also carved with similar patterns as those of the columns, with the obvious exception of the large tree that was set in the middle of it. This tree was the same as those that adorned the Astorian guards' tabards.
Rogon gave several heavy knocks, the sound reverberating around the silent courtyard. This shook Alistair out of his musing, and he stepped up beside the rest of his companions. After several minutes of tapping his foot impatiently with no answer, Rogon knocked loudly once more. When still his knocks went unanswered, he turned a questioning eye to Alistair.
"No one in ya reckon? We didn' exactly say we was comin' 'ere after all" he mused. Alistair shrugged, before Indira got their attention. "Or, we need to press this?" she asked, pointing to a small button off to the side of the doors. Turning to where she was pointing, it was clear that there was a small placard above the button. Leaning over, Na'ish read out the writing upon it. "If no answer by conventional means, press this." They all exchanged bemused looks, before Alistair shrugged and pressed the button.
Immediately, what sounded like an enormous gong rang out from within the house, far louder than the knocks Rogon had produced. They all reflexively held their hands to their ears, attempting to stave off the ringing caused by the loud noise. "The hell is that!?" Rogon shouted. "What?" answered both Indira and Alistair, briefly unable to hear due to the loud noise.
Soon the reverberations from the sound eased, and their hearing swiftly followed. "What was the point of that ya think? Surely no one needs something that loud, even in a place as large as this." Rogon muttered, still rubbing his ear slightly. It was then that they heard a muffled "Coming!" from the other side of the door.
"Well, it would seem it had the desired effect…" Na'ish commented. After a few more seconds, the door swung open to reveal...thin air? The group looked ahead confusedly for a moment, before they all heard a voice from below them. "Hello? Can I help you….Anya! My word, you have returned my dear!" came a thin, reedy voice. Looking down, the source of the voice became apparent.
There stood a very short individual, by nature of the fact that he was a Gnome. Standing only a few feet in height, this particular Gnome was very elderly, with heavy wrinkles around his face and eyes. His hair was white and wispy, forming irregular spikes. He was wearing a well tailored butler's outfit, complete with jacket. Sat upon his nose was a very thick pair of spectacles.
He seemed extremely happy upon seeing them, and stepped forward towards Alistair. "Why, you had us worried my dear! The Duke will be delighted that you have returned!" Alistair backed up slightly as he approached. "Woah! I'm not Anya! Can't you see I'm a male?" he said with a frown. The Gnome paused, and cocked his head to the side in confusion. "You say you have quite a tale? Wait...you don't sound like Anya at all…"
Alistair huffed and crossed his arms. "What was your first clue? What, are you blind?" The Gnome started to rummage in his jacket pockets, "You are right, I ought to find my better glasses, bear with me." Alistiar looked to the rest of the group, where Rogon shrugged and Indira was suppressing a giggle. Na'ish was simply looking into the house itself, trying to see if there was anything of interest. His attention returned when the Gnome spoke once more.
"Ah, there we go" he said, then retrieved a different set of spectacles, which he promptly replaced his current set with. This set had several additional lenses on hinges, which once placed upon his nose, had several flip down to give his eyes a much more magnified look. He turned his gaze back up to Alistair, and then hopped as if surprised.
"Oh my, you're not Anya at all! I do apologise, I had thought I recognised the cloak, you see" he answered, before bowing in apology. Alistair waved him off, "It's alright. Though a black cloak is hardly a distinguishing feature." The Gnome raised his head, "I wasn't referring to any creature, I merely thought the cloak...felt the same, for lack of a better term. Still, how can the Harrington household help you?"
Sensing Alistair's frustration at continually being misheard, Indira stepped between them. "We are here on the Duke's behalf. He wants us to investigate his daughter's disappearance. We thought it best to start at her home." The Gnome puffed up his chest in apparent pride at this. "Why yes, you were right to start with her Gnome! And no one knew Anya like I did, I helped raise her, after all. Prickle, at your service. Head butler to the Harrington estate!" Prickle bowed once more, and Indira paused. She tried to ignore Rogon's and Alistair's muted chuckles.
Prickle righted, and then gave her a suspicious look. "That being said, I can't just let anyone into the house. Do you have proof that you are working on the Duke's behalf?" Indira passed over the writ, to which Prickle grabbed it and inspected it. His spectacles dropped more of their lenses, to the point that they were nearly touching the paper itself. "Well, this all seems in order! Do come in, I will get tea ready momentarily!" Prickle then stepped aside and allowed them to walk into the building.
Upon entering, they could see that they were in a large central hall. A grand staircase took up most of the space, with numerous doors leading off to further corridors. Once inside, Prickle started to move off down one of the corridors, his gait slow and unsteady. "I will have your refreshments ready shortly, do make yourself comfortable." Rogon's eyes gleamed eagerly at the thought of tea, but Alistair huffed in frustration. "Hey, wait a moment. We need to know where Anya's room is!" he grumbled.
Prickle chuckled while still walking slowly away "Don't be silly, child. Anya hasn't had to touch a broom in her life, she's a noble after all. If you wish to go and check for yourself, her quarters are up the stairs, third door on the left. I will meet you there shortly." Before Alistair could make a rude retort, Indira grabbed his arm and started to lead him up the staircase. "Thank you, Mister Prickle" she replied.
The group then started to climb the impressive staircase. "Well, interesting fellow, eh?" Rogon chuckled. "Let's just find what we're looking for and get out of here. The less time I have to deal with that old wrinkly the better!" Alistair grumbled. Indria gave him a reproachful glare, "Hey, Mister Prickle is a sweetheart it would seem. He clearly cares for Anya. He's just a little hard of hearing…"
Na'ish gave a soft snort, and blushed slightly when the rest all turned their attention to him. He coughed, and then took the lead as they walked along the corridor at the top of the stairs. "Let's just see what we can find. I jus' don't get why Anya would leave a seemingly carin' environment." The rest shrugged and followed.
Varus was currently wandering around the recently destroyed marketplace district with apparent boredom on his face. All around him was a bustle of activity, with more and more stalls being repaired from the damage that occurred the previous night. Some of the stall merchants had even finished their rudimentary repairs, and were starting to attempt to drum up some trade from those passing by.
More than once a merchant would attempt to draw Varus' eye as he passed. And each time he would cast a quick eye over their wares before scoffing and moving on, not caring for any offense he caused by doing so. Simply put, none of the wares remotely interested him. What need did he have for books and scrolls; he was a Drow after all.
It was as he was about to reach one of the main streets that ran off of the marketplace that something, or should we say someone, caught his eye. Leaning against a wall in a nondescript corner of the market was a tall, slightly scruffy looking man. He wore a long coat with numerous pockets stitched into the sides, and a large flat cap that covered most of his sandy coloured hair.
What drew Varus' attention, however, was that his arm was almost entirely within one of the pockets of his jacket, far deeper than the pocket would suggest. While such magic was not unheard of, it was fairly rare and tended to be very expensive. The scruffy look of this individual would not suggest that he could stump up the required coin for such an enchantment. Then perhaps he acquired it by...other means?
While he was watching, the man gave a triumphant gesture, as he withdrew his hand complete with a pipe and some matches. He proceeded to place the pipe in his mouth, striking a match to light it before shaking it out once more. He then pulled the same pocket outwards, before simply dropping the box of matches into it. As he let go of the pocket, he took notice that he had an audience.
Plucking his pipe out, he puffed out some smoke before giving Varus a wide, toothy grin. He then gestured off to the side with his head, before proceeding to walk off down a side street and out of sight. Varus didn't even hesitate before he followed. He was curious, as well as sure that the man could not hurt him even if he wanted to.
The street was all but deserted, with no line of sight back to the marketplace. Here, the sandy-haired man had leaned against the wall once more. As Varus approached, he smiled at him once more and pushed away from the wall.
"As I thought, I see you have an eye for quality my friend! Why else would you seek me out?" The man spoke in a fairly grandiose manner, his gestures slightly exaggerated as he took his cap off and gave Varus a bow. Varus simply gave the man an unimpressed look, before shrugging, "Dunno...was curious, that's all. Where'd you get that coat?"
The man righted from his bow and chuckled, "Already asking the hard questions eh? I'm afraid the answer to that is only for loyal customers, I'm sure you understand. Perhaps if you buy something I might tell ya?" Varus raised a brow, "I might do. What have you got?"
The man started rummaging in a few of his pockets, clearly in search of something. "What haven't I got? All the discerning man's needs are held within my pockets. How about some high quality dice? Guaranteed to bring you good luck when gambling!" he proclaimed, while withdrawing his hand and revealing a couple of engraved dice, made from a carved white substance. Possibly Ivory.
Varus continued to look unimpressed. "I was thinking more along the...less conventional. Do you have any magical artefacts?" The man frowned and replaced his dice. "Magical artefacts, eh? I'm sure you realise that such things are usually stringently regulated by the College here in Astor. Dangerous, magic can be…" he started, but paused when Varus retrieved his money pouch, the sack clearly weighed down by the recent generosity of the Duke.
"...though, better men than I have been known to...skirt the rules, shall we say! I might have a couple of things that'll interest you." He opened one side of his coat, to reveal that the insides had just as many pockets as the outsides. It was into one of these that he reached, and withdrew two items, one after the other.
One item was a book. Clearly ancient in origin, the binding was made of some type of leather with the front ornately decorated with glyphs, the meaning of which eluded Varus. The other was a large egg, though not one of any type Varus had ever seen. It was red in colour, and about the same size as a typical domestic cat. The man placed both items gingerly down onto a nearby wall, as if concerned they would injure him.
"These little beauties are my best stock. Not strictly legal, mind, so don't go shouting about them, yeah? First is this 'ere egg. It's a Dragon egg! Or...so I was told by the bloke I got it from. I can't seem to get it to hatch no matter what I do, though perhaps you will have better luck, eh? Will make a fine guard to your home or the like! Next is this book…"
"I'm not interested in books, thanks" Varus cut him off, his gaze set firmly upon the large egg. A Dragon? Now that was the sort of interesting thing he would be willing to part money for. The man gained an affronted look, and puffed up his chest a little. "Now, wait a mo before you disregard it, yeah? This ain't no ordinary book, no sir. This is a magical tome, said to be written by Balfrys himself! Bound to be all manner of powerful magic held within, wouldn't you say?"
Now, Varus was intrigued. He had been on the hunt for interesting magic, and this appeared to be the jackpot. The name Balfrys felt familiar to Varus, though he couldn't place where from. Still, for him to remember the name at all must mean he was a wizard of some renown. "How much?" he asked. The man rubbed his hands together, "Interested eh? The egg is fifteen gold, while the book is thirty five. Expensive I know, but it's one of a kind!"
Varus cocked his head in thought. Fifty gold was more than he had on him, even with the gold he got from the Duke. He could buy just one, but he was nothing if not stubborn. He wanted them both damn it! "...Thirty for them both", he offered.
The man laughed loudly at the offer. Varus simply maintained a stoic look. Wiping a tear from his eye, the man said "Not much good at this haggling business, are ya? Forty-five gold for both." Varus considered it for a moment, "forty gold for both..." he counter offered. When the man smiled and started to extend his hand to agree, Varus continued "...and, you throw in those dice from earlier."
The man paused, before shrugging and continuing to offer his hand, "You drive a hard bargain good sir. Good, means you're learning! You have yourself a deal!" Varus looked at the proffered limb in disdain, before tentatively taking it and accepting the hand shake. When he did, he felt a couple of small objects held within his palm. Drawing his hand back, he saw that he now held the pair of ivory dice.
The man held out his other hand expectantly, and Varus reached into his money pouch and retrieved the little that he had not just spent, before tossing the rest of the pouch to him. The man deftly caught it, weighing it for a moment, then opened his coat and dropped it into one of his many pockets.
"Pleasure doing business with ya! If you have any friends with similar requests for the...er...harder items to come by, tell them to seek out old Archie Fender. I'll set them up right!" Varus was about to retort that he had no friends and so would not, in fact, be getting the man any more trade any time soon. Before he could however, Archie replaced his pipe and took a larger than usual inhale. He then proceeded to exhale a copious amount of thick smoke, enough to obscure him briefly.
When the smoke dissipated and Varus had stopped coughing, it was to see that the side street was empty, with no sign of the unusual vendor anywhere. Looking up both ends didn't reveal him either. Shrugging, Varus reached towards the two items he had just bought that were still sat upon the wall. After carefully placing both within his pack, the egg wrapped in some old clothes for good measure, he turned and started to head back towards the tavern. He supposed he ought to meet up with his travelling companions; they may yet have use for him, after all.
Despite the size of the mansion they found themselves in, it did not take long for the group to locate what they presumed to be Anya's room. At first, it did not seem to be the sort of bedroom that a noble lady would have. The walls were a plain white, and the furniture plain wood. The bed was large, but simply dressed. None of the walls or shelves seemed to contain much in the way of decoration. There was a dresser in the corner, but it held little in the way of make-up. Instead, it had parchment and ink wells, having been set up as more of a makeshift writing desk.
All in all, the only reason they knew that this was indeed Anya's room, was that it was the third door on the left. "Perhaps that old Gnome got confused. Wouldn't put it past him" Alistair grumbled from the doorway. Indira shook her head and entered. "We won't know unless we look, come on." That caused the rest of the group to pour in and spread out to search.
A quick look by Indira into the large wardrobe revealed that this was, indeed, likely to be Anya's room. The insides were lined with numerous well tailored dresses and outfits, fit for a noble woman. Most of them appeared untouched however, perhaps due to the period of time that Anya had been missing. Rogon had gone over to the makeshift writing desk, only to grunt in frustration at the fact that there was nothing but writing implements and blank parchment. Na'ish had chosen to go and stand by the window and gaze out at the front gardens in thought.
Their search was interrupted by scrabbling sounds coming from the centre of the room, turning to the source, Indira saw Alistair lying on his front while attempting to reach beneath the large bed. "What are you doing?" she asked, coming over to him. "Well, if I was going to hide something, I would do so here. Cliché perhaps but...aha! Jackpot!" He started to work his way back out from under the end, dragging with him a large trunk. Once free of the bed, he lifted it up and dumped it on top. "See? Gold piece says that what we're looking for lies in that trunk!" Rogon also approached, "Hah, no bet" he chuckled.
The three gathered round the trunk. It was locked, but that was hardly an obstacle for Alistair, who had it open with a few quick motions of a tool he produced from his pouch. He flipped it open, and each of them raised a brow at it's contents.
Nestled within were more clothes. Only, rather than the fine raiment's that hung in the wardrobe, these were far more rugged in appearance. The sort of wear that commoners and workers would wear, rather than nobles. There were travel cloaks, trousers, hempen shirts and hoods. "Well...it seems she had been planning a runner for a while...but then, why not take this trunk with her?" Alistair mused aloud.
Indira began to sift through the trunk's contents. Once she moved the clothes aside, her hand brushed a smaller, more solid item towards the bottom of the trunk. Withdrawing her hand, the item was revealed to be a small, leather bound book. "Reckon this will shed some light on the situation?" she asked, getting enthusiastic nods from the other two in return. She opened the book, and read a few pages. "It appears to be her diary. All the way from when she was a child" Indira announced. "Great, this will be sure to give us a clue as to where she went, right?" Alistair said with glee. Rogon rubbed his jaw, "I don't know. Don't feel right readin' a woman's personal diary, ya know? Invasion of privacy and the like, yeh?" he complained.
Alistair huffed and gestured around her room. "Any more so than barging into her room and rifling through her things?" Rogon gained a sheepish look. Alistair rolled his eyes and gestured over to Indira. "Lets just look at the last few entries, yes? Leading up to her disappearance. That might give us the best idea. No need to have her life story that way." Indira nodded and flipped towards the back. Rogon and Alistair gathered behind her in order to read over her shoulders.
22nd Allbloom
I've begun to realise that my curiosity for what lies beyond these walls and gardens can no longer be sated by books, paintings, and the tales of guardsmen. Using the sewing skills that I was taught, "as is proper for a lady", I have managed to turn some of my older clothes into more suitable travelling apparel. These will aid me well in my plans to finally get beyond the hedgerow and see for myself the bustling city I know lies just beyond. I will set my plan in motion one evening this week…
"Well...seems she wasn't the perfect noble woman everyone thought. Poor girl felt like a caged animal." Alistair muttered as he read. Rogon nodded, "Can' really blame her. Still, the streets mighta been dangerous for someone so...inexperienced, yeh?"
26th Allbloom
I did it! I now finally know what the city really looks like, and I am so glad that I did. The bustling streets, the common folk all working the day away, it is fascinating to me! With my cloak and hood, I can blend in and no one can recognise me as the Duke's daughter. It is refreshing to be able to talk to someone who does not bow to my very presence.
My favourite place by far is the docks. Always busy, always full of life. Best of all, there is a small tavern there that I have happened upon. Small, dark yet friendly, I like nothing more than to sit there and listen to the conversations that float around by sailors who have ventured beyond the city itself! I am sure I will find myself back here often!
5th Broddus
I have now been sneaking out several nights a week. My wanderings take me all over the city, but I always try to make my way to that same tavern down on the docks. There are always such interesting stories to hear and people to meet. Tonight was no exception! There was a gentleman that came in late at night. He was imposing, wearing high quality garb that a noble might wear, rather than that of a worker. Still, he seemed to fit in well, and struck up conversations with many regulars.
His outfit was finely tailored, most notably his jacket, which had a large emblem stitched into the back. This emblem was far from something a noble would be seen wearing, as it displayed a skull motif. One of the eyes was replaced with an intricate rose. Was this a family crest perhaps? If so, it is not like any that I know of, and my teachings have shown me many of the important families from in and around Astor.
I simply must know more, and the easiest way would seem to be to strike up a conversation. Hopefully he will still be there the next time I visit.
10th Broddus
Well, I have spoken to the gentleman, and I am so glad that I did! He has so many stories from beyond Astor, such a well travelled man. The stories are all so interesting, filled with adventure! I could spend all night simply listening to him speak. He has a hard, angular face, but eyes that seem to pierce into my very soul.
Over the course of our conversations, he has clearly noticed my thirst for the outside world. He has even offered to take me with him when he leaves the city! This is not an opportunity I can miss, so I have accepted. I have his word that he is not filling my head with nonsense, and will not leave without me.
As an assurance, he gifted me his jacket, stating that I was to return it to him before we left the city. I am preparing now, and will leave come nightfall. I will use the cloak my father gifted me, that will allow me to sneak past the guards undetected. Sorry father, to use your gift for such. I will return soon, I promise. But I simply must see the world for myself.
"Looks like that is the last entry" Indira stated, flipping a few more pages forward to be sure. Alistair huffed, "Great. She broke like…rule one of what not to do in shady pubs. He could be anyone, and now she could be anywhere!" Rogon scratched his jaw once more. "But, if she was planning on going like she said...why are all her travel things still here? Wouldn't she have taken them with her?"
Alistair and Indira exchanged looks, then shrugged. They were interrupted by Na'ish, calling from the corner. "You said she was to return a jacket, yes?" As they turned, they saw Na'ish rummaging through a drawer in the corner. "It did say that, yes. Why?" Indira replied. "Then I do not think she got the chance to meet him before she disappeared…" he said, before withdrawing his hand from the drawer. There, he held an intricately tailored, clearly male jacket. Upon its back was the mentioned emblem, a skull with a rose set within one eye.
"Well, that confuses things then. Where the hell could she be?" Alistair asked out loud. Before any of them could answer, they caught the sound of chinking china coming from down the hall. Alistair gained a wide eyed look and started to look around the room. He then approached the window and opened it.
"What are you doing?" Indira asked, confused. "Hell no am I getting stuck in another conversation with that Gnome. We'll be here forever. Let's just go to the tavern and tell the others what we found!" he said, before he proceeded to hop out of the window. They were a story up, but that was nothing for Alistair. He landed and rolled before standing up once more and dusting himself down.
"Er, I can't do that….also, I was looking forward to the tea!" Rogon grumbled. Na'ish approached the window, and looked down. "It appears you will not have to…" he stated, before he stepped out and started to climb down a plant that had grown upon the side of the building. "At least we know how Anya got out of the house each time" Indira said, while gently pushing a still grumbling Rogon to the window.
As he was descending, she carefully wrapped the diary within the jacket they had found, before placing both within her pack. She then proceeded to climb out of the window, and gently closed it behind her.
Just as the window closed, Prickle entered the room slowly and shakily carrying a tray laden with a tea set. "Here we are. Tea for you all. I do hope you like camomile…" he started, before looking into the room and finding it empty. "Oh...dear me. Was I really that long making it? I knew I was getting slower… Perhaps they are elsewhere in their search." Prickle then bustled off with his tea tray in hand.
Garrick looked around him with mild concern. His intention had been to keep an eye on Varus, as he had shown to have a tendency to get into trouble. While normally he would not care if he did, they were now representatives of the Duke, and anything he did could reflect badly on them all. He had very quickly lost sight of him within the bustling marketplace, however.
"How can one lose such a large elf?" Garrick pondered to himself. After determining that Varus was no longer within the marketplace itself, he chose to take a wander through the nearest district, in the hope that it was the way Varus had gone.
Garrick soon found himself walking into a large central courtyard. In the centre stood a large dead tree, clearly the parent of the one within the Ducal Market. Unlike the marketplace, this was much more sparsely populated, with only a few people walking around. It was...peaceful.
Garrick turned his eye to the various buildings that lined the courtyard. Impressive in their size and architecture, each one was clearly a temple of some fashion. "I have heard of this place…"Seven's Rest", the temple district of Astor. A temple for each of the seven Deities of the world." And indeed, a quick count revealed seven larger buildings, each one designed slightly differently after their intended Deity. Surrounding these were countless smaller shrines and offerings to the lesser gods.
Choosing to approach the nearest and grandest central temple, Garrick walked up the stairs and entered the large hall within. Inside, there was no sign of Varus, though he had hardly been expecting there to be. There were a few city dwellers, some kneeling and praying and others simply looking around the temple itself.
The most striking feature of the main cloister was a large, stained glass window depicting a stocky, muscled and bearded man forging the great tower of Astor upon a mountainous anvil. Below this great window was an altar, itself shaped after an anvil, and flanked on either side by two large marble pillars, sculpted to appear like buttressed towers. Looking around, Garrick spotted a plaque on the wall, beside the alms box. Stepping forward, Garrick peered more closely at the bronze placard.
"Vestus. God of Community and Craftsmanship. Patron of Astor"
Garrick, while never having considered himself a man of the Seven, was nonetheless a respectful man. He gave a brief prayer, and left a gold coin in the alms box as an offering. He then proceeded to turn and leave once more, intending to return to the tavern.
"If I cannot find Varus, I will simply have to wait until he comes to me."
