Apologies for the delay between chapters. Life gets busy sometimes and something has to give. Next chapter should post much sooner.
Chapter 16: A good tailor
Jeral woke to the warmth of the early morning sun as it shone on his face. Ruefully, he realized that he neglected to close the shutters in his room the night before. After splashing some water on his face and running his fingers through his grimy hair he quietly made his way downstairs. He scanned the common room at the Five Flagons and did not see anyone from his group; in fact he saw only a handful of patrons in the entire common room. That was not surprising since their experiences in the planar prison took a lot out of all of them. Once the portal returned them to the tavern the staff of the Five Flagons was up very late caring for the freed slaves. Jeral grabbed a large mug of tea and a heel of bread from the kitchen and walked back to the Copper Coronet, enjoying the early morning air. The streets were not yet packed with people begging or hawking their wares and the temperature was still pleasant.
As he entered the Copper Coronet he was surprised to see that, unlike the Five Flagons, the Coronet was a hive of activity as Hendak and his staff worked to get the freed slaves settled in. Jeral settled himself into one of the few open tables in the room, ordered a large breakfast, and sat back to quietly observe the commotion all around him. Hendak and his men had clearly worked through the night to care for the freed slaves. Every man and woman was attired in new clothes and well made boots; and each had a pack of supplies and other gear close at hand. From the snippets of conversation that he overheard Jeral learned that Hendak had already made plans for a large contingent of refugees to depart the next day for the village of Nashkel in the far North of Amn.
He also learned that a small number of men and women wanted to stay and live in Athkatla. Jeral imagined that those few were enamored by the possibility of excitement in the big city. Over breakfast Hendak requested that Jeral write a letter to the mayor, Berrun Ghastkill, asking that he allow these people to settle in his village. Jeral was only too happy to oblige. As Jeral took quill to parchment he thought back to his studies at Candlekeep and managed to block out all of his worries and concerns for a few short moments. Writing always brought Jeral peace and this time was no exception.
As Jeral reviewed his letter he was confident that the mayor would accommodate his request. Nashkel was still recovering from all the casualties in the mines during the iron crisis. A few score hardworking men and women would help the town regain some sense of energy and hope for the future. Hendak was not taking any chances with their safety; he was sending a dozen heavily armed guardsmen to accompany the refugees. The well trained former gladiators were all accomplished pit fighters so the caravan would be secure indeed. Jeral provided each refugee 20 gold and also provided 500 gold for the mayor of Nashkel to allow him to set aside homesteads for all those who wanted one. Jeral knew the Imoen would expect him to do no less.
Smiling contentedly Jeral leaned back in his chair as he clenched a steaming mug of coffee in his hands and continued to take in the scene around him. By the time he was on his second cup Anomen, Minsc, and Yoshimo strolled in and joined Jeral at the table. After ordering a large breakfast for the late arrivals the trio settled in for breakfast and ate heartily. Jeral realized that Viconia and Nalia were nowhere in sight. Seeing the questioning look on Jeral's face Anomen brushed crumbs from his beard and replied to the unasked question.
"I fear that the Lady Nalia is still very weak from her experiences in the Warden's prison. Viconia is tending to her at the Five Flagons and stated that Nalia would be well enough to return to the Copper Coronet tomorrow."
"I would have assumed that you would have tended to her Anomen."
Anomen blushed beet red and looked down at his steaming mug of tea. Mumbling he spoke without looking up, "I did offer my services but Nalia wished to bathe and change into some clean clothes, therefore it was inappropriate for me to provide such assistance."
Jeral chuckled at the squire's discomfort. It was apparent to everyone in the group that Anomen was in love with Nalia. Jeral thought Nalia felt the same way but he knew enough about women to realize that he knew nothing about women. So until Nalia spoke her mind everything else was just a guess. She seemed excited for Anomen to court her so that looked like a good sign.
"Well it looks like it is just the four of us today. Any suggestions on what we should do?"
Yoshimo cleared his throat and drummed his fingers on the table. "Ah, my apologies Jeral but may I take today for myself?"
"Of course Yoshimo, anything I can help with?"
Yoshimo waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing important Jeral, I just feel like taking a day to restock on arrows and other minor equipment. I can manage on my own, farewell."
Nodding his thanks Yoshimo grabbed a large slice of fresh baked bread, slathered some berry preserve on it, and strolled out of the tavern.
"Well it is just the three of us then." Boo sat up on the table and squeaked excitedly at Minsc.
"Thank you for reminding me of my commitments Boo. Minsc will not be able to travel with Jeral and Anomen today."
"What's going on Minsc?"
"Hendak and Bernard need the aid of Minsc. The tavern is very busy and full of guests most days. They wish to create more space for guests. They have hired men to add a floor of rooms above the stables in back. The main support beams are very heavy so they have asked if Minsc can help lift them and hold them in place while the workmen secure them. Since Hendak is also a hero for goodness Minsc was happy to help."
Minsc gulped down his mead, picked Boo up, perched him on his shoulder, and lumbered out of the common room.
Jeral and Anomen stared at one another in silence for a few moments. Jeral leaned back and stretched, took a final sip of coffee, and smiled at the Helmite.
"Well my good Squire Anomen, it looks like it is just the two of us today. What do you suggest we do?"
Anomen scratched his beard thoughtfully for a minute.
"This may work out for the best Jeral. I believe we both have need of some new equipment. My shield is battered beyond repair and your boots are in need of replacement as well."
Smiling Jeral lifted his left leg and dropped it on the table, clattering the dishes as he did so.
"My left boot is fine Anomen; the Warden just damaged the right one. Still, you do have a point. Why don't we run our errands in the shopping district and after that we can search for this artist your Temple wants you to recruit."
"That is an excellent idea Jeral. But first I would suggest that we both bathe and make ourselves as presentable as possible. If we are traveling to the better parts of town we cannot look disreputable else we will have problems moving about freely. The guards in the better parts of town have orders to keep out the poor and the unclean."
Seeing the wisdom in Anomen's words Jeral called for baths for Anomen and himself. He also requested a barber to provide him a haircut and shave. Afterwards, feeling rested and refreshed, Jeral put on his cleanest set of remaining clothes and hurried downstairs to meet up with Anomen.
The pair strolled to the merchant district and headed straight towards the Adventurer's Mart. After a bit of haggling Anomen had replaced his battered oaken shield with a lightly enchanted one made of metal. It was far lighter than his old shield and would hold up better against the dangers they faced. After stocking up on more healing potions Jeral and Anomen left the shop.
"Where to now Jeral?"
"I need some new clothes, and I need a new pair of boots, preferably with some protection built in them. Is there a place around her you would recommend?"
"I am not one for fashion, such as it is Jeral. I have my armor and the Order sees to my other needs."
"Surely you must know someplace, you have lived here all your life."
Anomen thought for a long moment before striding purposely away. Jeral hurried to catch up to the Helmite as he strode though the crowds. "I assume you remembered a place."
Anomen grimly nodded and continued walking forward with a sense of purpose.
"Aye. I did."
The pair started climbing steps as they headed for a door on the top level of the tiered promenade. When they reached the upper level they walked along the walkway until they came to a dark green door with silver stars painted in a spiral pattern on the door. Anomen lightly ran a hand over the door, tracing the pattern made by the silver stars. Anomen took a deep breath, placed a hand on the door handle and paused.
"This is the shop of Salumon and his sons. They are the finest clothiers in the land and specialize in unusual requests."
Jeral looked doubtful as he eyed the Helmite. "Anomen I cannot see myself modeling the latest in Amnian high fashion. Those high necked shirts with the puffy sleeves and the tight buttoned collars would choke the life out of me. And don't get me started about all the men parading around in those tights."
Anomen laughed knowingly as he opened the door to the shop.
"Trust me Jeral this is the place for you to shop."
A small bell on the door frame gently tinkled as the pair stepped into a cozy sitting room. Everything in the room spoke to a neat and well organized tailor shop. There were three comfortable chairs, each with an accompanying foot stool and side table. One entire wall was full of shelves of fabrics while the other wall was nothing but mirrors from the floor to ceiling. A large chandelier with over three score candles provided more than enough light for the room. A table held dozens of pairs of scissors, long knitting needles and lengths of measuring string.
As Jeral was taking in the room one of the mirrors slid to the side and an elderly man walked into the sitting room. He was almost as tall as Jeral, but age had rounded his back so he stooped forward badly. What little hair that remained on his head was white and wispy thin. He shuffled into the room, walked right up to Anomen, and embraced him in a surprisingly firm embrace. Anomen returned the hug awkwardly and the pair remained in an embrace for a long moment before the elderly man released his hold and stepped back.
Jeral was stunned to see that the old man was crying. The man blew his nose loudly on a silk kerchief and looked at Anomen with a quivering chin.
"I was so sorry to hear about your sister Anomen. The sun shines a little less bright due to her loss. I miss her, we all miss her."
Anomen nodded stiffly and formally addressed the elderly man.
"Master Salumon, may I present Jeral of Candlekeep. He is a good man and has need of some of your finest attire."
The elderly tailor immediately straightened up, smoothed out his short waisted jacket and eyed Jeral critically. "I am glad you brought this gentleman here to me Squire Anomen. Serian, Sobias, come here. We have customers."
Within seconds a pair of men a few years younger than Jeral came out to aid the old men.
"May I present my grandsons, Serian and Sobias. They are apprenticing here to learn the trade. Please remove your armor so I may get proper measurements. You are quite safe here."
Jeral quickly took off his chain mail and his blades and draped them over a chair in the corner of the room.
"Looking down at Jeral's tattered boot he motioned to the footwear, "remove those as well, I can also craft you new boots."
"Master Salumon, Jeral could benefit from some metal worked into the boots to offer his lower legs some protection."
Nodding knowingly the elderly tailor eyed Jeral's mangled boot, quickly took Jeral's measurements, and then stepped back.
"So what do we need my good man?"
"I suppose I need two jackets - one longer for traveling and one around waist length for in and around town. I also require a half a dozen shirts, same number of pants, say a dozen under garments, same number of socks and a couple pair of boots. My clothes are little more than rags right now."
"Any specific requirements young man?"
"The jackets should hang properly if I am wearing my armor of if I go without. They should not interfere with me drawing my blades. They should also resist soiling as much as possible, specifically blood should not leave a stain for I seem to bleed a lot."
"Very well, very well. What are your color preferences?"
"Black, dark grey, and red."
"Hardly cheerful my boy, but I can work with that. Those colors make the blood stains less of a concern. No problem at all."
"When will they be ready good my good master tailor?"
"Well I can have them ready within a week for 200 gold or by tomorrow for 500."
"How can you possibly make so many clothes in one day?"
"It is quite simple actually. The additional coin purchases some potions of speed to make me work faster. I have to sleep for a day afterwards but the process works very well."
"Tomorrow it is then." Jeral handed over a purse heavy with coin.
The tailor hefted it in his palm and frowned. "This is too much. You have far more than 500 gold here."
"You are correct sir. Squire Anomen will also require some clothes."
Anomen looked at Jeral in confusion. "Jeral, I have no need of any personal clothing. The Order sees to all my needs."
Ignoring Anomen Jeral smiled and addressed the elderly tailor directly.
"As I was saying Master Salumon, our good squire here plans on courting a young woman of nobility and cannot do so in a set of full plate mail and a tunic from the Order."
Smiling widely Salumon rubbed his hands together and grabbed his measuring tapes. "Nothing would make me happier. Please remove your armor Anomen. Come here boys."
Aided by Salumon's grandsons Anomen slowly removed his armor and his heavily padded under tunic and piled it neatly in one corner of the room. Salumon took measurements and then started making notations on a small chalk board in the corner. He eyed Anomen critically and smiled broadly.
"Well from what I hear from the society gossips the Lady Nalia is lovely, you have excellent taste Anomen, your sister would be very happy for you."
Anomen blushed and shifted from foot to foot as he looked down at the floor as the elderly tailor continued.
"But if I recall correctly she is already spoken for from the eldest Roenall boy."
"Lady Nalia has declared she will never marry that man."
"Well so long as another man will speak up for her. I am sure she will be happy with you Anomen."
"Master Salumon, Anomen has no interest in any of the current Amnian high fashion, he needs well made clothes but they must be very traditional and appropriate for a man of high station."
Anomen frowned and ran a hand over the back of his head.
"Jeral I am no man of high station. I am a squire from a disgraced merchant family. I should not, can not, reach above my station."
Jeral shook his head and locked eyes with Anomen. "Anomen, you are a priest of the Temple of Helm, a member of a merchant family and a Squire in the Order of the Radiant Heart. You will soon likely become of a knight of that self same order. You are more than a match for Nalia and a man deserving of respect. The lady clearly cares for you, if those feelings develop into more who are you to argue? Women know their own minds, as men we just go along with it."
The tailor clapped delightedly. "Well said Jeral, you have quite the way with words. Squire Anomen, what colors do you prefer for you courting attire?"
"I…I…I do not know good sir. It has been years since I have had to dress myself. Moira used to pick out my clothes."
Jeral made the decision for Anomen. "Make his attire silver and dark green. That will match with Anomen's coloring and they are colors that will go well with Nalia's attire."
"Very well Jeral, I will have Anomen's clothes ready tomorrow as well."
"How much for his attire master tailor?"
"No charge for his courting clothes, your additional coin will cover the cost of additional potions. Anomen is family; this is the least I can do for him."
Anomen nodded his thanks and quickly started putting his armor back on. Jeral hastily dressed and the pair departed the shop together.
"Anomen, I do not mean to pry….."
Anomen sighed heavily and slouched his mail clad shoulders, "of course you do Jeral. Very little remains private from those who travel, live and fight together."
"Well then, what is it with you and the tailor? Is he family?"
"Yes and no Jeral. It is complicated."
"Well we have nothing else to do today so you may as well start talking."
"What about paying a visit to Sir Sarles? I still have a tasking from the church."
"Looking like this? You are in a soiled tunic and my clothes are not suitable for a meeting with someone of high station. If we hope to win him over then we cannot visit him unless and until we look far more presentable. We will need to wait until we get our new clothes tomorrow. So that leaves us with today. So tell me the story of you and the tailor, please."
"Very well. As you know my father's merchant house has taken a turn for the worse over time, due to his drinking and bad business decisions. I was serving as an acolyte in the temple and Moira felt the need to make some coin, for she hoped to save up enough money to make her own way in the world. My father took her working as a personal insult and spread word that no one should hire her or they would face his wrath. When the word got around no one would offer Moira an opportunity for it was not worth the trouble. Salumon was the only one who would not allow himself to be intimidated by my father and he hired her to work in his shop. Master Salumon is a good man. He had only sons, and his sons had only sons, so he took to Moira as is she was his own granddaughter. She said that her time working in his shop was some of the happiest of her too short life."
"Why did she leave his employ?"
"How do you know she left?"
"Just a sense I got from the tailor shop. She had not worked there for some time, had she?"
Anomen shook his head sadly. "Father finally lost patience with her and threatened to disown her and throw her out of the house if she did not quit. At her age it was against the law to live on her own without a husband so she could not leave his house unless she wished to marry or become an outcast. Either option was a step too far, even for an independent woman such as her. Reluctantly, she had to obey father's wishes and quit her position at the tailor shop."
"But before she quit she painted his shop door as a farewell gift did she not?"
Anomen's jaw dropped as he stared at Jeral. "How could you possible know that?"
"It is not that difficult to figure out Anomen. There were similar pictures in your home to the one on the door of the shop. Watching how you reacted to the door of the shop showed me that your sister must have painted it for it held deep meaning to you."
"Aye, it was painful to see it, but reminds me yet again why I love my sister."
"Let us return to the Copper Coronet. We have little to do until we get our new clothes everyone returns."
"So what should we do for the remainder of the day?"
Smiling Jeral patted Anomen on the shoulder. "Up for a little sparring good Squire? I could use the work. I have never sparred with someone who wields a flail so this is a good time for me to learn."
Anomen scratched his beard thoughtfully, "That could be an excellent way to spend the afternoon Jeral. I accept. Although I must warn you that I will not prove as soft an opponent as Yoshimo. I am well versed in serving in a shield wall in addition to individual combat."
"I will take my chances noble squire."
Smiling the pair made their way back to the Copper Coronet. After a quick lunch they headed to the gladiator arena.
"So how should we proceed Jeral?"
"Full armor and our own weapons; padded for some modicum of safety of course."
"I must protest Jeral; this is not a fair fight. Not only am I a warrior schooled in combat but I am clad in a full suit of enchanted plate mail and wield an incredibly powerful three headed flail. You have a chain mail shirt and a pair of swords. You have no chance Jeral, no chance at all."
Smiling Jeral strode over to wrap rags over his pair of blades, "I will take my chances good squire."
Jeral slowly opened his eyes and stared up at the wooden ceiling. As his vision slowly came into focus he was able to see each individual grain in the wood planks that made up the ceiling of the gladiator arena in the Copper Coronet. His head ached and he started to turn his head from side to side.
Rough, heavily callused hands firmly held his head in place. Hendak's deep voice cut through the fog in his head.
"Easy now lad, you took quite a blow. Head wound like that, I am amazed that you are not dead, by all rights you should be."
Jeral moaned in pain as he pushed Hendak's hands away. "I am harder to kill than I look."
Hendak chuckled and hauled Jeral to his feet. "Clearly. Anomen caved your skull in. Yet you are not dead."
"Of course I am not dead. Anomen healed me, didn't he?"
"No, no he did not." Hendak pointed to the far side of the room where Anomen lay sprawled out in the dirt.
"Is he all right?"
"He is fine laddie. You just knocked him out. That enchanted helm of his prevented you from doing any real damage. He will recover, although he may have a headache for some time."
"So what happened?"
"I only caught the very end. You two were sparring and you were really going at it, neither of you were holding back. There was an anger to your sparring as well as his. You were doing well but Anomen was doing better. You could not quite determine how best to defeat his flail and shield fighting style. Anomen got inside your guard and landed a crushing blow to your head with that flail of his."
"So then what?"
Hendak shook his head wonderingly. "Well that is when it really started to get interesting Bhaal child. He caved in the side of your skull; it looked like someone took a bite out of an apple. You staggered back for a second as your body struggled to function with the massive damage to your skull. Anomen, the noble Helmite that he is, immediately paused his attack and prepared to heal you. Before he could cast a spell you attacked him. It was all he could do to parry your attacks. You got stronger and stronger as you backed him across the room striking blow after terrible blow. As I watched, your head started to reshape itself and heal before my unbelieving eyes. Anomen was finally a step slow getting his shield up and you struck a blow against his helm. It stunned him and left him unable to defend himself. You struck again, and again. By the third blow to his head he was down and I had to knock you out to save his life; for you were not going to stop until he was dead."
Jeral gripped Hendak's forearm fiercely. "You have my thanks Hendak. Looks like you saved both of our lives. I am in your debt."
Smiling Hendak hugged Jeral and lifted him up off his feet. "Think nothing of it Jeral, you gave me my life back and for that I will be forever grateful."
Jeral felt tired, exhausted to his very core, and just wanted to rest. "Hendak, please forgive me but I am very tired. I am going to bed. Please convey my apologies to Anomen, I meant no harm."
"Very well, I will keep an eye on the squire until he wakes."
As Jeral started to walk away Hendak called out, "Remember Jeral I still want to spar with you again."
Jeral nodded wearily and headed upstairs.
Jeral slept late the next day and reluctantly made his way downstairs when hunger overcame his shame. He spied the others sitting around the table with the remains of breakfast strewn across the table. Nalia sat next to Anomen and held a cloth against the side of his face. As Jeral slowly walked up to the table everyone paused and eyed him warily. Anomen pulled his hands away from Nalia and slowly rose to his feet. He nervously looked at Jeral and cleared his throat. The side of Anomen's face was badly swollen and an ugly black and purple bruise covered his left eye.
"Jeral, I am glad to see that you are well. I apologize for my overzealousness during our practice session yesterday."
Jeral rubbed his hands together nervously as he looked shamed faced at the Helmite.
"Anomen, it is I who needs to apologize to you, not the other way around. I am fine. I apologize for losing my temper. I am glad to see that you are not badly injured."
"I have lost my temper in many a sparring session Jeral, that happens."
"I know Anomen, it does happen, but I - more than most - have to manage my temper, I could have killed you."
"Perhaps, but I came close to killing you as well. We shall both be more careful next time."
"Next time? How can you possibly wish to spar again?"
"I never shy away from a challenge Jeral. Besides, perhaps I can help us both learn to manage our tempers."
Viconia smacked the table and smirked at the pair as their eyes turned towards her. "Well if you two are done with your touching reunion what are the plans for today? Nalia is recovered enough to travel with us."
"Jeral and I have to pick up our clothes from the tailor. After that we should send a few of us to meet with Sir Sarles on behalf of the Temple."
Nalia sat up and smiled brightly.
"I can go Anomen. Sir Sarles knows me. My aunt purchased a piece of art from him when I was much younger. I will go meet with him. I am sure he will see me. I could use the fresh air and Viconia says I am well enough to move about again."
Jeral smiled and patted Minsc on a large mailed shoulder.
"Excellent idea Nalia. Take Minsc with you as your guard, we can all meet back here for dinner."
"And what shall Yoshimo and I do? I agree that neither of us is suitable for moving amongst high society. We would both cause quite the stir in their uptight lives."
"Viconia you are more than welcome to come with Anomen and myself."
"Watching you two shop? I can do without that. I am sure Yoshimo and I can fend for ourselves."
"Very well then Viconia, Yoshimo, enjoy a relaxing day. We will all meet back here for dinner."
Anomen and Jeral departed the Copper Coronet and headed back to the tailor's shop. The pair walked in companionable silence for some time. As the approached the tailor shop Jeral took a long look at Anomen's battered face as they walked side by side.
"Anomen, I have a question for you."
"Yes Jeral, what is it?"
"You are an accomplished healer, are you not?"
"I am Jeral, I can say with no false modesty that Helm has graced me with significant gifts."
"Would you say that Viconia is equally skilled at the healing arts?" Anomen looked around before responding.
"I will never say this to her but she is very skilled, perhaps even more so than I am."
"Then why did you not heal your face?"
Anomen looked at Jeral, a look of pure innocence on his face. "Why Jeral, I must have forgotten."
"Of course Anomen, It could not in any way be an effort to garner attention from the Lady Nalia, could it?"
Anomen just smiled slyly as he opened the door to the tailor shop.
Nalia sat stiffly at the table, red faced and shaking with anger.
"That Sir Sarles is a pompous windbag! I have met a lot of insufferable prats in my lifetime but that one is without peer. We are wasting our time with that one; he will never work for your church Anomen."
Anomen patted Nalia's forearm supportively.
"I am sorry that Sir Sarles was so unreasonable my lady. I am told that artists are often sensitive. Is there any way we can change his mind?"
"Sensitive? He is far beyond that, he is beyond arrogant! Why I have never seen anyone like him. It was all I could do to keep myself from striking him and I am a lady."
"Why did you get so angry Nalia?"
"Jeral, the man was just insufferable, I could not help myself. With all the real suffering in the world to listen to one so spoiled as him complain about nothing, I could not stand it!"
Anomen stroked her army soothingly and Nalia took a deep breath as she worked to control her temper as Anomen spoke quietly.
"So it sounds like the meeting went poorly. Is there any way that we can get Sir Sarles to work for my temple?"
"Anomen, he says that he requires 100 pounds of pure illithium for his muse. If he gets the ore he will work for your temple, otherwise he will not work for anyone."
Jeral leaned forward and looked at Nalia, a look of confusion on his face.
"I am not familiar with that ore. Is illithium expensive?"
Viconia snorted and drained her glass of wine.
"Jeral you have no idea. Illithium is more valuable than any ore you can imagine. It is tremendously valued for its use as a weapon. It has many properties, one of which is that it can make enchanted weapons even more powerful if it is added to them as a coating. 100 pounds of it will cost a king's ransom and that assumes we can find any. I say we ignore this petty artist and his outrageous demands and find a better use of our time."
"Viconia, I must request that we try and accomplish this task. I owe everything to the Temple of Helm and I must try and complete this task."
"Anomen is right Viconia, we have to try."
Viconia shrugged and poured herself another glass of wine. "Very well, we can continue this pointless quest."
"So where would we even start to look for that ore Viconia?"
Viconia just shrugged her shoulders. "This is not my city Jeral I have no idea."
Yoshimo tapped his glass on the table and spoke up, "Well this is not exactly my city either Viconia but I do believe I know where we need to look. Jeral, there is an ore merchant who can be found most days in the merchant's district. I believe her name is Jerila. If anyone in the city would know where to find the ore she would."
Jeral clapped his hands together and drained his ale. "Very well, we have a plan. Tomorrow we shall visit this Jerila and see about getting some illithium for Sir Sarles."
"Impossible! 100 pounds is a ridiculous request. I never get more than 50 pounds a month and that was before my supplier encountered some difficulties."
The ore merchant stomped her foot angrily on the stone platform of the merchant tier. Jerlia was an older, heavy set woman who dressed in dark grey robes and had her dark brown hair piled on top of her head in a large intricate bun. A quartet of heavily armed guards eyed the party warily and kept their hands close to their blades, clearly unsettled by their employer's distress.
"My lady our need is urgent and our cause is just. Isn't there anything you can do to assist us?"
"Squire Anomen, as I have told all of you already I cannot help you. My supplier had his last few loads stolen and does not expect any more for at least a month."
"May we contact your supplier directly? Perhaps he can provide us with a suggestion for way forward."
Smiling broadly Jerila crossed her hands under her ample bosom and eyed Jeral with a sneer.
"Well aren't you a cheeky one pretty. You have the audacity to try and cut me out of my own supply chain. I am not a simpleton so I shall have to say no."
"Calm yourself my lady for I mean no offense. We really do need to procure this ore and your source may be our only hope. We will, of course, compensate you for any inconvenience to your business."
She glared at Jeral and slowly arched an eyebrow as her complexion softened. "How well will you compensate me?"
"500 gold of compensation?"
Jerila tilted her head to the side, pursed her lips, and looked pensive for a long moment.
"1,000 gold for the name, not a coin less."
"Done."
Jeral pulled a heavy coin purse out of his pouch and tossed it to her. She greedily grabbed it out of the air and stuffed it smoothly into her bodice.
"I knew I should have asked for more coin." She sighed heavily and went on, "But a deal is a deal. Do you know a terrible place called the Copper Coronet?"
"I have heard of it." Jeral noted wryly.
"Well the place is a real disaster, just one big outhouse. And the clientele are even worse than the building itself. I heard that a recent change in management has not improved the place at all."
"Yes, yes I am sure it is just terrible. Who is your contact?"
"He is a dwarf by the name of Unger Hilldark. He can be found drinking to excess there most nights. He is not a terribly friendly fellow so I doubt that he will tell you anything."
Smiling Jeral turned on a heel and started to walk away. "Thank you for your time and for the information."
Jerila called out after the retreating group. "Well you may want to consider a backup plan just in case and I might have one for you."
Jeral paused mid stride and turned to look back at the ore merchant.
"I find it curious that you did not mention a backup plan until after I paid you a small fortune for your contact's name."
Smiling Jerila shrugged her meaty shoulders and uncrossed her arms.
"This is the city of coin. A lady has to make her way in the world and way she can dearie."
"Ok you have our interest, what is this backup plan of yours?"
Jeral strode back to stand before the ore merchant and her bodyguards.
"With a bit of effort I can fashion an alloy that is almost identical to illithium for a nominal fee. A fop like Sarles will never know the difference."
"And how much is this nominal fee?"
Anomen strode forward and placed himself between Jeral and the ore merchant.
"Jeral you cannot possibly consider such a dishonest course of action. We are working on behalf of the church, we cannot lie."
Smiling Jeral walked around Anomen, "and how much will this substitute cost?"
"200 gold should do. And since you have already provided me a bit of coin you do not have to pay for it until I deliver."
"How long until it would be ready?"
"I can meet you here two days hence with the ore."
"Agreed." The pair shook hands and Jeral turned and strode away.
Angrily Anomen rushed to catch up with Jeral and spun him around roughly. Red faced, he waived a gauntleted hand in front of Jeral.
"I will not be party to any effort to cheat the church Jeral. That is something I cannot, will not condone!"
Jeral flushed and felt his hands clench into fists.
"I am sure Jeral would never condone such an action either Squire Anomen."
Nalia quickly slid between the two men and forced both Anomen and Jeral back a step.
Before Jeral could respond, their conversation was interrupted by the sight of a small boy sprinting towards them. He skidded to a stop in front of the group and spent a moment doubled over as he struggled to catch his breath. As Jeral watched the child recover his wind he felt the anger wash out of his body and he relaxed his arms. Once the messenger regained the ability to speak he locked eyes with Jeral, bowed deeply, and extended a shaking arm.
"Sire Jeral? Sire Jeral, I carry a message from Lord Hendak."
"Lord Hendak is it? Well he sure has moved up in the world."
Chuckling to himself, Jeral accepted a rolled parchment from the messenger and tossed him a gold piece for his troubles. The lad's eyes open wide as he caught the gold coin and quickly scurried away, dodging left and right through the crowds. The thick parchment was sealed with green wax and tied with a dark blue ribbon. Jeral knew from the touch that the parchment was very expensive. Hendak must have kept Lehtinen's private stock, for he could not imagine the former gladiator spending coin on such an indulgence. Looking questioningly at the others Jeral untied the ribbon and dropped it to the ground. Unrolling the parchment Jeral started to read.
Jeral,
I hope this message finds you and your friends well. My continued thanks for all your support, I owe you my life. Many are now free thanks to you and your friends. I was visited late last night by a representative of the slave lords. He threatened to burn the Copper Coronet to the ground, and to kill all the former slaves in the city, unless I pay 80,000 gold as compensation for their lost enterprise. Obviously we cannot, will not pay such a sum to people like that. I sent some of my best men after the representative as he departed, and they trailed him to what I assume is the slave lords' base of operations. The location is marked on the enclosed map. I implore you to introduce yourself to the slave lords in your very special way and close down their operations once and for all. I suspect they are well heeled with treasure and you would be well compensated for your efforts.
A humble request from a grateful innkeeper.
Needless to say the drinks would be on me until the end of time.
H
Jeral silently passed the note around. All save Minsc read it.
Anomen spoke first, "Helm smiles upon us, where moments ago I was concerned we were going to cheat the church we now have an opportunity to do a real service for the city. We have an opportunity to carry the fight to the very top of the slavery operations here in Athkatla. I cannot believe the building is in the Temple District. To think such a hive of villainy is near so much goodness."
"We should go right now and administer a boot of justice to the evil doers."
Yoshimo crossed his arms and frowned, "Jeral, I must disagree with Minsc. We cannot face such men as these without preparation, without a plan. If we walk into their lair unprepared it will be a slaughter, our slaughter. In fact I am not sure we should cross men such as those in any situation. It is just too dangerous."
"Well we know what Minsc and Yoshimo think. What say the rest of you?"
"We have the favor of the church on our side and this is a sign from Helm for us to move quickly a strike on behalf of the virtuous."
"Spoken like a good Helmite. Nalia, what do you think?"
The young mage shrugged her shoulders and shook her head. "We have most of our weapons and I have spells memorized, so I fail to see how much more we could prepare. Yoshimo and I lack our bows but we are all fully armed otherwise. They will not stop until we are all dead, we are already their enemies. That will not change."
"It matters not when we go, for they will be prepared and expecting us. You all know this is dangerous and foolhardy, but I know that Jeral will want to face this threat. Since we go where Jeral leads the decision is made, we go."
Viconia hefted her war hammer, grabbed the parchment out of Jeral's hand and quickly strode away, heading for the Temple District.
"Well I guess we are going now. Anomen, assuming we survive this we can continue our conversation about Sir Sarles at another time."
Jeral shook his head and trotted off in pursuit of Viconia and the other four soon followed.