Session 5: Onward from Den. Report

General Summary

The door to the Hollow Crab swung open and Ron, the jolly middle-aged human owner and bartender of the tavern, nodded as Grisela made her way into the busy common room. The sun had set over the surrounding jungle about an hour ago and she had closed her greenery as soon as the last flower had closed its colorful bud. Normally she would have joined her plants in sleep by going to bed shortly after sunset, but tonight was different. It had been a while since she had gotten a message from her co-conspirators, and she was excited to hear what they had to say.   It took Grisela a while to find her friends. She walked up and down the large common room, making her way between the busy tables, often bumping into the wenches waiting on the tables or hitting a patron with her long scaly tail. Most other people would have quickly been confronted by unhappy sailors itching for a brawl, but not her. Each time a disturbed guest jumped up from his seat, looking for the culprit that had hit him in the back of the head or had knocked over his drink, his anger would dissipate as soon as he spotted the confused looking lizardfolk woman searching the tavern. All local sailors knew the healer Grisela for the innocent soul she was. Most of them had been on the receiving side of one of her healing salves at least once.   Finally, Grisela spotted her two companions at a small table beneath the stairs up to the rooms on the second floor. As she approached, Mapoza stood from the bench he was sitting on to hold out a chair for Grisela. Mapoza was an elderly man, at least 65 years old, although Grisela did not know his true age. His skin was dark and leathery, and his hair and beard had grown completely grey decades ago. He smiled as she sat down.
“It is good to see you again, Grisela. I hope you are doing well?”   The lizardfolk healer couldn’t help but return his smile. She liked Mapoza. He was gentle and knowledgeable and always took the time to talk to her when they met.
“I am, thank you. How about you? Are you still ok in that old creepy temple? My offer still stands, you are always welcome to…”   “Could we maybe dispense with the pleasantries. I do not have all night. Barka is doing inventory, and I do not like to leave him alone in the shop at night. He gets a little excited when the sun goes down.”   The woman who had spoken was the third companion at the small table. A statuesque woman with flawless ebony skin and long black hair, dressed in an impressive dark-grey silk gown with silver runes embroidered at its hem. Thula was as well known in Den as Grisela was, albeit for a different reason. Where Grisela was well liked, Thula was feared. She owned and operated the only true magic shop in Den and was known to be a sorceress of considerable skill and power.   Grisela’s smile faltered and Mapoza bowed his head as he answered.
“Of course. Let’s begin. You called us here for a reason, no doubt. Does it concern Torbin? I noticed the Grim Chosen was docked at the harbor again.”   Thula reached into her robe and pulled out a sivler music box. Placing it on the table she wound up the small key on its side before opening it. A gentle tune began to play, too silently to be heard more than a few feet away. Instantly the other noises of the common room disappeared as well. Thula nodded contently and placed her hands on the table in front of her.
“There, no no-one can listen in. Yes, it concerns Torbin. Tak’s lackey was indeed in town again and he brought a group of travelers with him. They stayed at this inn and visited my shop. Quite the eclectic group I must say. A half-dragon, a dragonblooded human, a human reeking of the undead of Sa-Owu, an Intai hunter and a …”   “…Killoren with a pet bear.”   Grisela interrupted excitedly.
“They came to my greenery as well. Bought some potions. They seemed like a lively bunch. I think they left already though. They seemed to be in a hurry, at least when they came to pick up the potions. Not so much when they ordered them. Something must have happened in between. I bet they are off on some kind of grand adventure. Like the ones you read about in books. You know, I have this book at home, ….”   Mapoza placed his hand on the lizardfolk’s arm, and the healer quieted down with a sheepish smile.
“I was rambling again, wasn’t I?”   “it’s ok dear. So, Thula, this group. What do you know about them? Why are they of interest to us?”   “I am certain at least one of them met with Krivex before they left. They also visited Tak’s island, and about an hour ago my friends informed me the island is burning.”   This news surprised Mapoza and made him sit back and consider.
“So they are not just another group of Torbin’s lackeys. They oppose him?”   “I believe so.”   Grisela raised her hand and spoke only when Thula gave her a little nod.
“Do you know what Krivex told them? Is he considering them as an option for the tower?”   Before Thula could answer Mapoza was already shaking his head.
“I don’t think so. They did not come to the temple. Krivex would have sent them to me if he wanted them to know more.”   Thula agreed.
“I suspect he is testing them. Seeing just how useful they can be. I suggest keeping an eye out for them. If they return, we could try and guide them to the temple ourselves. If Krivex doesn’t do it, that is.”   Once again Mapoza shook his head.
“I don’t know. I don’t want to repeat my mistakes. How could we trust complete strangers? Last time it was friends that betrayed me. If even they could not handle the temptation…”   Grisela placed a hand on Mapoza’s back.
“Don’t loose hope. We can’t beat Torbin by ourselves, but others will show up. If not these people, then others.   Despite the healer's comforting words, Mapoza’s mood did not lift and the short time they remained at the Hollow Crab he wondered how long it would take for Torbin to come back to finish what he had started.