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Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2008 8:00 pm Post subject: Scene 4.5 - Altair slips away

It is dawn in Begma and Amber's soldiers and rangers are outfitted and ready to march into Greymoor at last.

Begman diplomats also offered a hundred foot soldiers, outfitted with swords, shields and lances. Altair's diplomatic approach had been successful, but there were more pressing matters than Amber's safety at hand. Brand was in danger.

Begma's main port smells foul and it is coldest at this time. Altair crosses paths with beggars, tired rascals who lost fights in last night's tavern brawls, and prostitutes returning to their warm hearth at last. Begma by night near the port's warehouses has nothing appealing... Especially in comparison to Begma's rich palace.

He knows the quickest way into Shadow will be by sea, again. But this time it will be under his terms and making use of the path he chooses. All he had to do was to find the proper ship to take him there.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Altair would waste no time with this. He packed all things necessary for the trip, leaving no notes or indications of intent.

He knew that not all of those he had brought with him would be preparing for battle at this, and he left to seek out the number necessary to run the ship on his journey.

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 5:03 am Post subject:

After a bit of searching, he finds a group of dockers loading a small frigate with wooden crates. When they notice Altair, they slow down for a moment then start back up again. It becomes obvious to Altair that the luxury crates of wine they are loading are probably contraband. A simple situation to take advantage of.

Overseeing the loading, and keeping a casual yet close eye on Altair, is a portly man in a dirty long crimson coat. He wears a black tricorn with a white and green ribbon woven into the black leather. The ribbon is a common symbol in the Golden Circle for having served in Amber's Navy. The man nods to Altair in an effort to appear non-chalant. He yells for his men to pick up the pace so as not to miss the tide.

The frigate looks light and fast and cannot transport much in goods. The crew seems to consist of the captain and four men checking knots and equipment aboard.

Altair's knowledge of the seas grants him all of this information very quickly as he strolls about.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Altair does not hesitate before approaching the foreman. He smiles broadly at the man, attempting to keep him from casually writing him off. Once he is in a safe talking distance, he stops and introduces himself.

"Good day, sir. My name is Altair, part of the diplomatic envoy from Amber. I see that you and your men are preparing for a journey, and one that seems would not be sanctioned by any law-fearing man." He does not break his smile, or move away. He realizes the man is not one to be threatened, so he continues on quickly.

"Lucky for you, I am not a law-fearing man. I need transport, and I can make it well worth your while."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:59 am Post subject:

The man narrows his eyes and looks at Altair carefully, considering his words. The crew has slowed down to try to listen in.

Very suddenly, the captain smiles broadly and says with confidence, "Lord Altair, pleased to meet you! My name is Captain Normand Russwald. Now what I'd like to know is how far you're planning on going and if my crew will be involved doing anything the good king of Amber would find disdainful... I'm a business man and I must know what the terms of the bargain will be, I'm sure you understand. But please, come inside, no need to stay out here in the cold."

Captain Russwald whistles and the crew hurries again, walking up the plank with crates, then he begins walking to another plank of wood bridging to the ship's stern.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Altair follows the Captain with equal stride. He gives a reassuring nod and smile to any crewmember who shoots a glance his way. He does not want anyone raising alarm or spreading word of his presence.

Once behind closed doors in the Captain's quarters, Altair sets his traveling bag onto the nearest clear area. He waits for Russwald to close the door before digging into his bag. After a second, he produces and drawing of Brand's location shown to him before. He holds it rolled up as he address the Captain.

"I cannot say that what I am asking you to do is directly sanctioned by King Eric, but it is done by his decision. He asked me to embark on something of a secret mission, to confirm the location of an enemy to the crown. I assure you that I am not asking you or your men to fight, just to take me to a port for a day or so. You drop me off, you and your men will have a full paid vacation with no worry of legal trouble. After two days, if I do not return, you and your men are free to leave.

"This means, of course, that I will need to pay you before hand. King Eric has given me permission to pay you as I see fit, and I believe finding you rare trade for your cargo should be enough. A nice profit off the books for you, and I do the King's work. And if I return before those two days, as I should I will then take you to find greater profit. I will clear all questions and any recognizing Amber's authority will stay out of your way."

At this point he spreads out the drawing of Brand's location. "This is where we are going. I already have further information as to the exact location, and all I need is your vessel."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 6:18 am Post subject:

Altair found the only place on the large square table that isn't covered by knick-knacks and small liquor and wine boxes. It seems that the Captain's quarters are also part of the cargo hold. Captain Russwald moves two boxes from one of the four chairs and sits down, scratching his chin as he listens to Altair's proposal.

"I like what you have in mind, the crew would enjoy a vacation and having some time to make contacts in a new port has its advantages, but I will have to deal with delays in my current shipment and my cut of the profit margin will be greatly reduced... If existent at all. Lord Altair, is there a way that I be compensated in cash rather than goods? There is always something pleasant about holding a coffer of coins that can be exchanged through the Golden Circle. Has the King given you a stipend for your travel, perhaps? Let's say, 600 fresh coins with his head imprinted upon it?" He smiles amicably, and as he speaks, he opens a bottle of red wine and serves Altair and himself, pouring a third of the bottle into heavy goblets.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Though always suspicious, he considers Captain Russwald to not be dumb enough to try kill him while an advantageous offer is on the table. He takes the goblet, waits for Russwald to drink, and takes a swig.

"If money is all that you require, then consider it yours. I do not have the full 600 hundred at this time, but I would be happy to give you what I have and then get you the rest as soon as we arrive in port."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:22 am Post subject:

Captain Russwald drinks from his goblet and helps himself to another drink. He smiles broadly and says, "I think we're going to become great friends," he says. "Please make yourself comfortable while I draw up a contract of service."

He grabs a piece of parchment and begins jotting away, making conversation with Altair while he finishes writing down the terms put forth: "I don't presume to want to know state secrets, but what else can you tell me about the port we're after? Is it anywhere in the Golden Circle or are we hitting seas beyond those taught at the Amber navy?"
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

Altair takes in the room more thoroughly, trying to best understand the man the captain is. He accepts the casual conversation as Russwald writes, always staying on the Captain's best side.

Upon hearing the question, Altair turns back to face him. "We were tracking this man while he moved in the Golden Circle, but then he dropped off the map. No one has seemed to be able to find him for a time, until now. He's outside of the Golden Circle at this time, but I feel assured that it is nothing you cannot handle."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:18 am Post subject:

"I see," Russwald says. He continues jotting down on his bleached parchment. "He must be a dangerous man if one of Royal Blood must be sent after him. Or one that poses a threat to the newly established Kingship?" he asks with impunity.

The cabin is rather small, even for a ship this size. It is meant to be used as quick transport of delicate goods, and Altair can see that in the stacks of small crates strewn about the cabin. Altair also sees past this mess and notices that there is a surprisingly small collection of nautical maps, suggesting Captain Russwald follows uncharted paths or simply that he has a tremendous memory and understanding of the waterways of the Golden Circle, perhaps beyond.

There is a strange little device on a corner table, made of brass and wood. It clicks and tocks like a clock Altair has seen elsewhere, but it has buttons and small wheels with symbols Altair does not recognize. It looks familiar and foreign at the same time and it is quietly clicking in its little corner, minding its own business. Russwald pays no attention to it.

Altair notices and variety of strange odd little things of the sort which at first he took as measuring and nautical tools.

Russwald also has shelves full of poetry books and romance novels, as well as a shelf of black leather bound journals.

In spite of Altair's inspection, he feels that Russwald, like many well-lived men, will remain a mystery for a time longer.

Russwald powders the sheet he has been writing on after sticking his pen into a tired looking tomato. "Is everything in order?" he asks. And it is. It is worded in such a way as to make it seem that Captain Russwald has proven himself worthy of such a dangerous and well-compensated mission. This could certainly be used as a Resume rather than a contract, if one could not read the odd flavor of cynicism and sarcasm that the sheet presents politely.
Amid all of the praises and twisted falsehoods about the mission, everything that Altair has agreed to is presented clearly and undeniably. Money in exchange for safe passage to and back, lest the mission be called of in the even of Altair's non-return after a set amount of days. He has called for 'the last tide available' the cut off time for that day, which will vary based on the Shadow upon which they end up making port.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

"A very dangerous man indeed," Altair says as he studies the room.

After reviewing the contract, Altair smiles and signs the page. To further seal the deal, he shakes Russwald's hand.

"When do we leave?"

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Tue Sep 29, 2009 5:03 am Post subject:

"Right away, it seems," the captain says, firmly holding Altair's grip.

"Am I right to assume we want the strongest wind at our sails regardless of direction, or will it matter to our departure?" he asks, knowingly.
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Ruger · Joined: 16 Apr 2008 Posts: 68

"I am sure all will go in our favor," Altair says.

"Who I am after is currently unaware of his situation. We won't run into any unexpected trouble. Myself and the King are the only ones who know about this. As long as you can keep a secret, there's nothing to worry about."

Nihilistic Mind · Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 7:22 pm Post subject:

"In this case, dear patron, feel free to make yourself at home here, while I oversee our leave. I will rouse you again once we're at sea so that you may arrange for our travels to be swift," the captain says, letting go of Altair's hand.

He quickly shows Altair the general direction of their beginning travel on one of the maps laid out, then makes his way upstairs.

[OOC: End of scene, unless there's more you'd like to establish. Let's move on to the new forum. If you haven't made a username for it, go here : http://fabienbadilla.com/acaz and create one. I'll have a new scene rolling shortly after.]
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