Arias and Lavian

"Such an interesting story dear," she said as she finished. "Those mountains have always been a source of mystery... and stories. That one is often called the Unseeing Mountain, as legend holds that the fates themselves live there." She chuckles to herself. "One of my favorites was the young man who said that he met an evil shadow of himself at the peak. Of course, he claimed the shadow beat him and took all his money. But it's still a fascinating story."

Arias walked up to Mrs. Cole who was still finishing off a story. "Ahemm," he coughed to get her attention. "Greetings my lady," he said bowing before her. "My name is Arias, and I must say, the hospitality here amazes me. Your friend out the front has offered me shelter for the night and tended to my wounds. And I must say that I need help right now." He glanced over at the duo by the fire. The women had some importance to him. She seemed to draw his eyes toward her as if she were magically beckoning him. He would have to talk to her later, but for now his interest was in getting a free nights sleep from Mrs. Cole. "I have heard of your passion for story telling, and although I am no bard, I do boast a knack for finding things out. And so I will offer you a story for a nights under cover." Yes indeed. He would definately need to talk with the green haired woman. Soon.

The old woman looks up, smiling. "Oh, dear, I don't know how that got started." She winks at him, continuing, "My dear, late husband was the one who loved to hear about what was happening all over the world. He put this place together, and with the greenhouse and everything, why, it practically runs itself. What is there for an old woman to do, but to share it with others? There's so little kindness anymore. Maybe it will catch on again."

She smiles and reclines a little, seeing that the young woman is indeed finished. The small man, in the meantime, has climbed onto the arm of the young woman's chair and is dancing about, not giving up in his attempts to snap her out of her reverie. The other occupant, the mushroom man, seems to be talking to a potted plant. He leans over and starts nibbling on it.

Bowing low Arias quickly finished his conversation with Missus Cole. "Thank you my lady," he said. "You no doubt would have found my story a bore. I shall perhaps show you a few tricks later." With that, Arias turned his attention on the beautiful young woman and the small man, who was still trying to grasp the woman's attention. The mushroom man seemed to be enjoying himself with the pot plant while lady Cole went back to her scribbling. "Greetings my friends," Arias said as he approached the pair. "My name is Arias, and it is a pleasure to be spending a time in such a fine surrounds with such fine company. Do you mind if I take a seat?"

Trying to get the woman's attention, the man attempts some sort of flip and lends directly in her lap. "Ooh, cozy," he says. With a strange grin at Arias, he says, "Sure Arias, take all the seats you wish. I will take this one right here." He looks up at the woman, blushing. "This is really not proper, we haven't even been introduced. I am Wick, the Supreme Warrior, and you are?" He watches Lavian's face, clearly happy just to sit there and look at her.

Lavian raised an eyebrow as her face flashed with discust at the 'Supreme Warrior' jumping into her lap, however, that was all she did. She did not give it a second thought, or him a second glance. She turned her head slowly to look at Arias, "That it may be, yet it is free, and some," she glanced down at Wick. "Of the company kept here is not so bad. My name is Lavian, vagabond or wanderer by trade. Depending on what I feel like that day." She slowly looked away again, her eyes lingering a bit longer then the rest of her head. There was something odd about this whole thing, yet she could not quite place her finger upon what was out of place. "What cat dragged the two of you into this place?" She asked, not bothering to take her eyes off of the fire. She was not trying to be rude, but she felt uneasy. Nor was she any good at making new friends, inside she hopped that they both would find someone more interesting and wander off. Yet she kept her mouth shut, and tried to remain civilized. To some extent

Arias leant back on his chair. Things were looking up for him. After his miraculous escape from the empire back in Cruxis he never thought a place like this existed. "No cat drags me around anymore," Arias replied to Lavian. "I'm a gambler by trade, wandering from town to town looking for a big win." He folded his arms behind his head. A sharp stab of pain shot through his shoulder reminding him of his injury. "Being chased by angry competitors is a part of the job, let's just say that's why I'm here. I suppose I'll be on my way tomorrow, although I don't know this area very well." A pulled a coin from his pocket and began to toss it into the air and catch it again. "So where are you fine people headed?"

"I am Wick, the Supreme Warrior," says Wick, delighted at having succeeded in getting the pretty lady's attention, however briefly. "That over there is my brother, Cap," he says, indicating the matango. "We are great adventurers, we go wherever we are needed, and we are brothers!" He flexes his little arms and jumps down from Lavian's chair, capering around and generally trying to draw attention.

"Well Wick," said Arias trying to seem geuinely interested. "What are you needed here for? Mrs. Cole seems to have things under control here. What is a couple of adventurers doing in a place like this." He noticed that Lavian had tuned out again. He didn't want to lose her interest. "And what of you fair Lavian?" Arias asked trying to grasp her focus. "You have yet to tell us about yourself. What is a woman like you doing here? Why have you seemingly wandered into Mrs. Cole's little retreat."

Wick was clearly intent on drawing the woman's attention again. He danced and kicked, twirling and doing handstands. He would stop, measure the results, then try again with more energy. Panting, he said to Arias, "We are waiting, heroically, for the ferry. The ferry goes east, to adventure! A call for adventurers of Cap and Wick's greatness has reached all the way to Wick's very ears!" He cups his ear, demonstrating. Then he whispers, "There will be wars and battles, they say." He somersaults, then looks at Lavian again, squinting. "There is not much call for adventurers here these days. The Emperor tends to put great heroes in prison. And no one has been put more heroically into prison then... why, it's me!"

"Ahhh, so you too are headed east," Arias said. "I too have had my share of ordeals with the empire. I myself have never been put into prison but have come this close." He indicated with his fingers the width he had come. "I don't boast any real wish for adventure myself but I know how to have a good fight when the need arises." "Oh do sit down and stop bouncing around like a fool," he said trying his best not to offend. "So they say there are battles eastward they say? I have no wish to caught in a battle of any scale. But heading into battle in the east is better than heading into prison in the west wouldn't you say?" The liitle man prancing around in front of Lavian was enough to distract him for a moment. The coin he was tossing fell to the floor, landing on heads. He bent down to retrieve it. This Wick character was really getting onto his nerves.

The beds at Mrs. Cole's were warm, soft, and very inviting. Not that very many of the guests would find out. It turned out that the place was almost literally crawling with the recipients of her good graces. Lavian managed quite easily to get a small room to herself; quite a few of the earlier arrivals were willing to offer her a place, although they all seemed to want to share the space. As it was first come, first served, Arias found himself with no recourse but to sleep in the common room. Unfortunately, he shared the room with ten bearded men who showed up late that night and snored as if sawing wood. Lumberjacks, he guessed. A few other guests tried to make a go of sleeping there, but eventually the snoring drove them into the halls. With the exception of Wick and his 'brother' Cap, neither of whom seemed to have any difficulty sleeping.

Lavian lay awake in her room, wondering what the next day would bring. She had walked all across the continent, looking for answers. Her search had finally brought her to the eastern coast, where she learned that those made uneasy by the Empire were gathering. She also learned of brewing conflicts across the strait. She could wait forever here, at this place, but somehow it made her uneasy. She would go.

Arias covered his ears and tried to rest his weary, sore, wounded self. This hospitality was perhaps not as perfect as it might have seemed, or at least it was being taken advantage of by too many. Not one to fold when dealt a poor hand, he tuned the noise out with his own thoughts. It seemed that adventure loomed in the east. The battles were of no interest, but he somehow sensed challenge there... and profit.

Wick pretended to sleep, but secretly he was trying to figure out how he could slip himself into Lavian's belongings. He speculated that she probably would not notice his weight if he managed to get into her pack without her seeing him. But what would he do with Cap? No, that would never do. It was hard work, being a supreme warrior.

Morning came, finding Mrs. Cole already serving up cakes, eggs, and meats from a gigantic outdoor grill. The contraption looked like some sort of technological monstrosity straight from the heart of the Empire, but none of the guests complained. Most of them looked as if they hadn't eaten, or hadn't eaten regularly, for quite some time. Lavian awoke and found she had a bath all to herself. Arias awoke and found the beady little eyes of a mushroom man staring at him. All manners of visitors were lining up outside for their share of the bounty. It was time to make decisions and preparations. At the noon hour the ferry would arrive.

"You must be Cap," said Arias as he stood up and tried to stretch the soreness out of his back. He must have slept on a nail. "Wick has told me all about you. My name is Arias." He suddenly noticed the smell of breakfast in the air and his stomach began to rumble, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since lunchtime yesterday. "I'd love to stay and chat but what say we have some breakfast first?" He made his way outdoors to find an enormous grill that looked as if it was made by the Empire. But right now he didn't care. He grabbed a plate and joined the line eager to get some food into him. Arias had had plenty of time to think the night before (think not sleep). The ten bearded man had caused a terrible racket the night before and the sound of his snore was still ringing in his ears. He figured that the empire would be after him in another day or two and it would be a good idea to make his getaway today. It seemed the ferry was his only option right about now, the prospect seemed strangely appealing to him at the moment. He could see that fool Wick making an idiot of himself ahead in the line. The man was damn annoying. There was no sign of Lavian yet. Perhaps she was trying to make a quiet escape. She didn't seem very open at all last night. Arias sighed. It was going to be an interesting day.

The food was plentiful and delicious, better than anything Arias had eaten in ages. Certainly better than anything available in empire controlled lands. Maybe oppression dulled the sense of taste. Mrs. Cole caught Arias while eating, apologizing for the state of her establishment. "We've just had so many. I'm thinking of adding on, more rooms. There are plenty of capable hands and resources, it's just finding the time to plan it all." She chuckles to herself and goes on serving people.

Arias could see people joining together into parties and beginning to set off in a north-easterly direction. He gleaned from some of the conversations as they passed that they were leaving for the ferry. Some claimed it was an hour away, others mere minutes, but all agreed that it would not pay to get there after the sun was directly overhead.

Arias went inside and gathered his belongings and prepared for the day ahead. The journey to the ferry wouldn't take long but once he got over the other side he may need a guide, and there was always safety in numbers. So Arias sought out the only person he thought capable of the job. Sure enough he found Wick with Cap. They seemed to be discussing something of importance. "Sorry to bother you two," he said as he approached their conversation. "But I thought that it might be a bit safer once things heat up if we stick together. So what do you say? May I join you on your adventures? At least until we get over the river?"

Wick looks at Arias doubtfully. He leans in close to Cap, and they have a heated discussion. Wick seems to be the more vocal of the two, and Arias can hear him over the matango's low utterances. "...man... join us... bad idea..." Wick looks at Arias, saying, "Um, hold on." They go back to discussing. "No! ... absolutely not... Wick ... stand ... outrage!" Wick turns back to Arias. "We do not really need anyone horning in on our action, but the fabulous Wick and Cap agree that traveling together is better than traveling apart. Do you have any money?"

Lavian saunters into the room at about this time, she is fasionably late as usual. When you have no place you have to be, why be early? You can't be late. Her long green hair looks slightly damp, giving it an odd hue. It seems to move slightly playing tricks on the eye, almost as if her hair was flowing back in forth to the rythym of the tide.

She gives a slight nod at the trio before moving past them, she meanders on over to Mrs. Cole. "Would you happen to have any breakfast left? 'Tis to fine a day to spend in doors, or actually working." She grins a slight bit at Mrs. Cole, "I do do belive I will go take a look at that Ferry, how much does it cost?" The grin disolves into a warm smile as she takes a seat, seeming purposefully away from anyone else.

Mrs. Cole smiles at the young lady. "Of course, dear, there's plenty for everyone." She serves Lavian and sits, as the rest of the crowds have dispersed by midmorning. Wick has followed Lavian like a shadow and he agrees with everything she says. Arias and Cap watched from a safe distance.

"It is nice to be indoors or working," says Wick. "Why, we were just talking about going to the ferry! What a coincidence. It's one piece per passenger, very reasonable. I am sure that Wick and Cap could quite easily cover the expense of your travel! You really should come with us, so you can see Wick and Cap in action. We are going to fight fabulous wars and horrific battles!" He flexes for Lavian until he decides she is suitably impressed.

Arias couldn't help but laugh to himself at the sight of the animated little man and the tall, gorgeous woman. Cap looked at him, saying, "Hm."

Lavian shrugged slightly at Wick, "I'm not one for traveling with people, really." She paused a moment and looked at the small man, she was not really in the mood. She knew what kind of man this Wick was, she also knew she would get tired of him really quickly, that is if she has not already. "I cannot stop someone from going to where ever they are going, but I can stop them from from doing it with me. I would like it better if I am not forced to do so. I assure you, I make no threats, I only point out I do not wish to be followed. Anyone traveling in front of me is fine." She returned her attention to her food again, wondering if Wick caught what she was saying, or it went over his annoying little head. She placed her votes on the second one, which wasn't a big loss to her. The man on the other hand, what was his name? Arias? He was interesting, though he has proven himself to be a man of little words. Or at least little in comparison to all the people who have decided it was there role in life to get her in bed. He would not be to bad to travel with, but that annoying little troll of a man. She tried to shake the thoughts from her head as she started eating all over again. She was getting flustered, she definitely wanted to be on the road again, maybe then she would get a little quiet.

"Yes, people are dirty and smelly," agreed Wick sagely. "Of course, we will not allow anyone to travel with us." He looks around the room, then yells, "Lavian wishes no more traveling companions! Clear out!" A man sitting near the corner of the room looked over at them, his eyes lingering on Lavian. He went back to reading. Wick motioned to Arias and Cap and they approached. "Come along, Arias and Cap. We will follow Lavian ahead of her because she wishes to lead in the rear. To the Ferry!" Arias and Cap stood confused.

Lavian walked to the ferry. Arias, Wick, and Cap preceded her, Wick looking back every few minutes to make sure they weren't getting too far ahead. Lavian simply ignored them. It was a considerable walk and they arrived shortly before the noon hour to find few people left still trying to board. Wick talked animatedly to the bearded man who was collecting fees. "Yes, Mr. Captain, this fellow here is paying for our trip. All... uh... one, two, three, four, FOUR of us." He pointed to Lavian at four. The man smiled at Lavian, then accepted the coins reluctantly given up by Arias. He looked them over, empire coins, but it didn't matter to him.

The ferry was rather large, the size of a good house, but it was still crowded. A few men crowded close to Lavian, but laying a meaningful hand on her sword helped grant her some personal space. Arias sat nearby, as did Wick and Cap. Wick was also the recipient of a few hard glares and was keeping his distance. He didn't want to rile the woman he loved. Not yet, at any rate.

Arias amused himself with a crude dice game some of the ferry goers were playing. He managed to get in against a large, unkempt bald man and his group who were raising the stakes higher and higher. One round was for 20, the next for 40, then 80... he won every one. Everyone was broke, except the bald man and, of course, Arias. The man was growing angry and he demanded one more round, winner take all. Confident, Arias agreed. He then proceeded to roll the three worst rolls he had seen during the course of the game. Those watching cheered the triumph of their new champ and Arias could only watch as the taller man took his money.

Lavian noted what was happening... She didn't catch the rules of the game, but she gathered that something very bad had just befallen Arias.

Arias stared down at the dice. He could not believe luck. On the last roll he would make today he had rolled possibly the worst roll possible! He threw the coins onto the table and strode off. "Damn luck," he cursed. Looking around he saw Lavian watching him. He approached her careful of the small following of men she had attracted. "At least someone is being treated well." A burly man stood a few metres away studying Lavian's sword. Arias had the feeling she knew how to use it. "The dice aren't going my way today," he said as he pulled out a coin and tossed it into the air before catching it. "I think we should team up and be rid of Wick and Cap once we get off this blasted ferry. What do you say?"

Chuckles of derision at Arias turned to silence when he approached the beautiful green-haired woman and she didn't cut him down. Wick's courage was boosted, and he and several others became bold enough to approach her, but only momentarily. She still gave them the evil eye and none of them was desperate enough yet to risk her displeasure. However, many men milled nearby and were obviously eavesdropping. The ferry sped onward, towards its destination on a different continent.

Some small fruits and breads were given out for meals and small shelves were folded out of the walls for sleeping. The conditions were passable and nothing untoward happened. Finally, after traveling the day and night the ferry arrived on the Tulisian Shore and put in to port. No one was allowed off and there were rumors whispered about of soldiers blocking departure. The ferry-goers waited nearly an hour before they felt the push of the boat leaving port. It seemed the people on board were powerless to do anything about their predicament, and confusion reigned.

Lavian was not pleased by the amount of time she was forced to stay on the ferry, she was even less pleased by it not being allowed to dock and unload. "I'm not quite sure I like this.." She peered over the side of the ferry into the water below. She was wearing a considerable amount of armour, nothing she could not swim with. Cleaning the armour afterwards so it did not rust was what she did not relish. She turned to Arias and grinned slightly, just low enough so he could hear she whispered, "Do you want to go for a swim as well?"

"I'm not sure I like this either," agreed Arias. "Perhaps the Empire has penetrated the other side of the river as well." Lavian looked overboard. "Do you want to go for a swim as well?" she asked. Arias' skills in swimming where no quite up to what his dice skills were. "Swim? Are you sure there isn't any other way? We can't even see land from here." He looked around. Perhaps if there were a boat or something we could use as a raft."

"Otherwise I'm with you. We need to find a way to land. This is the kind of situation I pride myself on not getting into it." The crowd was still watching the two of them. The tension had risen since the boat had started leaving the port. "But if we are trying to get off this boat I recommend the most prized tool of the thief, discression. With all these clowns watching us I don't like our chances of getting off this ferry unnoticed."

"Hrm, interesting. Very well, how do we get back upstairs? I doubt there is a way out here in the Hold, but if we make it back upstairs..." She stops for a moment, sighs slightly and waves for Wick to come to her. Once he does, she whispers to him "Since, you are such a great adventurer, find us a way out of this. We did not get all this way to turn back, now did we?" She smiles evily at the small man as she pulls away.

"I'm sure an adventurer of your stature could do it quite well. And without drawing attention." She lowers her voice again for the last part. She does not like having to resort to this, but it will at least be entertaining if he cannot do it. So either outcome is welcome with her. Get out of boat, or have a laugh. Yep, sounds good to her.

Wick listened raptly to the beautiful woman. Without a word, he saluted, climbed on one of the fold-out beds, jumped to the window, kicked it open, and barely squeezed out through the opening.

Cap looked at Lavian and said, "Hm."

After an hour of waiting, the locked doors to the central chamber open, revealing the toll collector and a few sailors on the stairs from the upper deck. "All right, everyone," began the toll collector, "we've run afoul of a tyrant who laid claim to the port. They wanted to collect extra fees and when we told them no, they tried to keep us from leaving. So we're going up the coast. By nightfall we should reach a fishing village and we'll put off there. There's nothing to worry about."

One of the sailors throws Wick into the room and they hurriedly shut the doors. Wick rolls to his feet, shaking his fist at the departing men. He dusts himself off.

Lavian shrugged and crossed her arms. "Now we wait." And wait she did.

Just returned, Wick made his way to Lavian, only to have one of those uncouth, foul-smelling humans step in his way. He was unshaven and dirty, looking to have been roughing it for some time. "Hey girly," said the man, "why doncha lose this little feller and find yerself a real man?" He turned around to face Wick and was struck full in the stomach by a flying Sprite. He buckled, staggering back and almost colliding with Lavian. A few others stepped forward to intervene.

"Cap, get them!" exclaimed Wick. The matango dove headfirst into a nearby passenger, causing him to fall as his legs were knocked out from under him. "No Cap, them, them!" The advancing men stopped, concerned.

A man who had been sizing Arias up took the opportunity to swing at him, hoping to mug him quickly in the confusion. Anyone who could part with his money with so little concern was probably loaded. Arias ducked the attack easily.

Several other brawls broke out and the situation was rapidly degrading. A few women gathered nearby and were glaring at Lavian in a threatening manner. Wick flew through the air and bounced off the wall, landing almost at her feet. He popped back up, his expression menacing. He briefly smiled at Lavian, then scowled at the room again.

"Oh no," Arias thought to himself as he ducked a blow from the idiot behind him. "[expletive deleted] it! I knew this was going to end up in a brawl. He pulled out his dagger as spun around to face the man. "We don't wish to fight!" he yelled for everyone to hear. "But we are able to defend ourselves if the need be."

Cap and Wick were only escalating the situation. Lavian hadn't reacted yet but Arias was sure she would if things got too hot.

Seeing Arias' knife, the man put his hands up and backs away. No sense in getting cut over a little money. Not when he might have another chance at it in a minute. Fights were breaking out amongst the disgruntled passengers at an incredible rate. In a few moments everyone would be pulled in whether they wanted to be part or not.

Lavian shakes her head and sighs slightly, as calm as if she was just out for a morning stroll. "Well I guess that worked, shall we head topside now?" She motioned for her little group to head for the doors that lead to the deck. She did not feel like fighting, nor did she feel like staying in the boat, one way or another she was leaving.

Lavian made her way to the stairs as the brawl spread throughout the hold. The burly sailors seemed to have little difficulty bashing their way through the crowds, leaving a trail of unconscious rabble-rousers in their wake.

One of the women who had been eyeing Lavian materialized in front of her. "Where you goin' lady? You don' look like you done an honest day's work in your life... you royal or sumthin'?"

The battle on board the ferry raged, the crew doing their best to beat the angry passengers into submission. Arias was bowled over by two men grabbing at each other's throats. When he could stagger to his feet, he saw that one of the women that had accosted Lavian had grabbed her by the green hair while the other tried to claw her eyes. Stronger than the two put together, Lavian threw them off like dolls before Arias could even mouth a protest. The opening to the stairs was clear and both Lavian and Arias took the opportunity. On the upper, open deck of the ferry, they could actually see where they were going and smell the sea air. The cliff-like coast blocked their vision to their right. Only the muffled shouts and sounds of fighting marred the otherwise peaceful evening.

"What now?" asked Arias. "I can't really swim too well." He looked over the edge of the boat then surveyed th cliff. "I don't like our chances of getting ashore from here." He drew his dagger and held it in his hand. Arias didn't want to have to deal any further with the brawl that was brewing below. "Perhaps there is another way of escape. Do you have any ideas," he said to Lavian.

A few minutes passed and the noise from below them seemed to quiet until it was occasional, isolated shrieks and shouts. The cliff face they were passing appeared to be lower, and eventually showed signs of giving way to a high, rocky shoreline. Anyone swimming to shore would still be hard-pressed to climb onto land, but it seemed like it might be possible.

Arias surveyed the cliff. It looked possible to swim over to the cliff and climb up. "Looks like we've got no choice, come on," he climbed down the ladder and rolled up his sleaves, preparing to jump into the drink. "Bombs away!" he yelled as he dived head first into the water and began to make for land.

Lavian watched Arias climb down off the boat and dive into the water. Somehow, following him while fully armored seemed like it might be a bad idea. She didn't really know this guy anyway.

Arias was dragged under by the current for much longer than he had thought he could hold his breath. His clothes clung to him, serving to hinder him. Desperate, he thrashed wildly, trying to break the surface. As darkness was stealing his vision, he felt the cold air on his face and gasped. He swam to the rocky shoreline, his muscles already tired. Reaching it, he attached himself to the slope and held on for dear life. As some of his strength returned, he climbed up, losing his handholds from time to time and nearly plummeting back into the sea below. It was only roughly ten feet, but it felt like miles until Arias was on ground that felt solid underneath him. He was sweaty and weak, and his wounds were complaining about the bad treatment.

He might have blacked out for a time. His next vision was of a child, a boy of twelve or so, leaning over him, poking him with a stick. Curious eyes regarded him, and a voice spoke. "You alive? Hey, you are alive. That was really cool. Stupid, but still cool. You could have your own circus... you'd be the guy who nearly dies all the time."

"Huh?" he said jumping up. He shook his head and looked at the small kid. "Circus?" he asked, then it hit him. "Lavian!" he said looking about. It looked like she hadn't followed him after all. Oh well , he thought Looks like it's just me again . He looked back at the small boy. "Say lad, could you tell me where I am? I'm somewhat of a stranger in these lands and could use some help."

The boy looked over his soggy find. "Hey, is that boat headed for our dock? I was just gathering shells to sell at my stand... This is fantastic! Tourists!" He turned and began running along the shoreline.

"Wait!" he said running after the boy. But Arias was too tired to follow him. He climed the rocky shoreline to the top so that he could get a better view of his surroundings. He would need to find some shelter soon.

The boy stopped. "Well," he said, exasperated, "what do you want? There's money in sea shell sales. That boat better not get there before I get back to the stand." He looked Arias over. "You might as well come along. You don't look so good. You could probably use something to eat, couldn't you?" He rubbed his hands together.

"Yes lad. Indeed I could use some rest." With a sigh he jogged after the small boy. When he caught up to him he decided to see what the kid knew about the area. "So where do you live?" Arias said trying to keep up with the small lad. "Have you lived here long?"

The boy looked at Arias skeptically. "Say, are you a spy? I've heard about spies... they ask lots of questions." He continued running, apparently not very concerned about Arias' potential spyhood. "It's ok, spy money is just as good as regular money. C'mon, my stand is unmanned!"

Arias jogged up the beach, relieved to be past the rocky slopes. Soon he could see a few houses, practically huts. He surmised he had reached some sort of rustic city, the boy's hometown. He noticed with chagrin that the ferry was already docked here. Next to the cobbled path from the dock into the town was a crudely constructed wooden stand. The boy ran to it, digging around it.

"Aha!" he exclaimed. "My sandwich!" He held it up to Arias. "That will be five gold... no, make that ten... since it's 'cuz of you I missed all the tourists.

Arias hated ironies. Especially one involving himself. He wondered if he could find Wick or maybe Lavian but quickly decided against it. He preferred to work on his own. He looked down at the lad who held the sandwich. "Ten pieces for a sandwich?" he exclaimed, outraged by the small boy's price. "I wouldn't pay five pieces for it!" said Arias. He was feeling hungry though. "I'll give you three pieces for it!" he said hoping he could bring the kid to some sense. "No forget it," he said deciding the lad was not going to barter. "Perhaps if you could just tell me where I could get a decent meal and some rest."

The boy waved the sandwich. "You'll not find a better fish sandwich in all of Ze, or Tulisia for that matter." The pitch sounded practiced. "It's a steal at... 9 gold. That man over there would pay it; I think he's coming over here to snatch it right out from under your nose." A man did approach, tanned and dressed in drab clothing. He looked Arias over, then spoke in a quiet, gruff voice to the child. "Hey there fella, maybe you can tell me where your mayor lives?" "Maybe you can help yourself to some fine shells... five gold apiece," replied the boy. The man grinned, reaching into his pouch.

The man dug out ten gold pieces and purchased a shell. "The extra is for the location of your mayor." The boy gleefully took the money, but hesitated before answering. "Well, why don't you try the central circle...? You can just follow the path." The man looked alarmed but quickly smiled for the boy. "Thanks kid." He turned up the cobblestone path, motioning to someone in the shadows.

The boy looked at his sandwich, then at Arias. "Ah, don't eat my sandwich... I gotta follow those guys.

Since the boy was the only person of this town Arias had encountered, he followed as the boy followed the bandit. He could hear sounds, shouts it seemed, or maybe even howls. The boy finally stopped, hiding in shadows, while the man he was following stiffened. A werewolf on horseback rode up and blocked the man's progress. Arias couldn't make out what they were saying to each other, but the man backed away. The wolf turned away, distracted, and the man motioned to the shadows. A few men dressed all in fur and looking like barbarians came from somewhere out of Arias' line of sight. They dashed forward and out of sight, but if Arias came forward to find out what was happening, he might be seen.

Arias stood, transfixed by the sight before him. Just a moment before he had watched a strange wolf creature threaten this man he had been following, and now he heard the sounds of a mob... and fighting.

The man had motioned to the shadows, then hurried back the way he came. He grabbed the boy on the way, who cried out and tried to break free. As he neared Arias, he set the boy down roughly and shoved him in the gambler's direction. "There's trouble here boys. It's not going to get any better, so better high-tail it back to the beach. Don't say I didn't warn you..." He turned away from them in time to see a flaming object clatter to the cobblestones nearby and burn merrily. He dashed over to it and looked it over. "Flaming arrow?" he muttered. "Who's...?" He looked at Arias and the boy, then quickly ran back towards the beach.

No sooner had the bandit delivered his warning then the boy began running... towards the commotion. Torn between escape and following the child, Arias reasoned that he was just as likely to be hit by flaming arrows one way or another. Maybe the kid knew a place to duck out.

He followed, stepping into the cobblestone circle. In the firelight, he could see a few people here and there, panicked and fleeing. The wolf monster was still here, no longer mounted. It stood next to a human, both regarding a fallen man.