Honour amongst thieves.

As Werner controlled the flames Malmir examined the crossbow in the flickering light, an inelegant weapon, not a weapon for elves his own short bow was quicker and to him more deadly.

Kirsten tried in equal measure to seduce and intimidate their captive. Save your act girl, unless I get healing soon neither threat nor promises can sway me.

Harbull attended the wounded man held tightly by Johann. The Halfling quickly examined the puncture wounds on the victim’s torso. Try as he might there was no way to stem the blood, perhaps if he had some spiderleaf but he had neglected to bring any. He looked to Johann and then across to the two girls. He solemnly shook his head, why waste more time than necessary on this living dead man, he was no friend.

Wounded as he was he saw. He relaxed a little, “so I’m to die am I?” He laughed. “They are welcome to it.”

“To what?”, enquired Wanda.

“Save your breath, kill me now or sod off.” Coughed the reply.

Wanda thought for a moment, “you may die but we could avenge you.  I think our mission may bring us in to conflict with those who did this to you, if you help us you strike back at them.”

The man thought for a moment and nodded.  Answering Wanda’s questions he detailed how the gang had come into possession of a gem, supposedly cursed.  Their boss had taken ill shortly after and indeed something terrible that he would not detail had befallen him, something which lead to his arm being hacked off and burnt. This was some days ago and the boss had gotten steadily worse,  the arm not healing. The Valantinas had attacked that night, under a flag of truce.  The paper fig leaves were the calling card of their ‘clean-up crew’. They had taken the gem and were welcome to it.  If the group exited here they would enter the sewers, a short trudge following some secret signs he detailed would lead them to the Valantinas part of the Asylum.

An offer of help.

The lantern swung upwards, hit the ceiling and spilt much of its contents floor ward. As is the nature of lantern oil it ignited on the way down past the lit flame and caused a great flare of light.

Deep shadows were cast as Malmir quickly tried to disarm the wounded man. Bow stave collided with crossbow in an unlikely melee and the bolt was loosed thankfully to embed in a broken crate. Moments later Johann cam crashing in to grapple the wounded man.

Wanda picked herself up from under Kirsten in some confusion. The light was dimmer now, a puddle of spilt fuel burn on the packed earth floor casting flickering shadows. Almost too stunned to speak all she could hear was a chocking laughter in the gloom.

The dying man spoke grimacing against the pain caused by his laughter, "so your not Valantinas then. Such incompetence, I'd be fully dead by now and with none of the slapstick. Still your up to no good and need all the help you can find. I know things, get me to a healer and I'll help you."

More rooms, more blood.

After two rooms of carnage the group had gotten into a rhythm. First the Elf entered the dark room closely followed by Kirsten. They were staring at the corpses that littered the floor, a further four in the large dormitory area when the other companions arrived. The situation was the same, all of value gone, some bodies with bolts in them others with stab wounds. Each body had the same paper fig leaf on them.

There was only one exit  to the left of where they entered so the group followed the same process as before, this time a store room and three bodies. The men stood guard at the one opening towards the unknown. The halfling watched their backs while the two women and the elf searched the room. It was then that Malmir spotted one of the corpses move, slowly, with difficulty it was trying to raise a crossbow.

The empty box.

 Wanda reached into her sling bag and retrieved the small wooden box. it was intricately carved, inside it was lined with plush red velvet. It would have cost a fair amount to make but was not ostentatious. She had held magical artifacts before, indeed there were items intended to dull magical effects radiated by some of the more arcane substances in her masters laboratory. However she had no sense of magical power with these known artifacts and no notion of the magical properties of the box. A skill she would develop no doubt but here and now, nothing.




Meanwhile the search of the small room found nothing either. No items of value, no further clues and no arm.

Richer blood.

The three companions entered what proved to be a well appointed room, for a cell under the poorest part of town. A carpet covered the floor and the overturned desk was of a heavy expensive wood. The body in the middle of the floor was quite different to the bodies already encountered, it was well dressed, pock marked with weeping sores and mutilated. A whole arm had been cut off from it.
Given the circumstances all three felt uneasy however somehow Kirsten knew even here there was something more amiss...

Clues in the blood.

Harbull stood guard, looking back along the way they had just come. He looked over his shoulder first at his friend who stood guard at an exit immediately opposite him. Then over the room as Malmir examined the bodies and Kirsten the torch in it's bracket, Wanda stood silently. Finally he saw Johann to his far left, standing guard at the remaining exit from the hall.

Sighing he stared down at the poor dead fellow Kirsten had first discovered in the dark. Something about him looked familiar, yes, the slightly built ne'er-do-well who had accosted Kirsten at the docks and had set the thugs on them last evening. He was just wondering if he should tell Kirsten, to disturb her as she reached up to remove the torch when a great crash and flood of light disturbed his train of thought.

Meanwhile Malmir  had examined the bodies, six in all, two killed by crossbow bolts still embedded in their bodies the others all suffered from multiple stab wounds from thin short blades. There blood was congealing, almost dried.

With the sudden flood of light and returning of senses Wanda made the discovery upon one body of a curious  small piece of paper on which was drawn a fig leaf. Indeed in excitement of the discovery further examination proved that four of the bodies carried this strange paper symbol. Almost to match, the two bodies without paper, including the one nearest the door wore loose cords around their necks from which hung cheap metal stampings each depicting a single fig leaf.

The two men stood guard. Werner could see little from the exit he guarded even with the extra light from the open lantern, a corridor and perhaps a room. Likewise Johann's view disappeared into the gloom.

Kirsten explores.

Kirsten stepped quietly down the passage leading to the source of the faint flickering light. Malmir followed several paces behind allowing the young human to scout ahead. The light source turned out to be a single torch left burning in a hall.

Standing in the door way Kirsten scanned the room in the poor light afforded by the single torch. Like the previous room the furniture had been turned over, however here it was broken and among the debris were strewn several bulkier formless shapes. Crouching to peer at the closest of these shapes lying across a fallen chair Kirsten took a sharp intake of breath. Bodies, very dead bodies.

A thorough search.

Wanda brought the light closer to Malmir and the two inspected the floor and the lockers. The two quickly realised that all of worth had been taken form both locations. Wanda also made notice that whilst the lockers had been forced open no other damage had occurred to the rooms few items of furniture. Malmir’s keen eyes also spotted another anomaly, if a fight had occurred here no blood had been spilt.

Meanwhile Kirsten paid close attention to the walls of the room and in particular the leaver. She scanned the dressed stone and no further traps could be found. The leaver remained a mystery, it disappeared into the stone work with no visible mechanism. Her earlier conclusion that it probably controlled the entrance way trap remained her best guess.

While the three companions investigated the scene Harbull kept a keen eye out into the dark across the threshold they had just crossed. He was happy that no threats presented themselves  but his mind wandered as he voiced his concerns about the situation they were all now in. Likewise the two big men guarded the second, door less, exit from the room. No threats presented themselves but a fait glow of light could be seen from ahead. Otherwise all was still and all was quite.

Unexpected discoveries

Even Malmirs eyes couldn't penetrate the near total dark of the corridor leading from the doorway. However, frustrated at the time it had taken to transverse a simple door he plunged into the dark trusting that someone would bring with them the lantern left by Oldenhaller's footman. Johann followed only for Kirsten to push past. Johann was then followed by Wanda with the lantern, Harbull and Werner acting as rear guard.

 Their mission a secret, they had not dared to open the lantern fully so only Malmir could really see into the gloom and only then when Wanda had made it through the door way. I think you may want to let more light out young Apprentice", the elf said, "I cannot be the eyes for the whole group and you should all see this."
Now they were in the Asylum proper away from prying eyes Wanda decided opening the lanterns shutters would be of little risk.  Just an inch or so more gap for light to flood out and soon as their eyes adjusted they all saw what previously only Malmir and Harbull could see.

After only a few paces the corridor opened out into a small square room. The walls here were dressed stone, a table lay upturned in the centre of the room, lockers all forced open lined the wall immediately opposite the adventurers with an opening in the right most wall. Of particular note was a long iron bar protruding from the top of a slot in the wall just the the left of the entrance they had just come in.  There were no people to be seen at all.

To extract an elf.

“Girls! Always talking too much and not doing.”, Werner removed his pack, cloak and hatchet from his belt and lowered himself into the hole until he was fully stretched before dropping the remaining distance with no ill effect.  In the narrow confines of the damp, dark hole it wasn’t easy to get Malmir up onto his shoulders, muddy boots were placed in  a vulnerable groin and an open mouth but after a sort period Johann was able to reach down and pull the elf out of the hole.

Bracing himself against the side of the pit Werner climbed back out in no time at all. Malmir was already kneeling next to Harbull so that the diminutive healer could spread a salve on the elf’s head.

The elf was out of the hole but still the door stood shut.

Trap!

Malmir stepped up to the door, grabbed the handle to check if the door was locked and with a clunk and a cry of surprise disappeared from view.

Peering over the edge of the pit the elf has fallen into Kirsten is unable to make out the bottom in the gloom.

And there the door stood.

And there the door stood, both a barrier and a portal from one side of a divide and the other. And there six strangers stood locked in indecision talking but not acting. Time passed and courage was summoned. Kirsten moved to the door asking for subtlety. She reached out her arm hesitated for a heart beat then with one swift move committed the group to action. Knock!  And there the door stood.

A new life beckons.

Wellentag, 25th Jahrdrung.

And so the diverse group of wanderers set off in an unruly, raggedy procession lead by an Elf and a lady arm in arm. After quick speeches and commotion this sight could not help to attract a following.  There were jeers and some throwing of filth, particularly at the elf but it was for the most part good natured.  Initially it seemed the whole citizenry of Deberz had nothing better to do than follow up the mud, offal and night-soil covered road.  However as the occasional, rough, cobbles steadily became more frequent, well cut and clean nothing more than a ragtag group of young urchins followed.

Step by step each of the adventurous souls, as yet strangers to each other, made a commitment to a new life and each found time to contemplate reasons to look backwards.

Werner thought hard about the job advertised by the crier, good pay building one of the Emperors new signal towers. But he didn’t look back.

Harbull may have looked forlornly into the open door of the Hanged Man but as they past, mercifully up wind of the smell of good breakfast sausages, beer and bread, he did not look back.

Kirsten considered her comparatively safe life of anonymity and not for one second looked back.

Johan thought about the river and the life he had given up through little choice of his own. He was too proud to look back.

Wanda knew as the turning to her master’s house approached, with its dusty tomes and learned council, she could not afford to look back.

Malmir alone had walked this way before when he had left behind his idyllic life with his own people for what he knew would be a more brutal but more fulfilling life.  He had nothing to look back to. 

Wanda lead the procession to the mansion and with a sudden realisation approached the servant’s entrance.  The doorkeeper clearly expected to see people in heavy boots tramping into his master's hallway. A messenger was sent to the Councillor, and after a half-hour wait all were led through winding, opulently decorated corridors to a huge study. The floors were covered with oriental rugs and the walls were hung with family portraits, hunting trophies and framed contracts and bonds.

Albrecht Oldenhaller sat behind a vast mahogany desk, toying with a jewelled paper knife. Looking at Wanda he smiled, “Wanda I suppose I should have expected you, Herr Blitzens informed me he was to send you out as journeyman.” Then he looked the other prospective employees up and down, and then spoke.

"As you may be aware," he said, "The House of Oldenhaller is engaged in trading and other activities at a number of levels, and we would be most unhappy if our dealings with certain agents and contacts were to be made public. Accordingly, I must insist that this business must be conducted in the utmost secrecy. So no repeats of your march up here." He pauses significantly while this sinks in.

"A certain gem has appeared in the city," he continued. "I won't bore you with the details, except to say that it was acquired on behalf of the House of Oldenhaller by a group of people vulgarly known as the Schatzenheimer Gang, who have so far failed to make delivery. You are to recover the stone from them and deliver it here by dawn tomorrow. Like many great stones, there are several legends and superstitions attached to the gem. It is said to have come from a ring worn by one best not named, and to carry some unpleasantness which afflicts all those who handle it. I set no store by these superstitions, but in case there is some substance behind them, you will take this" – he then pushed an elaborately-carved wooden box across the desk -"and use it to carry the stone. It has been enchanted to suppress the magic of anything inside for precisely six hours. That should give you adequate time to deliver the stone here. You will set out at nightfall, and I will have you guided to one of the entrances to the area known as the Asylum, which is where I believe the stone to be. Any questions?"

The Oldenhaller Contract, Chapter one, A fateful meeting.

Chapter one, A fateful meeting.

In which our six heroes meet for the very first time.
Festag, 24th Jahrdrung - Wellentag, 25th Jahardrung.

Kirsten started her afternoon as usual, down at the small muddy docks. Though no city Delberz’s position on the Talabec provide enough opportunist work for a young low born woman keen to live on her own by her wits and skill rather than on her back. Opportunities were getting thin on the ground especially since the Tileans had arrived to muscle in on the two local gangs grip on the wine and spirit smuggling trade between Altdorf, the eastern city of Talabheim and the northern land routes to Middenheim. The alleys, sewers and tunnels of the poor district, known as the asylum had become a no go area as the rivalry approached outright war. 

Ahead Kirsten smiled to see some giant of a country bumpkin trying to negotiate passage for himself and his Halfling friend aboard an Oldenhaller boat. No amount of coin would buy passage there and this bumpkin looked as though he didn’t even have two schillings to rub together. Kirsten’s attention wandered back to the goods loading and unloading at the small docks. Nothing looked worth the risk of being caught taking so she turned to head back up into town. Her way however was blocked by the thin but deadly presence of Little Alfredo. “I’ve told you before Al, I’m not interested. Now let me past.” Kirsten was in no mood for this fool this morning. “Bella, no, you owe me more respect don’t you think.” Little Al seeped as he took both Kirsten’s wrists into his hands.

“The lady says she isn’t interested.” A loud hearty voice behind Kirsten brought a change to the small mans demeanour. “Mind your own business, eh!” retorted Alfredo with an evil scowl to his face. “no I think you should let her go”, came the reply, Kirsten turned her head to see the bumpkin standing fist in hand whilst the Halfling looked up, concern written straight across his face.  Reaching for his dagger Al hissed, ”how dare you..” his reply was cut short as the thin Telian spotted the large hatchet  tucked into the giant youths belt. “We, will finish this later,” said Al as he stormed off.

Kirsten turned to mouth, “thank you”, before running away from the two friends who had by their actions marked themselves for dead.

“Well at least you got a thank you but I don’t know what possessed you?” Harbull’s question to his friend was rhetorical but Werner still replied, ”I don’t like bullies.” “Fair enough my friend,” replied the Halfling. “Perhaps we should go find something to eat?  I don’t think we will have much luck finding passage by river.”

A lanky boatman sat perched on the edge of a large barrel of salted pork. “He’s right you know. Prices too good down south to warrant taking up hold space with poorly paying passengers.”

“And what would you know of it?”  Werner was not best pleased to have his plans in disarray already.

“I’m a boatman, or was till I just sold my boat.” As the big man and his cheery little companion departed Johann reflected that today had been a day for firsts. He had never met an elf before and his last job before selling his boat had been to carry one of these mysterious people across the Talabec. Johann had taken no money for that job, the prospect of selling his boat had left him a little cold inside. The elf had no need of talk and that suited him just fine.

Selling his boat had been another if reluctant first but debts needed repaying. The irony being he had only borrowed to buy the boat in the first place. Handing over that much gold to the thin Tilean who had bought his debt had been yet another first. Heading into town to drink the last of his money, that wasn’t going to be a first.

Johan stooped his head as he ducked into The Reavers Return. The giant of a boy and his friend from the docks already sat nursing small drinks. He half considered joining them but instead decided to keep his own company bought a drink and sat in the corner. The sound of music caught his ears but the tune was too refined for a dive like this. Looking up Johann saw the elf from earlier that day playing tunes from his own homeland. He would make no money as a minstrel in places like this indeed in the whole of Delberz there would be few enough with the refined tastes to appreciate the elven music. Himself included so it was something of a relief when a few of the locals decided to try to turf the unappreciated musician out on his arse. After a brief struggle the elf wrested himself free and calmly left without a word. Cursing himself for a soft hearted fool Johann followed him out.

“Your liable to get yourself killed elf.” Johann approached the minstrel outside the Inn . The elf smiled, ”you are the boatman who was so respectful on our trip across the water. I thank you but please explain why will I kill myself?” Johann smiled, “because you’re strange in a small town used to violence. If you want my advice learn some bawdier songs if you want to earn some coin.”

“Yes, yes some coin, I need some coins. But what are bawdy songs, I have a long way to go if I am to understand you people.” The elf looked most perplexed. “If you want money and wish to understand people what you need is a job my friend.” The boatman extended his hand to shake, “Johann.” The elf copying the gesture but failing to shake hands replied, “Malmir”

Further over town a young apprentice mage was preparing to begin her journeyman apprenticeship on the morrow. That morning she had had a long discussion with her master about responsibility, power and temptation, finally he had added, “Wanda, I think that the time has come finally for you to begin your journeyman’s apprenticeship. Tomorrow you must take you leave of my house returning only when you feel you have truly learnt more about your powers, I trust you to know when that time will be.”  Wanda looked up from her contemplation the noise of her fellow apprentice passing disturbing her. She knew he would be jealous as always but she had known him since she first entered her masters house all those years ago. She would miss him almost as much as the old master. Paying for her journeyman’s licence had left her out of pocket, her first action would have to be earning enough money to travel to Altdorf and there earn her right to call herself a mage. She looked out across the darkening town almost wishing the sun to travel faster in its setting and rising so her new life could begin all the sooner.

The encroaching darkness brought only apprehension to Werner and his friend Harbull. They could not find lodgings at a price they could afford and the nights were still cold and often wet. They followed a guide at the moment, who had assured them that rooms could be found but the district of town they now found themselves left a great deal to be desired. Turning down a blind alley they both found themselves surrounded by well armed footpads, "greetings from Little Al.". Harbull wasn’t sure exactly what happened next or at least in what order. Money was certainly lost, and bruises gained but some how Werner and he ended up hurtling down one unknown alley after another with the ruffians on their tail. Turning down a final dead end it was desperation rather than trust that had the pair bundling down a cellar door following a whispered cry of, “in here quiet, now!”

By the light of a tallow candle the two made out the face of the young woman they had helped earlier that day. “one good turn deserves another,” she said grinning. “Tell me, what is an unlikely pair like you two doing in a nowhere town like Delberz…”

And so it came that the following morning, as Wanda descended the street leading to the twon square five other wanderers also arrived looking for work of an adventurous nature. With her masters final words still in her ear, “take my advice, find some young fellows to share the road, stick to them like glue..”  she and five other adventurous wanderers heard a town crier read a list of mundane jobs and news before declaring, "Specialists required for reposession job. One nights work, legal, some danger, good money. Military background helpful. No time wasters. Councillor Oldenhaller, Oldenhaller mansion, Oldenhallerstrasse."…..