For whatever reason I sat down and wrote out a chunk of the father's adventure. This part, the beginning of it, was what I wrote last. I was looking for some way to tie the story together into a more complete story.
Ton seated himself across from the well dressed man. The stranger was dressed in taffeta pants with a cotton shirt beneath a velvet vest. This marked him as a man of wealth; commoners wore wool and sheepskin. “I was informed that you desired my help with some task. However, I was not told the name of my prospective employer?”
"No, you were not. This is because you do not need to know my name. I was told you've done this sort of work before. If that is so, then you should be aware which details are given, and those that are not," the man said.
Ton forced a smile. "You were told true. Each time I was given some modicum of information All that was revealed to me is that you are offering a heavy sack of coins for someone to retrieve a bauble. I had thought merely to learn a means of addressing you."
The man smoothed his vest. "I will tell you what is necessary; when you agree to do the task. Until then all you need know is the following: The object is part of another man's collection, and he is unwilling to part with it."
"Well naturally. Were he amenable to selling it I'm certain you'd have brought your piles of gold to him, and not trouble someone like me."
The man glared at Ton. "Are you desirous of work or not?"
The payment offered was difficult to forgo. The job promised more coin than Ton had seen in the past three months. Ton rubbed his chin as if debating the offer. "You've piqued my interest. What can you tell me about this trinket you covet?"
"Nothing. At least, not until you've agreed to the task. I was well informed of your skills. Unless the tales misrepresent you, I am confident you are more than equal to the challenge I would pit you against."
Ton took a deep breath. "So be it then. I accept, you may rely on me to fulfill this request. Now, what is it I am to do?"
The man crossed his arms. "Before you agree, there is yet one more detail I should reveal. Your silence on this matter is of paramount importance. If any word of this deal or the deed you are to perform is uttered my 'piles of gold' will be used to ensure your destruction."
Ton's eyes widened, and he leaned back in his chair. This seemed a little extreme. Just what sort of trouble would this man bring him? It didn't matter, Ton needed the gold for too many things. "As you wish. I have always handled my work in the manner you've described. You needn't fret over over my tongue."
The man looked Ton over. His eyes moved up and down taking in every detail. Ton willed himself to remain still and unflinching under the scrutiny.
Apparently satisfied, the man said, "I am glad to hear it. The one who owns what I desire is the venerable sage Talruun. He has stored it among his religious artifacts, which are on display along the east wall of his manse. What you are to obtain is an ebony chalice whose lip is ringed by purple topaz and red garnets. It is named 'Cup of the Soul Drinker'. Return here in one week, bearing either the cup or an excellent reason for your failure. That should be all you need know."
Ton's posture went rigid. Normally this sort of work was simple. Slip in, find some magical artifact or sacred relic, and return it to whoever offered payment. When a job required absolute secrecy on pain of death and involved something called 'Soul Drinker' it became difficult to keep from wondering what all wasn't being told.
"This sounds to be a very special cup. Does it have any magic properties?" asked Ton.
"None that concern you. The complex rites needed to engage them ensures the Cup can’t be accidentally activated. You've already agreed to the work, and you have what information you need. Time is short, perhaps you should begin carrying out this task instead of badgering me?" He rose and gestured toward the door.
Ton knew probing for information would get him nothing, but he had to try. He consoled himself with the knowledge that the gold would take care of his needs for a long time. He rose and nodded to his new employer before turning and walking out the door.
Typically much time would be spent on studying the location and discovering how to reach the object to be pilfered. As luck would have it, Ton was familiar with Talruun's estate. He’d already been there a few times to acquire items, this experience would make planning much easier. This would leave him time to look into other matters, such as the identity of his employer and what this cup was capable of.
Ton spent two days at the Three Crowns tavern. While he appreciated a good drink, his intention was to happen on Jibari. Jibari knew things, he seemed to hear every rumor which passed through. Jibari also liked to drink and favored the Three Crowns. So there Ton sat sipping ale, and waiting for his informant.
Finally in the evening the door opened. The light of the setting sun washed into the tavern and Jibari was silhouetted in the doorway.
Ton ordered a pair of drinks and moved to a seat next to Jibari. "So good to see you again friend. I've a few drinks on the way, perhaps in exchange you can regale me with one of your fine tales?"
Jibari gave him a smirk, "Hello Ton. You know I won't turn down a drink. Tell me, what story is it you'd like to hear?"
"Hmm, perhaps something new?. I keep hearing about some Soul Drinking cup. It sounds rather exciting."
Jibari took a gulp from his mug. "You must mean the Cup of the Soul Drinker, it's one of Talruun's relics. What's gotten you interesting in such a thing?"
"It means little to me. Just been hearing strange talk about it, which has me more than a little curious."
"Strange talk eh?" Jibari shook his head. "I'd keep your distance. A crew of dangerous men has an interest in it. You heard tell of the Red Dawn?"
"Ton took a long drink while he tried to recall the name. "You mean the cult? Or whatever such heretics call themselves. The stories I heard tell of them setting fire to villages, screaming about some glorious rebirth they would bring."
Jibari nodded, "That and more. The militia was sent in to put an end to them. The cultists went to ground, more than a few got away. Once the militia gave up the chase the cult started their trade again. This time they pursue larger goals."
"That's very... Well, in truth it's not interesting at all. I wanted to hear of the Cup, not cults."
"The Red Dawn are the folks who want the Cup. Who can say what they plan to use it for. No doubt it works into their plans for the grand rebirth they've been plotting." Jibari took another drink. "It's a bad business, not one a smart fellow would get involved in. I can't see a group like them dealing honestly with any 'freelance agents' they might take on."
"Well, this does put a new light on things. I agree, it certainly seem an affair best avoided. Tell me though, if the Cup lies here in New Brindol won't they also be nearby? Perhaps it's time to find work elsewhere. At least, until the blackguards are rooted out."
Jibari shakes his head. "No need to fret on that. If they're near, its just for the cup. They moved far from the capital, avoiding the reach of the militia I suppose. The way I hear it they're plying their trade out in the Askari province."
Ton's heart skipped a beat, he tried to keep his expression calm. "You don't say? Well it's a small relief.” He drained the rest of his tankard. “The day is wearing on, I thank you for the tale. You always have the best stories Jibari." Ton left several coins on the table before leaving the tavern.
Once outside he gave up the act, his casual stride became an urgent march, his calm expression changed to worry. His family, a wife and daughter, lived in Askari. If those fiends intended slaughter out there... No, don't think about it. The militia was too far away, but perhaps there was an opportunity before him to put a stop their heinous plans.
It was fully dark before Ton approached the Talruun estate. The cloudy sky made even the moonlight dim. He scaled the rough stone wall surrounding the property with ease, and approached the manse.
The front door had a sturdy lock sealing it closed. As Ton inserted his tools into the keyhole he tried to remember how long it’d been since a lock proved to be a real deterrent. The lock opened with a click, and the door slid open.
All the walls of the large room were lined with shelves. Additional cabinets and storage racks had been placed throughout the room forming uneven aisles. Each had a diverse set of items heaped upon them. Books, knives, goblets, small carvings, polished stones, masks, bric a brac of all sort was piled onto those shelves.
Ton was reminded of how Talruun avoided becoming the victim of more thieves. Little enough contained precious metals or gems. A burglar could search for days before discovering enough valuables to make the theft profitable. The objects were only of interest to historians or whichever religious group created them. Most likely a few of the items were enchanted in some way, but without knowing how to trigger the effects even those would be of little use.
Breaking in could only be worthwhile if you had a specific item in mind and knew where to find it. Fortunately for him, Ton fit into this category.
He made his way to the east wall and started scanning the shelves for cups and goblets. He found quite a few. Ebony but no gems. This one has the stones, but is glazed clay. Ebony adorned by jade and opals, no.
A door opened somewhere in the building.
Ton held still, straining his ears to hear any other noises. All was silent, but this did little to relieve him. Whoever stirred in the house could be headed here.
He returned to his search, his eyes moving quicker over the shelves. At last he found it, an ebony cup with small garnets and topaz along the rim. He grabbed it and while moving back to the door stuffed it into a pouch.
There were two doors in the room, one led further into the building the other opened to the outside. Light shone under the door into the house, soft footsteps could also be heard.
Ton couldn't make haste without knocking things off of the shelves. Whoever was outside didn't seem to be hurrying, he didn't feel the need to give them reason to speed up.
As he reached the exit the other door opened. Ton lunged into the night air and closed the door behind him. As he sprinted through the lawn toward the fence in a window he saw candlelight bobbing among the shelves.
Two days yet remained before this business with the cup was to be concluded. Ton spent this time observing the house where he would again meet with his mysterious employer.
The building seemed little used. His employer only bothered to leave the house for meals and to buy incense and powders from an apothecary. Aside from him the only others that used the door were what seemed to be messengers. One of the men in the group carried what looked to be a scroll tube, a half dozen burly louts who must be serving as guards accompanied this man. Every five or six hours one of these groups would arrive or emerge from the house.
This information disappointed Ton greatly. He had hoped to gain some clues to direct his next move, but what happened inside was well hidden.
If Jibari spoke the truth, Ton could be assisting a vile cult with their genocidal plans. Even if they weren't operating near his family his conscience would never permit him to aid such scum. He wanted some proof his informant wasn't mistaken before moving against them.
The week came to a close without any new revelations. Reluctantly Ton had to confront his employer and complete the job, hoping he wasn't making a mistake.
The man sat at the same table with his arms crossed. His glower softened as Ton walked in. “Ah, so you have come back. I have heard no word of a theft from Talruun’s house. Either you are very good at your work, or you have failed.”
Ton took the seat across the table once again. “I was quite successful. The item you requested is in my possession. We had a deal though, the cup for a large sum of coins.” Ton pulled the cup out of his pack and showed it to the man. “Here you see the Cup, but I see no coins.”
The man’s eyes widened as his eyes twinkled as he onyx goblet. “Indeed you have been successful. I chose well in seeking you out.” He produced a bulging purse and dropped it on the table. It jingled and clinked as it landed. “Here is the payment promised. I believe all is in order. Now, give me the cup.”
Ton placed the cup on the table and grabbed the purse, shaking it to hear the coins again. “Yes, all appears to be in order. Having these coins in hand excites me to the point that I cannot recall why I came into this building. It is quite embarrassing not knowing what business brought me here, perhaps tis best I depart?”
The man nodded, “See that your memory never improves, as I will be paying attention.”
Ton tucked the purse away and left.
He crossed the street and moved through the crowd until he was lost in the flow of people. Then he turned to watch the building one last time. Sure enough in less than an hour another messenger emerged. As the entourage made its way to the town gates Ton kept close behind.
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