Connecting the Lines

(written Oct 27, 2014)

October 9, the afternoon...

It was well past noon by the time Migi stirred in bed. He had allowed himself to rest, presuming all was taken care of. In front of the door lay a folded slip of paper. Migi slid from his covers and picked it up. It was from Farrow. Most of Jak’s party had come in just a few hours ago. Farrow was keeping contacts on all of them. On the nightstand was a small pouch. The distinct metal jingled as he picked it up. He gave it a toss to the other palm and smiled.

Migi dressed in a spare tunic and breeches he packed. He knew where everyone would be by now. Some of them would be selling loot. Jak would be at the weaponsmith checking on his new sword. At least one would be reporting to the guard on where they had been. Migi would also have to make a full report with the town watch. It was a decent place to start the day.

The gnome walked along the bustling streets. The sounds of hammers tapping metal and shopkeepers haggling prices were enough to fade out any worries he had of gnolls. He walked into the guard house and asked to see the Captain. After a lengthy discussion standing on a crate overlooking a map, the Captain was satisfied.

Migi inquired what else he heard from the other side of the lake. The question was the easiest way to glean what Jak’s party had told the guards. But even the party didn't report what happened. They did confirm a huge commotion in one of the main camps last night. Townsfolk could smell the lingering fumes creep into the basin at dawn. But nothing more was known.

Migi left for the shops. He could track people down in a city better than a bloodhound in a fog. As he walked, he began to feel his neck hair bristle. He continued to walk, trying to ignore the feeling. Then he stopped at the hat shop. He quickly picked up the hat near the window display and looked outside. The hatter asked if he could assist him. Diverting his attention from outside, he explained he just needed a new look. After a moment of adjusting the fresh headpiece, he looked around at some other items. He made a quick, yet stylish choice to go with his outfit. Nothing too bold of a buy, just enough to portray genuine interest of wanted something.

He felt a little better exiting the shop. The delay only cost the gnome a few silver pieces, but it gave him something to adjust while making a quick scan as he stepped outside. Maybe it was only his nerves after his capture. Routine paranoia was not always a bad thing.

Migi continued to peruse likely shops for selling large armor and weapons, the type of low quality that the gnoll might have. It was just too late in the day. The shopkeepers confirmed seeing Ralph, Mary, and Jak already. They had sold a number of items, more than usual. As he wandered through town, the feeling of watchful eyes grew. He took a few narrow streets and stopped at the end, waiting. Nobody was following him.

After 3 hours of fruitless searching he returned to the inn. Jak and Elf might have returned to the Erol's Tower. It was likely. He could easily write another message and deliver it to the tower where Jak studied. He stretched his short legs up the flight of stairs. In his room he finds another note waiting for him on the floor. He closes the door and begins to read. Well, speak of the swordsman. It was from Jak. He asked to meet at the Toasted Pig Inn at dusk.

The St. Cuthbert Church, the town guard, and the wizard, Erol would all need to discuss matters. This was perfect. He quickly scribbled a message to the churches of Moradin and St. Cuthbert. They would be at the Toasted Pig at sunset. Undoubtedly, they would all be summonsed for another appraisal of the situation in the mountains. Migi had the real story before the most influential folk of town. It might be worth the lost gold to have this extra card to play. The guild would prove its importance and solidify a place in town’s inner circles.

If only he had found out what they were searching for up there. Perhaps the church had the answers. The priests of Moradin are the ones that sealed the evil away years ago.