Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Reik Time, Reik Place

The coach arrived in the Koenigplatz at nightfall and was set upon by bawds and touts. The five fellows, intent on planning their next move to Bogenhafen, moved into a nearby street after having several times prevented their baggage from being stolen. Unfortunately some pickpockets profitted from the distractions.

As they took their bearings at the edge of the Koenigplatz Sidonia noted two fellows had followed them. Igor thought they were attempting some bizarre form of sign language as one kept scratching his ear. Eventually Reiner shooed them off.

Finding a non-descript and unnamed keghouse off the docks the five attempted to enquire of lodgings. There they found that buying a round of drinks was required to gain the conversation of the barkeep. They were halfway through their drinks when Josef Quartjin, a burly bargeman entered the keghouse. Josef had been seeking hands for his next cargo-run along the Reik. He was surprised to see Igor, an old friend of his from when he occasionally stopped in Nuln. Igor greeted his old friend and Josef asked to be introduced to the rest of the company. Reiner was introduced as Kastor. Josef quietly mentioned that he had something important to tell Igor. He even made a few remarks that aroused Reiner's suspicions about Igor's profession.

The company tried to persuade Josef that he should consider a trip to Bogenhafen. Josef remarked that it would soon be festival time in Bogenhafen and that he could perhaps get a fair price for some wine. He considered their offer to work their passage and invited them to join him at the Boatman for a bottle of wine or two.

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home