Chapter 38 New faces and Old Friends

I ended up following the third slaver for more time than I had wanted. He led me through the city a few times, circling back and riding through the same places. I didn't know the city very well, and each time I thought I would be able to take a shortcut I ended up in a dead end alley. Each time I thought I was getting the hang of the city I found a place that didn't look quite right. I was trying to avoid alleys all together, knowing that I was alone, possibly on the run. If I got cornered I should be able to get out of it, either by running or fighting, but that could cause more problems. I had noticed that people were starting to follow me. Types of people who had no problem cutting a purse or person. I am guessing the fact that I was armed and could handle myself was keeping them at bay.
After a couple hours I got a message from Melfina. “Druss, the man is awake, and we need to question him, when do you think you will be here?”
It was still a bit weird to just randomly hear her voice so casually in my head. It tripped me up just a bit. Responding back to her I said “Still tracking last man. I'll be back as soon I this guy looses me.” That wasn't going to be long either. I hadn't lost him yet, but as he was on horseback, I didn't think I could keep up much longer. In the brief time that I had been distracted, he had somehow managed to get around a corner, past where I could see him, onto a street that didn't have too many people on it. It was only a few more turns before I needed to try another route to keep up. Turning down a wider alley, I find it not only empty, but also blocked off, another dead end. Now, I had no possibility of catching up, and I turned to find my way to Madam Curie's Inn.
I found a hooded figure blocking my path. The hood covered the face, and with the light behind them I couldn't see a face. I kept my eyes moving, I could see rooftops I could teleport to if I needed. Without the axe on my back, I may be under estimated, but I could simply summon it. As long as I wasn't instantly incapacitated, I could get by whoever this was. I didn't move at all. I didn't want to be aggressive, but I needed to be able to spring into motion if needed.
We spent some time looking at each other, seconds that seemed like hours. With no movement from the figure I opened my mouth. “Can I help you?” I ask.
“Hello lover.” A red tail pokes out from under the hooded cloak as the hood comes down, revealing the face of Danarei Milos, wanted criminal, Bard extraordinaire, and old flame. What was she doing here? Last I heard she was heading to the other continent and Terrytown.
I'm shocked, and rooted in place. “What are you doing here? I thought you were heading across the Ocean!”
“I'm Here looking into some slavers. We are going to call them The Clan by the way. Calling them the Bad undertow was clumsy and awkward. Making a new name for them made taking about them easier. They seemed to have taken a Gorgon from the temple of Kusco. I believe your friend was keeping that Gorgon? Anyway, I'm back here because they needed me, and there are more interesting people here. My associates told me there were some interesting people here in town, like a one armed Dragonborn. I need to make it down to Davenport soon, to figure out what is going on there. Besides, aren't you happy to see me?”
The emotions that I had felt all those months ago when she had left were coming back, but in a duller sense. I now loved another woman, and more deeply than I had felt for Dani. “Of course I am. But my Girlfriend means a great deal to me, and My egg makes things a bit complicated.” I knew Bellia loved me back, but she had always made it clear that her work was just as important, and I supported her with that.
“An egg! MY! You have been busy!” She exclaimed. “Where is everyone else? I would love to see them?”
A thought popped into my head. I have seen people change into other things, turn invisible, and all manner of other magics that I wouldn't have seen had I stayed at home. In a strange town, where I know I am being watched, possibly wanted by the guard. While this could be Dani, and I really want it to be, it could be someone else and I need to be careful. “Well, we were at the Three Rivers Inn, but there are some special circumstances that we have had to move. I'm not sure where they are right now. I was following a third 'Clan' Member after the fight. But you can communicate with Melfina right?”
“Sure Honey, I can do that” I hear in my head. “Melfina's voice can be really creepy when she sends messages though.” She finishes out loud.
“Where are you located?” I ask Maybe they would have a better location than an Inn.
“We are downtown, at a tailors shop.” She replies after a short pause. “I saw the new paint job at the Three Rivers. What happened there?”
“Oh that was the turtle.” I reply, as if that explained everything, which it did.
“Can I help you find them? I can't be too hard right?”
A thought occurred to me. If I could ask her questions that Dani would know it would alleviate my doubts of her identity. “Well I know they were headed to Madam Curie's. We can head there, maybe find a clue as to where they went.”
“Sounds like fun.” She offers me her arm, and after a short pause, I take it. As we walk out of the alley, arm in arm, I see her appearance change just a bit. Her demeanor changes. A glow comes to her face. She becomes more composed. Regal. It is nice to see her again.
As we walk I ask her if she has heard anything of The airship coming back into town. The ship was supposed to be following the train, and should have been able to beat us here. When Dani said she had not heard anything of the Garfunkel, I grew more worried. Bellia was on the ship. I had convinced to her to come, and I'm not sure what I would do if something happened to her. I also needed the ship to get to Davenport faster, but that wasn't nearly as important. As I ponder over what could have happened, we exchange pleasantries, and act as if we are simply out on a leisurely stroll through the markets and streets.
Reaching the Inn, we find out where the rest of the group is, and head over. Not a typical inn, more of a conglomerate of ramshackle cabins sitting next to, and in some cases, in a bog. Heading to the two story cabin where my friends are, we find that the first story of the cabin is closed off, the windows covered in slime and fungus. Moss had grown on the door and plants had started to take over the outer walls. I knew some druids that would have loved this place.
Climbing the rickety stairs, they moan and creak under my feet. Getting closer to the door, the floor suddenly stops making noise. Something is wrong. I summon my axe, and knock on the door. No sound comes from my knuckles rapping on the door. I have encountered this effect before. It may be a magical silence, but whatever it is, there may be some trouble. I back away, until I can hear the wood complain under me again. I tell my companion that I will count to five hundred, and if the effect is still there I would brake the door down. I could also use this to my advantage. I begin to ask my questions to Dani.
“Where were you after you were rescued from execution?”
A puzzled look comes over her face, like I had lost my mind. “I was with you, in Aurane's office on the second floor.” She says, slightly annoyed. I wasn't trying to remind her of that troubling time, but I needed to make sure. Didn't mean I was happy about it.
“Who is Max's dad” I ask. I remember He and Dani had a longer conversation, and was not the type of character you would quickly forget.
“Charles Korbin. Ancient Elf, retired Adventurer, and a total catch. Very knowledgeable about the moons.” Her tone had changed to a rote tone. She may have have figured out why I was asking questions.” I could have left it at that, but there was one more I wanted to ask.
“How did I loose my arm?” I said it quietly. It was not something I liked, but it was also something Dani would not have willingly given to anyone.
She paused, her eyes darting to my shoulder and back to my own. Her voice is soft when she responds. “You lost it to a clawed Demon. Your company had been hired to tack down a caster, but before you could capture him he summoned the demon, and promptly lost control of it. When it grabbed you-”
“Thank you Dani.” I said, stopping her. I didn't need to hear anymore. I had figured it was her anyway, but I had to be sure. “Well. Now we just have to get into the room.” Whispering something, and snapping her fingers, she holds up a finger, telling me to wait a second. After a few seconds, she tells me we can go in now.
Steeling myself, I stride towards the door, hefting my axe tying not to envision my friends all in trouble. I open the door, finding the small spectral hand Dani had used the open the lock. Beyond the hand were my friends, all gathered around the small man who had become such a tiny snail. Melfina had crouched over the man, with her knife slowly cutting away the inseam of his pants. And in the manacles behind the chair, he was struggling to keep as far from her as he could. Striding silently up to her, I grabbed her should and pulled her away. With a snarl, she nearly stabbed me before realizing who it was. This guy must have really pissed them off if they were going to let Melfina at him.
Why shouldn't we be mad at him? His whole organization was trying to steal people away from loved ones, and sell them into a terrible life. One where hope and happiness were taken away from them. The first time we had found these guys, they had taken my own family. I should have let Melfina at them.
I looked at the small human, with a smarmy look on his face now that no one was offering immediate injury. Even past the gag, he still thought he could control the situation. In a sudden rage, I step towards the man, his suit crumpled, crotch wet from urine, and raise my axe. The hammer head plummets down into the man's foot, crushing it into a leather and flesh pulp. The nails from the shoe's heel poking out of the mess of meat. A muffled howl started coming out of the pathetic being sitting before me. The silence that had negated all noise was gone now.
Turning away from the whimpering creature before me, the others see the Dani is with me, Melfina telling her that she looks well. I can see her looking to Marda to make sure that was an appropriate greeting. Yun and Geno introduce themselves to Dani to my relief. This way I don't have to do it myself. The bards were quite interested in each other's professional abilities. Yun was apparently known as an information broker. With introductions and greetings out of the way Dani proceeded to tell the group that these slaving scumbags were going to be referred to as the Clan from now on as using the undertow for both groups was simply too confusing to some. I agreed, although the clan was not the best either.
“Why not call them the Othertoe” Melfina said. We all simply looked at each other, and we all burst out laughing. Of course. It was the obvious name. Dani was flabbergasted that no one else had thought of it. Immediately deciding that was the new name, and all hoping that we wouldn't need to use it that long anyway, I filled Geno in that they had taken Mikey. I had not wanted to change the subject so drastically, but he had to know. While he was turning a loathing eye to the captive I gesture Melfina outside. Asking if she could contact Bellia, I waited anxiously to see if there was a response.
“Where are you? Are you safe, can we help?” She asked into the air. There was a pause as she got a response, then she was sending another message, casting it again. “No” was all she said with the second message. Turning to me, she explained. “She wanted to know if the egg has hatched yet. There were some bad storms that delayed them. They should be a week out or so.” Wow. I'm glad that they haven't crashed or anything, but it must have been a rough time on the ship. I'm glad I wasn't on it this time. Glad that they were still alive, but still worried about them we head back inside.
The captives knees had been destroyed. The damage was extensive enough I could see the bones of the legs sticking out both the thighs and the shins. Probably going into shock, he was dead. Sighing Melfina decided to prepare some spells, and I filled everyone in on how the Airship was doing. Apparently, The others had been able to get some information out of the thug before Geno cut him off at the knees. Revealing that the entrance to the Othertoe's lair was somewhere out under the Levies. When the tide comes in they sometimes have to move, but always go back in. We stood, Melfina asking what other answers we might need before going out to look for people. Discussing it, for a few minutes she turned to get ready.
Taking her holy knife out, she vertically cuts her lips. Putting her fingers up to the welling blood, she smears some on her own lips as a Lady would do with lipstick. Fingers still wet, she then smeared some across the dead man's lips. Lighting some incense, she infused some of it with blood and went around the whole room murmuring a prayer the whole time. As she completed the circle, I felt a little snap in the air, and a small compulsion on myself. It was something in the back of my mind. Like knowing that if you tried to lie to your mother it wouldn't turn out well. Sitting in front of the body, Melfina finished her prayer, and the corpse suddenly sat bolt upright, the meat of his knees shifting in a most unpleasant way. The chest expanded as one great breathe was taken, and the eyes moved to look directly at Melfina, who was sitting before the chair.
Opening her mouth, she started to ask the questions we had decided on. “How many of your compatriots are at the base?”
“We are legion.” The response came fro the corpses mouth in a rasping gurgle, as if a pair of bellows had gotten water into them. The answer was obviously deceitful, as they couldn't have nearly that many. My guess would be no more than ten, but they had also grabbed Mikey quickly, so there could be people informing the Othertoe when there was a new target. Thinking about that, do we include them as well? An Othertow agent could be someone posing as someone who is Helping runaways, or magic users, or just interested as magical creatures. Someone passing information off could be thinking they were helping people, when in reality they were unwittingly marking someone to be taken. Something to think about later.
“Is there a password, and if so what is it?” She asked
“Suck My dick.” Yes. There was probably a password, but it also probably wasn't that.
Moving right along, she asked the third question. “How many entrances are there?”
“One.” That probably wasn't right, as scum like these would want a way to get away, but it's hard to say.
“How many prisoners are at your base?” Melfina was showing much more patience than I would have thought was possible. Although, unless I was mistaken, she had been about to cut off something near and dear to the individual when I came in.
The body starred rocking back and forth slightly, and a odd moan began to emit from the corpse. “We have no prisoners, just livestock to sell.” He was laughing.
The faces around me all soured at the answer, and Melfina asked her last question. “Are there any traps in your lair?”
The moaning and shaking stopped with the answer, “Hundreeedssss.” and with that the body expelled the remaining air, falling still.
“Hm!” Dani snorted. “That wasn't overly helpful. Now that he isn't much use to us, the bog should prove a useful place to throw a body.” Turning to me, the rest of the room murmured acknowledgment. “Where are Max and Leona?” she asked.
“Oh, they are over at the Three Rivers Inn.” I responded casually. I was watching Marda get the manacles off the body.
“They are here in town?!” Dani exclaimed. “Why did you bring them here? You know they have been targeted before!”
“Leona killed a guy on the way here.” It wasn't necessarily pride that I had in my voice. It was close. Was it right of me to bring them? I had been worried that they would have been bothered at the shop, but did I deliver them to my own enemies? I had not wanted to leave Leona alone for such a long time, and Max deserves to be at whatever is happening at Davenport. I should have found out how dangerous it was going to be here first, before bringing them. Then again, they deserve to fight if they want. These slavers need to learn that they have no place here, or anywhere.
“Fatherhood is changing you Druss.” Dani said. I'm not sure if it was a good statement, or a remorseful one. “I need to get back.” she continued. “Inns like these aren't a nice place to stay the night, I would recommend blocking the door with something heavy. Like a bed. I will keep in touch, and we will be on the lookout for the Airship. Good night everyone.” With a rounding chorus of goodnight, she takes her leave.
As the other ones feed the body to the bog, definitely not it's first, I ask Melfina to once again send a message, this time to Max. She is happy to oblige, and soon tells Max that we are safe, the slavers are more active here than we thought, and to be careful. She gets the response that they have been out seeing the sights, saw the blood at the inn, and that the egg is much more active than it has been.
I'm not sure how active the egg will be, as I don't normally hang around egg that could hatch until now. I didn't think it was supposed to hatch for a couple more weeks yet. I would still have to be ready very soon I think. Realizing I hadn't eaten anything since that cake, and doubting I would be able to find something that wouldn't kill me nearby, I scrounged around in my pack and found some old biscuits. Studiously not thinking about how long they had been there, I sat and pondered my decisions about this trip so far until the others got back. Setting up the blanket fort, we determined watches, and I went to my room. Summoning my axe, the blade glowed a bit in the otherwise darkened room. I didn't have to clean it anymore, as every time it appeared in my hands it was in pristine condition. Deciding to keep my axe with my for the rest of the journey, I set it down leaning against my nest of pillows. At least I could maintain my armor during watches.
I awoke in time to start my watch. Taking third watch, it was easier for me to see than it would have been for the others, had we been out in the woods. It had just become routine for me now. Crawling out of the tent, I find Geno has laid out some clean canvas on the bed and stayed there, making sure no one tried to get in. I know I didn't really want to sit on these beds.
“It started raining a bit ago,” the goblin reported. “I think I have been hearing thunder off and on again. I'm going to get some more sleep.” As he crawls into the tent, I ponder his words.
More memories come into my head as the sleep fog wears off. Bellia had said that when she was born there was a great thunderstorm. The egg has been more active today. As I look out the window, the rain starts to pick up. Oh Crap.
Diving into the tent, I find Melfina's room, and wake her up. Always a dangerous task waking someone up who can kill you with a thought, but I needed her fast.
“Melfina!” I was not been as quiet as I could have been, but any sound that leaked to the others rooms would have been muffled by the pillows. “I need to get to the Three Rivers Inn now! I need you to take my watch, and I need to borrow Spike.” I didn't want to go alone through a town I didn't really know, and I knew exactly what spike was capable of.
Sensing the urgency in my voice, she immediately got up, handing me spike. Grabbing her pack she let me out of the room, and closed the door behind me. “I'll be back when the storm ends.” I told her. Running down the stairs and out to the street, I started a brisk walk in the general direction of the Three Rivers. Even walking around the city multiple times today, I had been watching the person I was following, not the landmarks. The distant whispers of thunder was getting slowly closer, and more frequent.
The rain was coming down hard when I found a guard taking shelter under an awning, watching the empty streets. The lamps had mostly blown out as the wind had picked up. I had to take the chance that I wouldn't be wanted for connections to the fight earlier. I was also a very obvious person considering who I am and the time of night. I nearly had to shout in his face to ask directions to a reputable inn named the Three Rivers. Giving me quick directions, I turned away from him just as resounding rumble of thunder rolled through the city, loud and defiant. I broke into a run through the pummeling rain. By the time I got outside the inn, I was soaked through, and I couldn't tell if the pounding in my body was my heart or the thunder. Running up the spiral staircase outside, I went to the Room Max and Leona had rented. Running to the door, I gasped for air as I knocked on the door. I knew better than to try to open it. They were both armed and on edge.
I felt more than heard Max coming to the door. “Who is it?” He asked through the closed door.
“It's Me Max” It was a simple statement, and one I has used often enough.
I heard a lock click open, followed by multiple additional clicks. I'm not sure how many locks he had out on the door, but it probably wasn't the standard room number. When the door opened, it was only a sliver. The Side of Max's snout and a single eye showed out to check it was in fact me. Only then did it open enough for me to get in. In a rush, I nearly got hung up on my axe getting through the door frame, a bright flash of lighting temporarily blinding me, the thunder deafening,
Max and Leona were both armed and armored up, But I didn't study them long, my eyes seeking the egg. Leona gestured to the fireplace where it sat, wiggling vigorously. Several small cracks had appeared on it. I had some point handed Spike off to someone, and I found that I had sunk to my knees close to the hearth. A Brilliant flash lit up the room, obscuring everything with white light for the smallest instant with a cacophonous crash of thunderous noise. By the time I could see again, a large crack had appeared. More flashes in quick succession more large cracks appeared. Finally, with a floor shaking reverberation the shell split, and my daughter came out.
Slick with mucous, she spilled out of the egg struggling to rise. Scales a dull yellow, except for patches on her snout, feet and tail that were a muddy brown color. I wanted to pick her up and wipe her off, to get her dry, and I looked around for a blanket. I only then noticed that Leona had been there right beside me on the floor, and had even wrapped linens around me in an effort to dry me off. Small puddles had formed under me. Handing me some sheets, we cleaned the little hatchling off and I picked her up. A small surge of energy ran from her, and sparked against my right arm, sending a shock through me. So tiny in my hands, she made no noise, simply moved her head from side to side as if trying to get her bearings. Moving her head forward slightly, she opened her mouth and I expected a wail to come out.
A brilliant flash of light once again lit the room for more lightning outside, followed by the inevitable thunder. Once I could see again, a small smile had appeared on my little girl's face. A smiled had appeared on my other daughter's face I discovered when I looked up. For the short time, I didn't have to sorry about anything, and I sat for a short time in bliss. Climbing onto one of the beds, I sat and watched her wiggle in my arms. Once again, she opened her mouth, just in time for lightning to flash across the sky. The three of us started laughing a the idea, but I started to notice the little one tilting her head every time, just before opening her mouth. As if she could feel the energy of the storm.
My family members had a tradition of grant a newly hatched Dragonborn a Formal name, which the familiar name was then derived. And Since Bellia wasn't here to name our child, I figured I would have to do it. I couldn't just keep calling her the little one. That was already taken. “Leona, I would like you to meet your sister, Listens To Lightning.”
“Kinda a mouthful isn't it dad?” She asked, a slight mocking tone in her voice.
“Yes, it is, but that I why we will call her To'Li.” I thought it was a good name, but I guess we will have to see what Bellia thinks. We have a week to wait anyway. Maybe I can get her answering to To'Li before she gets into town....
Looking down, I see To'Li has fallen asleep against my chest, wrapped in a snug blanket. Leaning back against the head of the bed, I listen to the storm, rain still pounding against the roof above. Maybe it will get rid of some of that blood off. Those slavers trying to convince Henry of some deal.. The whole lot of them will get what's coming to them. Stealing Mikey from under us. Trying to take Leona before. They are right here now, we just have to find them. The thunder is getting more distant...
Close rumbling sounds wake me from my sleep, and at first I think it's just another storm. To'Li will enjoy it. I clutch the blanket closer but it is empty! Where is she! Quickly sitting up I look over the edge of the bed and meet eye with a small being peeking over. A small squeal comes out of my daughter, and she toddles over to Max, her tiny feet making a small thudding sound on the floorboards, and Max catches her just before she falls. Rain still comes down from the sky above, and every few minutes thunder rolls out of the clouds, as if someone were rolling boulders down distant mountains. Only a couple times did he mouth open, emitting no noise. Once closed, she looked extremely pleased with herself again, and ran around the room again, wobbling slightly. I heard Leona chuckling, and only just realized she had been gone. Apparently fetching a platter of food for everyone, she had come in to see her sister spinning around the room. I should have noticed she was gone too. I need to be extra attentive now that I have another daughter to watch out for. True, Leona can take care of herself, but a dad is allowed to worry.
The platter was full of meats, cheeses, and light fluffy twists of bread. Several jams and fruit sauces were in the middle and add to the mix. Taking a slice of meat off the platter, I tore it into little strips and dipped one into what appeared to be raspberry sauce. Holding it out for To'Li, she more guided into her mouth than grabbed it from me, but after that first slice, I very nearly lost a couple fingers. Her tiny mouth was full of razor sharp teeth, which made quick work of anything going in, and I learned to be careful.
Making sure she had eaten enough, and cleaning all the fruit sauce of her fingers and mouth, I left to take the platter back down to the dinning room. Getting one of the Inn keepers kids, I ask them to go fetch a messenger. I need to let the others know that I will not be coming back immediately, but I should be able to make it there later this evening. Taking pen to paper, I write: “My daughter has hatched, Scout out the locations, I will be there at seven thirty this evening.” Paying the messenger, and tipping her well, I send her off.
Getting back up to the room, I see that To'Li has found spike, and is apparently trying to touch noses with the turtle for some reason. While Spike is slowly withdrawing into his shell, I am just worried that Spike will get aggressive and bite her. As I go to stop her a nearly imperceptible hand appears behind her, pulling back on her shoulder. Looking around, To'Li already forgetting about the turtle when she sees me, and toddles over to me. Picking her up again, I get yet another small shock of energy, more than worth the feeling of having her in my arms.
By the time seven O'clock came around, all four of us had been tuckered out, and every one of us has been hit by a small bolt of lighting at least once. Poor Leona's fur was all standing out, and while she had been perturbed to find it that way, it didn't bother her much. It pained me to leave my girls again, but I had made up my mind. I would destroy this rot in our society if it meant my daughters would be safe. If I had to kill more slavers to do it I would. No more Lives would be torn apart from their dealings. Hugging my daughters, setting my axe on my back and throwing my cloak on, I headed over to my friends with Spike in hand.
I was a couple minutes late getting back to my annoyance. Knocking on the door, Marda let me in, closing the door behind me. Updating me, they have found the entrance to the slavers den, and found that there is in fact a series of pass codes. The entrance seemed to be in some maintenance tunnels, dug to support the network of pipes that kept the ocean water from flooding the delta the city was built around. While watching the entrance, both slavers and actual workers had come into the same entrance. The guard then is part of it, and a laborer of the city. Everyone, slavers and laborer has a badge to help them get in, so we were looking for some way to get a badge. They had communicated it with Dani, and she had people on it.
With Melfina asking what happened last night, I proudly told everyone that my daughter had hatched, and was named Listens to Lightning, To'Li for short. Pointing at my vest, Marda asked what happened to me, and I informed them that To'Li had developed hiccups this afternoon, and things had gotten interesting for a short time. The little soot marks would have to be mended. Figuring it would be another night before we attacked this lair, I asked Melfina to send another message. If we were attacking tonight, I wouldn't want to use her energy, but it should be fine. Sending a message to Bellia she informed her that To'Li had born born yesterday.
The response must have been instant and explosive, as Melfina's head was rocked back as if it had been struck bodily. Concerned, I asked her if she was ok, and after a short pause, Melfina informed me that the mother was not pleased. Well, while I wished she had been here for it, there is nothing I could do about it now.
A messenger arrived while we were planning, with a letter that appeared to be just nonsense. Looking at it more clearly, We found it to be a message from Dani informing us that Badges were in the works, and the Garfunkel had been spotted, but it was still a few days out as we had found out. Figuring that was we got entry, we would probably only have one badge, so how would we get everyone in like that? Yun suggested that if as many of us as possible were invisible, we wouldn't needs to do much else, just the one badge would be plenty. Yun would act as Mr Big, and after asking who that was, it turns out to be the smarmy guy we killed. He then decided to shift.
Like a stone thrown into a still pond, a ripple moved out from the chest and out to the extremities. It was instantaneous, one moment, it was Yun standing there, looking like a moon elf, then that smug bastard, appeared in Yun clothes. With a hairy chest and broken nose, the new body didn't quite fit in the old clothing. Muttering about a black eye, they grabbed their pack. Searching around in their pack, they pull out the small jewelry case and open it up. Looking up with triumph, it was just in time to receive a punch in the face from Geno. Blood starting to drip from the nose, and redness around the eyes, Yun got excited about it, saying the blood would look great for the performance. Looking into the small case, they pulled a linen suit, very much like the one Mr. Big had been wearing. While not quite the same, Yun said it would be good enough with some blood and dirt rubbed into it. The skin of the wrists turned into a bruised color to make it appear that manacles had been on them.
Melfina said that she wanted to try if she could scry over Mikey, see what the conditions were. While Yun got changed, she cast her spell, narrating what she was seeing and hearing. Finding Mikey standing in water over his legs, about halfway up. Mikey clearly didn't care about the water, but the ten people nearby did. The fact they had so many in a terrible place. Some burly asshole was there, apparently someone they had seen earlier. A group of people there were talking, and she could only catch snippets. Their boss was coming into town on a ship, and once the boss got there they were going to load everyone onto the ship and go to Davenport, then on to Terrytown. Then she relayed something that struck me.
“What do you mean a Dragonborn?!” That was it. Just that part. I began to get very worried. Of the possible Dragonborn in town, I was pretty sure I knew all three. There was me, who would have been a valid cause for alarm. There Was Bellia, who probably wasn't the one they were talking about, but if Dani knew the Garfunkel was coming, it was a good chance others knew too. The third Option was my daughter, and right at that moment, it didn't matter. I was ready to show them that I was the only Dragonborn that this group of thugs would have to worry. The last thing they would have to worry about.
Yun was overly enthused about the new look, and was ready to go. I was too, although part of me still thought we should wait. Melfina was still coming out of her trance while Yun was convincing us all that we should go now. Maybe we could get everyone free and get it done before the boss arrived. As Melfina came out of her trance, Yun Excitedly told her we were going to do this now, and strode out the door. Looking at each other, we were forced to run after them.
As we head over to the entrance the others found, the Glow in the sky wanes. Beautiful colors fill the sky after the storms had come through, and the passing clouds are still illuminated by the setting sun. With the hour growing later, the food carts that stay out contain the scraps and remains of the days choices. Breads are being sold at discounts to get rid of them before they grow stale. Dried meats and cheeses replace the cooked street meats and hot buns the crowd would have gobbled up. The crowds themselves were not as thick, but groups still wandered about, as if to thumb the nose at the weather, denying it's power to keep people inside forever.
Finding an alley away from unwanted attention, Invisibility was cast on everyone but Yun. IT was a very odd sensation, one that nearly merited a panic attack from me. I looked down to see my arm, but nothing was there. Panicking for just the slightest moment, I had to grab myself with both hands to make sure I still had them. Knowing I had to keep up with Yun, I collided with a few solid, but unknown objects which all gasped slightly. After a couple moments, and someone stepping on my foot a few times, we managed to figure out how to properly walk, and how to get where we needed to go. We all grabbed onto someone, and did a sort of shuffle across the ground, picking up our feet just far enough to keep from making trails in the dust. An awkward walk, we still had to do it fast enough to keep up with Yun. If we had been visible it would have looked like a group of grown people had suddenly forgotten how to walk, and were scared of being off the ground more than a few inches.
Making our way to the entrance, Yun opened the door, stepping through and holding it behind him, a most dramatic entrance as could be managed. Of course, holding the door open also allowed for us to all creep in while invisible. We came into a junction, with one entrance, and several exits. While planning, we had discussed that the various tunnels should go off to parts of the Delta, but first we had to get past the guard. Yun and the guard in question were talking and while I was trying to listen, I also had to make sure not to fun into anyone, or trip over something that could cause a commotion. Laughing internally at myself, I tried to see the others, straining every sense I could. Looking down at my hands again, I could just barely make out the outline of my right hand. I had once woken up without the hand, and that was not a pleasant time in my life.
Yun had convinced the guard that he was in fact Mr. Big, siting the attack at the inn. Saying he had no idea where Smalls was, the hapless man who had been torn in half, the guard pointed out where we should go, and the fact the Mr. Big had been missed. With the evident injuries, Yun still had to play the part correctly. So when the door was opened, Yun stood there with it wide open, and stretched their back, twisting at the waist. Complaining about sore muscles, it allowed us to get through the door once again with Yun's superb acting ability.
The tunnel beyond sloped down slightly, and we found ourselves in darkness with water starting to slowly cover the ground. After just a few minutes, the water was up over my knees, and Marda was practically swimming. With absolutely no light, it would have been impossible for me to see my hands had I been visible. Simply following Yun by sound, we continued to walk. Melfina, with excellent forethought, quietly told us that we were probably making too much noise, and we paused to figure out how best to avoid detection. Being as large as I was, it would be difficult for me to walk through the water without splashing everywhere, so I did the opposite. Hunkering down into the water, fully submerging my body, I did my best to be a crocodile. Concentrating on keeping my body temperature above that of the water, and studiously ignoring what this water will be doing to all my gear, I swam as carefully as possible behind Yun.
After just over twenty minutes total in the tunnel, light appeared, and I could make out Melfina telling us that this was the same light she saw while looking for Mikey. Slowing our approach, “Mr. Big” made a grand entrance. Splashing up to the group, Yun tried to use the same bluster that Mr. Big had displayed while he had been tied to the chair. A big burly man, a Tabaxi, a Tiefling, and two other humans, one of which stepped up to challenge Yun. Asking where Mr. Big had been, Yun gave mostly the same answers that had been given to the guard at the entrance. Looking over, I can see ten people, sodden and miserable, chained to the wall near Mikey. Yun did ask why they had taken Mikey, getting the answer that the metal creature was to be taken to “the academy”. The Boss was due to arrive soon on a boat, and the group was going to load up the next shipment. Threatening to set Fire to everyone for being insubordinate, the group laughed at Yun, knowing Mr' Big didn't know any fire magic.
Yun questioned the Human as to why he was being so demanding of answers, getting the response that apparently the man and his Husband had been trying to adopt, and life was stressful. Slightly agog, Yun then convinced the slaver to go home, be with his husband, and take the rest of the day off. The exchange ended with a bit of crying, a hug, and the leader leaving, bringing the number down to four slavers.
I truly did not know what to think. Utterly flabbergasted, I stood there, invisible, behind Yun. I had been ready to kill all five, knew they were all despicable people. But this seemingly horrible person was just trying to have a family. Was I wrong? No. Slavery, is a terrible thing to do to others, nothing will change that. How can I even think about letting them go free when they so willingly enslave others and rip away lives like they do. Slowly standing up behind Yun, I want to be close to defend them should it come to blows. With all the acting bluster of Mr Big, Yun tells the remaining four to gather around Mikey to try to start moving him.
Having no idea where the others are, I lost track of them with the mind boggling hug out. With the slight movement of the water in here, and all the water being moved around by the slaves and slavers, I had to hope that none of my friends were too close. I also had to hope that Mikey wasn't overly susceptible to fire. Leaning in, I told Yun to start bragging about some newly acquired Fire magic.
All four had been at each leg of Mikey when I summoned a large ball of fire directly above the metal bull. As the fire popped into being, I did as well. Appearing just behind Yun, glowing Greataxe in hand, it was quite the surprise, and it worked nearly perfectly. Burning all four of the slavers, it did appear to hurt Mikey, which I immediately regretted. It did start of the fight just right though. Splashing coming from the direction of the captives, a small wake appears, then Melfina pops into sight, hand flat against the back of the Tabaxi. The chest of the slaver explodes outward, covering Geno's face. Crap, he had been close enough, he probably took damage from my fire. Yun, once again not going to be outdone by my flaming sphere, threw his own small bead of fire, only for it to explode into a grand inferno, killing the smaller Human.
“We need some alive” I call out. Dani would be upset if we killed everyone without getting more information out of them. Dropping the effort top hold the fire in place, it consumes itself and dissipates as I run up to the fight. Hitting the Tiefling with the knob of my axe. Spitting a curse at my, Hellfire flashed the exploded in my face. While it stung, I'm sure it would have hit someone else harder. Jamming the head of the axe at my opponent's, I tried to subdue them without killing them, but they didn't seem to want to return the favor. Drawing two swords, one ignited in fire before I was counter attacked. Blocking the normal blade, I lost my footing on something in the water taking a deep slice into my leg. The burning blade bit deep into the muscle, and instead of pressing the advantage, they tried running. Mikey and Geno were hitting the big oaf, who didn't really seem to be bothered much by the damage.
The Tiefling runner was still running when they met an unfortunate wall. Marda had caught up to them, and she had still been invisible. Catching the ankles with her hooked swords, the Tiefling suddenly found their feet were above their head, which was careening into the water. Face impacting the water, and then quickly the floor, the body started going limp, as as she became visible again, Marda quickly grabbed the unconscious form, and flipped it over to make sure the slaver didn't drown. Seeing the tide turn quickly against him, the large man runs from Geno, who hit him as he left. Barreling down on Yun, the Oaf, bellowing, slams hard into the bard, hitting him three times before continuing on. The Spectere, appearing in front of the running form, tears into the man, who simply appears intent on getting away.
Melfina however has different plans. Putting some blood into her palm, she grinds her other fist into the blood, and spits harshly into the water. The the wounds from Mikey's horns start to expand and blacken. The body around the holes start to give way, and black blood starts to drip out in globs. The man then falls forward, dead before his face hit the water.
Expending some effort, I heal myself and Yun While Marda puts the manacles on the Tiefling and makes sure they can't drown. As Melfina makes sure they can't die, we can hear splashing coming from the tunnel. It seems more people are coming to visit.