Dev and Ren lead the procession from the Sullen Selkie toward the Cargo Gat. They were followed by Sulwyn in his priestly garb and Ovo, along with Blossom, brought up the rear. The big warrior was well aware of a growing group of Rhennee who were loitering about the Shack Town and it's wharves. Devrick thought he picked out Dmitri's chief henchman among them.

"There appears to be at least two score or more of the barge folk. If I remember correctly you have some pull with them eh Deverick? Should we be concerned by their presence then? Are they a threat you think?"  Ren said in a low voice, not looking toward Deverick but keeping his attention upon the fast approaching Cargo Gate.

  Deverick looked at all the Rhennee and shrugged in response to Ren's question. " I dunno,Sir. There be two Barge Folk "Lords" for lack o' a better term, getting ready to square off it seems. They be of no concern ta us.. Least not now,anyways."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Fri 28 Oct 2016.

The party continued onward and through the Cargo Gate. Again the Watch patrol on duty waved them through once Deverick showed Derider's writ. As they walked off Deverick felt uneasy about something. Looking back and over his shoulder, he noticed the Watch Sergeant-at-Arms had a smile upon his face. Mayhaps it was that or the fact the big warrior did not recognize him. The same men usually manned the gates day after day unless sick or injured. This allowed the men to become better acquainted with those who passed through the portals and thus able to guard and police them all the better.

Come to think on it... none of the men looked the same. Each man there had not been there in the previous days. How could that be...

As the small group passed through the gate, Deverick did take note of the new faces that manned it. Even the sergeant was someone he had not known. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up, as he leaned over and whispered to Ren.

" Th gate guards, they nay be th same, Sir. I never av seen th buggers afore. Pass th word and keep sharp, trouble be in th air."

Even as Deverick whispered to his paymaster, two figures separated themselves from the wall and moved to block their way. One was a hulking Sergeant-at-Arms with a broadsword at his belt and a heavy crossbow in his hand. He has a bushy black beard and low heavy brow. His two beady dark brown eyes looked the party over and he finally nodded toward Deverick.

"That be him I wager Deputy Constable. The one called Deverick."

The other was only a finger-width over five feet but was quite rotund... nearly as wide as he was tall. He too wore a Watch Uniform but his was much more ornate and he wore a golden chain of office around his broad neck. His stubby bejeweled fingers rested upon a equally ornate short sword or extreme craftsmanship. The deputy Constable's oiled and perfumed hair fell in curly locks about his shoulders and and manicured goatee about his thin lips pursed in a pout.

"Is that true... warrior? Is that your name? If so I would have a word with you. I am Negely Gasgal- Day Watch Deputy Constable. These men are mine. There will be trouble only if you wish it."   

  Deverick knew something was wrong as soon as they passed through the gate. When the two blocked their path, and one bespoke of his being Gasgel, the Warrior was not really surprised.

"Aye, I be Deverick th tall. He was beginning to like that name, actually. If ye wish ta av a word with me, being a loyal citizen that I be,say on Deputy Constable. What be it I can do fer ye."

The Deputy Constable gave Dev a curt nod "Good and loyal citizen eh? I have sent for you going on two days and have yet to see you. My office is in the Old City. I would not speak of things of importance out here upon the streets. I know of Constable's Derider's agreement with you. Yet, I have another writ... I believe it overrides yours. It is signed by Sental Nurev- Captain-General of the Watch. You can go under your own free will or under arrest. Again... the choice is yours."

In reply to The Oligarch (msg # 7):

 Deverick frowned at the words of Nurev. " I knows that th Lord Mayor Himself, told ye ta drop this matter. So, I says yer warrant be a fake and nay city business,but yer own."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:18, Mon 07 Nov 2016.

Negly's pout became a full out frown and his big Sergeant-at-Arms' knuckles were white upon the stock of his crossbow.

Ovo gave a low whistle and Deverick could see the Watch Patrol guarding the gate were moving now, beginning to form a ring around the party.

"For a lowly mercenary you seem to know many in high places... Deverick. You speak of my uncle as if you know him. If he indeed has stated such, I have not heard it. I have been too busy of late to step foot in the High Quarter. I will allow one of your party, with an escort mind, take a message to him and await for a response. He, or she, can then bring it to my office. In the meantime, we shall have a little chat ourselves. There is much I need to know and your name has been bantered about enough for me to believe you have... at least some of the answers I seek. I do not wish for trouble let alone bloodshed but you must decide how this will go. I need you alive but your fellows will have no such guarantee. If you should draw steel I will blow my whistle. I have three more patrols are standing by."

 Deverick scowled at the man's words. He was more than tempted to draw "Elder brother" from his back, and have at this rogue. But those with Negely Gasgal, odds where, they were only fellow citizens, following orders.  The Warrior was running out of cards to play in this hand. He used the only thing he had left, before this went to cold steel, And that option, did not look as it would end well.

 Deverick brandished the ring of Ren O Star.

 " Me and me mates, we agents fer one o' the Oligarchs. Do ye intend ta interfere with Council business, Deputy Constable? It might not mean yer neck, but these lads with ye, they nay be blood kin ta th Lord Mayor. I says ye let us go bout our affairs, fer they be affairs O' an Oligarch."

 Deverick spoke these words with raised voice, so the others could hear him clearly.

Deverick was happy to see that his words indeed hit home to many of the watchmen with Negly. Those Watchmen exchanged furtive glances and more than one began to sweet. Only the Deputy Constable and his ogre-like bodyguard seemed unphased.

"That seems to be Lord Ren's ring but as you have so elegantly put, it may well be a replica or some such. No! I have waited long enough and I will not be swayed by threats from the likes of you. Your last chance Deverick... peacefully or by force? Your choice and yours alone."

However, before Dev could answer, Ren threw off his cloak and his face was red with anger!

"OAF! Am I too a replica to you! This man was doing as i have told him to do. Unlike you... he was risking his own neck not to divulge my identity. Yet, thanks to you... you simpleton! I have to risk my safety to quell some vendetta of yours. So you will now do me the honor of being my guard. You will do it or by the gods I'll have not only your job but yor arse in a sling! How did you put it... ah yes. The choice is yours and yours alone."

Negly was now beet red, whether from anger, embarrassment, or both, Deverick could not tell. He simple shouted.

"You heard Lord Ren o' the Star. Form up around him lads." he shouted.

He then turned to Ren and gave him a half bow "We are at your service M'lord."

Ovo snickered and said "That'd have ta be ah mighty big sling if'n ye asked me."

The turn of events, well, it had left Deverick in a mild state of shock. In almost the blink of an eye, the situation went from confrontation, and near sword play, to one of being escorted as a guard of honor, by the very man that had just threatened them.

 The Warrior felt a mixed bag of emotions, from relief for not having to fight, to a feeling of failure, due to Ren having to reveal himself. He leaned over and whispered to Ren O Star, as they moved along.

" I regret me failure, Sir. I understand if ye wish to dismiss me, when we finish this task." Offered Deverick in a most sincere manner. And he looked miserable when he said those words.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Fri 11 Nov 2016.

Ren smiled and gave the big warrior a firm pat on the back!

"Nonsense Deverick the Bold! You have served me in the most outstanding way. even now you would have risked your life to protect me and my secret. Nay, I trust you with both. You can and will be my man until you and only you wish not to be. Never have I seen a more loyal and dependable man. That goes for your group as well. The dwarf and maiden are to you what you are to me. By the gods I am glad to have you! One and all!"

"In fact, I amthinking the Mayor himself may have a mission for you and I will recommend you whole heartly for it my friend!" he said still beaming.

 Deverick actually felt better,when he heard Ren praise his companions and himself. " Ye honor us,Sir. We shall do our best for ye." Said Deverick,as they moved along. He kept an eye on the Deputy Constable and his pet with the crossbow.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:07, Sat 12 Nov 2016.

They made a strange procession as Ren and party moved toward the Processional itself. Surrounded by an elite patrol of Greyhawk's own Watch. Negly and his "pet", as Deverick named him, were out in front. The Deputy Constable's scowl and the brute's size was enough to clear the way. Ren had thrown up his hood once more and for all purposes was a mercenary like Dev and company. None that they passed could imagine why such a force was needed to escort a lowly cleric of Pelor no matter how beloved his faith was. Ovo, was quite tickled himself and was grinning ear to ear. Blossome wore a serious look and why not for only yesterday she had been attacked and nearly abducted.

The crowds already gathered moved out of their way as the group moved ever northward and toward the gate that separated the High City from the low. Once they had reached it, the patrol guarding that portal waved them on without question. One of their number actually nodded his greeting to Dev which did nothing to improve Negly's already sour mood.

Yet, it was on the other side of the gate that Dev and all else was surpised. For there stood Derider herself, armed ans armored for battle, along with another elite patrol of the Watch. Negly's scowl deepened if that was at all possible.

"Deputy Constable?" she said with a smile that was most forced. "How nice of you to escort a brother of my faith. You have my and Pelor's gratitude. However, I think we can handle it from here. Besides, the Old City no doubt requires your attention does it not?"

Negly turned beet red and he could barely spit out his response "AYE! As you wish CONSTABLE!"

With a nod he and his men did an about face and walked through the gate heading south. Derider held her tongue until the Deputy Constable was out of ear shot.

"Sulwyn, I thank and Pelor thank you or your service. Go back to the temple and tell them to be ever watchful. What we face is even darker than we once thought."

Sulwyn merely nodded and said his goodbyes to Dev and company. Then he was gone.

Derider looked to Dev "SO? I can only guess what brings you to the High Quarter. Yet, I know the Lord Mayor awaits you and your... friend. Are you ready to him... Deverick?"

         As the group moved along the main thoroughfare of the city, Deverick felt like he was part of some odd sort of parade. If Ren wanted to avoid detection, this was certainly not the way to go. He was still expecting the Deputy Constable to try something sneaky, but they arrived at the gate that led into the High Quarter.

 When the odd assortment passed through the darkness of the gates and into the light of High Quarter sunshine, it seemed they were to have another escort. But this one, at least had a hopefully friendly face.

 When the Constable dismissed the Deputy, Deverick spared his companions a quick glance, and offered them a smile. But his head suddenly snapped back to the front when the Constable addressed him, directly.

"Well met, Lady Constable. As to what brings us er, I am not th one to tell ye, Lady. That be for others to say, if they wish it. As for me and my mates meeting his Lordship th Mayor, I be sure he as better things to do, then meet with the likes o' me and mine."   

Derider chuckled at Dev's pronouncement and shook her head.

"Didn't Ren o' the Star tell you then? The mayor is to meet with us... all of us but he wants you there too. It seems there more work for your blade and band to come Deverick the Bold. The money isn't all that bad either, Besides after what Sulwyn told me it might do you and your friends some good to leave town for a while."

Ren again threw off his hood once more "Dam you Derider! The Mayor said naught of this to me! What... mission is it anyway? This man is in my employ after all."

Derider snickered at the Master Merchant "I thought that was you. The mission... well I'd best let the Mayor tell him. Besides, if I know Deverick like I think I know him, he'll do it because its in the city's best interest. He can still be your man... just the city's too."

 Deverick knew when to remain silent,when his betters, or at least his uppers where talking. He just  looked at Ren,then to Derider,then back to Ren.

Ren gave the constable a slight shrug "Well... well Deverick can decide yea or nay for himself once we here of this proposal. I would never stand in his way, especially if it meant serving the city you see but I want him to decide and no other decide for him. That is the last I'll say about that."

The Constable merely smiled "Well that sounds fair enough to me. You know the Mayor better than I Ren o' the Star but I doubt he'd order Deverick to go anywhere. Best to hear him out first."

The party moved off along the Processional as before and skirted the High Market yet they did not go to The Wheel of Gold as dev might have thought but the Mayor's own Manse! It was a beautiful sprawling building guarded by an Elite patrol of the Watch though Dev did not doubt that many of the so called servants of the place were not at least journeyman level thieves, as Org was a thief in good standing.

The ornate wide double doors was opened by one of the Watchman and a liveried servant then escorted the small group down a carpeted hallway with tapestries from far away Ekbrit and Zief. There were  marble busts of past mayors upon pedestals and the hall itself was lit by continual light globes made by the finest craftsmen of the Glassblower's Guild. The party was ushered further up the hall until they came to another door smaller but equally well decorated by a wood-worker of some skill.

"The mayor's inside. Though he only wishes to speak with the Constable, Master Ren and one named Deverick. The others can accompany me where I can serve you refreshments and where you may relax in peace."