You all have received a scroll hand delivered by a tough looking Kurgan warrior sporting a top knot. He introduced himself as Koryos and claimed to be in the employment of a man named Alembos.

Koryos was not of the talkative sort and if asked questions he will just point at the scroll before he turns to leave.

Contents of the scroll:

Greetings,
I am extending an invitation to grand adventure and travel as well as lucrative employment. Meet with me at The Alchemists Den, a small tavern in the Garden district, near the Heroes Harbor, tomorrow at noon. We will discuss terms of service then.

Looking forward to working with you.
Alembos Scion of Hyksos

The Alchemists Den was indeed a small tavern but easy enough to find as it sat right on the waterfront. A sign depicting a clay pot with flames shooting out of the top of it hangs over the door.

Sabetha arrives early, settling into a quiet area inside.  She orders a salted ale and sips at it while waiting on whoever is to show up.

A figure dressed in dark clothing entered into the inn her face was hidden by the cowl of hooded cloak.  The head moved left then right as if seeking for someone and not directly looking in one direction too long.

If closely examined one could tell the figure was slightly curvy to give a females shape.  Walking to the far side of the inn they took a seat and waited for the barmaid to come over.  Again if one was listening the would her a voice softly spoken ordering a glass of goat milk.

Nkruma arrives, the scroll still clutched in one paw-like hand. His feet and the bottoms of his breeches are soaked. His grey-black fur is thick, but some evident scars show through in some places. He smells not quite unlike a wet dog.

He stands in the entry way for a moment, muzzle bobbing as he sniffs the air while his eyes catch at the light. Satisfied by something, he steps into the room. He wears a silk cloak of a deep and shimmering blue that recalls the ocean's waves and depths.

Fernao received Koryos and his invitation and studies it. For a long time. After a few minutes of focus he bellows happily, "YES! Fernao likes 'looocratiiv'! Fernao will meet your boss.

"There will be wine?"

Looking up from the note he realizes that the Kurgan warrior was no longer there, but that was okay. He still had the note! The next morning after his exercise he took a long hot bath and spent a little extra time preparing himself. Lydia the serving girl at the inn where he kept a room and whom he has come to think of as a little sister was recruited to help him 'beflower' himself. When he was done he looked up and realized that it was nearly noon and in an 8' tall, 400 lb. swirly of flowery bejewelledness he hurries to The Alchemists Den.

When he enters the Tauran warrior looks about for somebody that looks as if they might be named Alembos or for Coriander or whatever the Kurgan fellow who had delivered the invitation yesterday had called himself. Instead he spies the Asena who entered not long before him. The sight stops him up short as he takes a deep breath taking in the cloak the wolfman wears and mumbles, "Ooooh. Is beautiful like the seas. It moves. Finest quality."

Moving forward he speaks, "Pardon me, Asena, but I must give you compliments upon your cloak. It is beautiful. It reminds me of the seas upon which I was not long ago. They are wet."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Tue 11 Feb 2014.

Brude spies Fernao, the big Tauran who he sailed with in the service of Youbdi enter under the sign before he even realized that this was the place that Ason had told him to meet for details on his contract.

He enters the building and takes in the room. Immediately he sees Fernao speaking to an Asena wearing a blue silk cloak. Knowing Fernao, he can readily imagine what he is saying. He waits until Fernao is done talking to this wolfman or at least he waits for a pause in their conversation before calling out,

"Fernao! Favorite of Youbdi! Am I to sail with you again?"

Fernao had not quite stopped speaking when he hears a voice from behind. It is a voice.... A voice he recognizes.

It takes another few seconds before another thought crashes upon the shores of the Minotaur's memory and this comes out much louder and with a big, happy grin, "Can only be BRROOOOOOOOD!"

He turns as if he had not started a conversation with the wolfman and if it is possible for an huge bullman with gold bedecked horns, neck, and arms and a bouquet worth of flowers of various types also woven around his horns and the torcs around his neck to look like a gamboling calf, then that is how he might be perceived.

"Hello!!! You are here too!", he confirms with his big arms wide open as if he is going to give a hug.

Brude almost winces at Fernao's elaborate greeting but he cannot help smiling.

"Yes, I am here too! I hope youa re here for the same reason. SOme good coin to be made and a bit of adventure to boot!"

Brude considers using a hero point to avoid the inevitable furry hug:)

Sitting back in the corner she watched at the two exchanged greetings an odd couple but still it seemed that they knew each other and surely was glad to see the other.  Now the question is are they trustworthy.  Hearing the one speak about sailing with him again.  That alone gave the Seer a slight tingling sensation on the back of her neck.

She continued to watch and listen to what the two had to say to each other.

The Asena turns and watches the exchange between the two men. When the anticipated embrace is dealt (or avoided) he will step closer. "My pardons, sirs, but given the state of this... institution, I would surmise that we are here on common purpose. Know you of Alembos of Hyksos?"

Under his fine, blue, silk cloak, the Asena wears a breastplate of bronze and numerous wood, bone, and bronze circlets around his wrists. A crudely carved symbol of the Orixa Olukun hangs around his neck.

Thamyron enters the common room, clad in a fairly plain brown robe, his long hair and beard only holding a few obsidian decorations. He steps to the side of the door, and his eyes sweep the room, openly evaluating the area.

Seeing Brude talking to Fernao,  he walks over to the two of them, waits for a break in their conversation and says,"Hello Brude.  Who is your friend here? I am Thamyron. "

Fernao does grab Brude in a bull-hug, which is as undamaging as it is affectionate. The two have been through a good deal together and this Minotaur clearly does not forget a friend. When he hears the voice behind him he turns with the smile still plastered across his face. Under his cloak, which is a fine gold colored wool, he too wears brass cuirass. In addition to the jeweled gold torc around his throat a is a necklace bearing a fine symbol of Orixa Erinle and he begins to speak when he hears another voice.

As if whipped around by winds two directions, Fernao turns to the newer voice, Thamyron, "Hellooo, Tameeron, I am Fernao the Flowered and I am indeed a friend of Booood!"

Almost as quickly, impressive given his size, his head shoots back to the Asena, "Yes, yes, we are here to meet Alemmmbos of Highksos."

Stepping back to look at all three men he nods with a certain seriousness, "I think we should drink wine."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Wed 12 Feb 2014.

With a toothy grin, the wolf-man turns to the bar and raises his voice. "The great Tauran has spoken. We shall have wine!"

Standing up from her chair, she waves her hand to the newly assembled gathering.

"It seems that we're all here for the same reason," she calls.  "Join me at my table!"

She gestures expansively to the empty seats near her.  A wide grin spreads across her pitch colored lips, her very white teeth glimmering in the low light of the room.  She catches the eye of the serving man, winking at him and twirling her finger to indicate drinks.

As the Atlantean speaks, Nkruma's ears involuntarily twitch. The old conditioning runs deep in all the Andamen, and Nkruma is no exception. To the men before him, he nods, then turns and strides towards the table.

He bows from the waist slightly, head cocked to one side, neck exposed. "Good day, Lady. Are you, too, here to meet Alembos? Or are you his employer?"

Fernao's smile returns once his serious question about he need for wine was confirmed. When the woman offers her table that is quite convenient,"YES! Thank you..."

"WINE! Please, bring us wine. NO! More than that, pleeeese!, he shouts merrily to the servers as he takes a seat.

To the Atlantean woman he says, "You are kind to invite us to join you, Mistress. I am Fernao the Flowered. Perhaps you have heard of me? May I ask your name? Will you help us drink this wine? This is my friend Brude and these are others I have just met, but my friend Brude seems to know them.  I believe they will help us drink this wine as well.

Without pausing he grabs the first cup brought to them and quaffs it with a smile only pausing to refill it and look around as if he is expecting a show.

The serving girl, a pretty young Atlantean woman smiles at the big Tauran and brings several large pitchers of wine tot he table as well as a heavy stool for the massive bull-man to sit on.

"Master Alembos has made it clear that you are not to be charged and are to be treated as his guests here." she says as she goes off only to come back with trays of meat, cheese and bread.

Which begs the question...wouldn't the Taurans be vegetarians?

He pict nods a thank you to the woman at the table. Taking a goblet and filling it to the brim Brude drinks deep then finally answers the Wolf man's question.

"I know Alembos by name only. I crew with Captain Ason of the ROsy FIngered Dawn. He has been contracted by this Alembos for a journey east. I can only guess that this is what this is about. I am pilot and navigator of said craft. Ason is a good man and a good captain."

He points to Thamyron and says, "Seems my good friend Thamyron here received on of those scrolls as well, Thamyron, pull up a chair and get in on this wine before the great Fernao drinks it all down in one mighty gulp!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Wed 12 Feb 2014.

Fernao does indeed take a mighty gulp and follows it up with some cheese, "We are guests, Broood, so we need not be concerned about running out of wine! Also because I would not drink all even if so, until everyone has had some.", he says somewhat self consciously.

"Yes, I too have sailed with Captain Aaason upon the Rosee Feengered Don with Broood."

OOC: I'm playing Fernao as one who prefers veg to meat (he'll eat the latter if required or just really hungry) unless I get some official ruling about this.

The serving girl next brings out a large bowl of fruit and root vegetables. She sets them down in front of Fernao and smiles. She then grabs up the empty pitchers and brings them back refilled with chilled wine.

I would consider Taurans to be ruminants just the Asena would be carnivores or at least mainly carnivorous.Bulls seem to have no problem packing on muscle with a grain and grass diet, I don't don't a Tauran would either.

Nkruma spears some of the meat and a glass of the wine. He stares at the others, listening carefully. Between mouthfuls, he speaks.

"So, Alembos is paying for all of this. And, he's hired a ship to sail east." He fingers the small mirror (etched with waves) that hangs around his neck, and points at the Pict with his cutlery. "You are the pilot of said craft. I imagine that makes the Tauran a laborer. And perhaps skilled with a blade, hr?" He looks over at Thamyron and Sabetha. "Though I am favored by Olukun and may intercede with him on our behalf while we sail, in truth, I am more skilled with a blade or a bow." 

Watching and listening, she finishes off her salted ale and pours a cup of wine.

"I am mo ones employer, but my own," she replies after taking a drink.  She reaches for a piece of cheese and bites at it almost daintily.  "My weapon of choice?  My tongue."

She grins a moment at the implications before taking another bite.

Thamyron listens to the conversation as he sits and one hand snakes out to grab a goblet of wine. He brings it up to his mouth and takes a small sip, a considering look on his face. Apparently satisfied,  he smacks his lips and then up ends the goblet to drink quickly. He slams the empty goblet back on the table, a satisfied look on his face.

Brude winks at his old friend Thamyron then turns to the woman whose table they share,

"You are no ones employee? Is that what you are going to tell Alembos when he arrives? You never favored us with your name my lady. I am Brude, formerly of Pictland, now living abroad."

His eye travels tot he other Atlantean woman sitting alone in the tavern as he waits for the first to answer.

"You misheard. I am no ones employer," she says.  Her pitch colored lips lift into a smile, showing her very white teeth.  "Not at this moment, at least."

She finishes the morsel of cheese and washes it down with a drink of wine.

"I'm Sabetha of Tharshesh," she replies, slightly inclining her head to all who have joined her.

"Tharshesh," Nkruma nearly spits a mouthful of wine onto the table. "Hm. Yes. Tharshesh. I have not been to those famous shores, but many Tharshi traders used to stop over in the ports of Ophir when I was but a pup."

He takes a smaller sip of the wine. "So, Brude, what can you tell us about this ship, the Rosy Fingered Dawn? Is she a cargo vessel, a ship of war, a fast schooner? Does she ply the deep fastness of Olukun or the narrow confines of Oshun?" The Asena seems to be digging and gnawing at the issue of what this future employment might entail, worrying at the issue until he can find a way to the marrow of the matter.

Slowly swirling the dregs of wine in his cup, Thamyron adds to Nkruma's inquiry, asking in a low voice, "And do we have any idea where it's next journey is bound?"

When Thamyron slams down his cup, Fernao, having cut an apple in half and placed a large slice of cheese upon it, grabs a pitcher and fills the Atlantean's cup up. Biting into his be-cheezed apple he put the pitcher down and drains his own cup. Filling it again he also fills anyone else's who has had at least a sip of their own, puts another piece of cheese on the other half of the apple he just ate, and eats that.

As he does so he notes there is bread and taking a piece he dips it into his cup and with the other hand grabs a piece of cheese and eats them together. Smiling, he quaffs, calls for another pitcher and refills his cup and any others within reach with the pitcher he has now picked up. Pausing, he picks up a chunk of bread and bites into a carrot before taking another drink and refilling his own and any other cup that is not pulled away from his reach. (Given that he's 8' tall that puts pretty much everyone around the table within range.)

While he is partaking in the food and refreshment he listens and smiles, often in response to a comment made by one of the speakers, but, generally, one might assume that it is because the food is good and it is available. And the wine.

He empties another pitcher...

Brude dips his head slightly and says,
"Apologies, Sabaetha, paying attention have never been one of my strong points."

He replies to Nkruma,
"The Rosy Fingered Dawn is a two masted sailing ship, she is very old but well kept. She is hot a hugger of shores, Ason is far to bold to captain a ship that fears the open water. As for where we head next. I was told the Plains of Scythia was our destination but that was just rumor on board ship."

"Well, the Unknowable One's wet blessing be upon us," Nkruma lifts his cup and drinks. "Scythia, you say? Hm. I don't know much of it. Have any of you ever journeyed so far?"

"I have sailed all over the Mediterranean, including the shores of Scythia. In some way the Kurgan make my own people look civilized. I have never actually set foot on the land though."

As if on cue, Koryos the Kurgan enters the Alchemist's Den. Hellos around doing a quick headcount..."WE are missing only one...Alembos will be here shortly accompanied by Captain Ason. Drink, Eat...soon you will know why you are here."

The rough looking warrior strides over to the table and grabs up a goblet. Pouring himself some wine he looks the group over once again.

Koryos is tall, muscular and menacing looking. He wears studded leather armor and a broad bladed dagger is thrust through his belt. His head is shaved save for a small top knot bound with leather. He looks to be in his early 30's but has so many scars it is really hard to make out his age. He might be younger.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

"Not one missing, not now," says a voice, as a man with coal black hair and a mischievous twinkle in his eye follows Koryos into the room.

His eyes dance quickly around the room, and he quickly follows up his statement with, "let us hope they arrive soon, before that great Tauran over yonder has everyone too besotted to understand what they have to say!"

Fernao had just taken a bite of a pear, which is to say, thrown it into his mouth an chewed it up, albeit in a surprisingly dainty manner when the new human walked in. He was topping off his goblet when he was accused of getting everyone besotted. With a smile he pours wine into another glass and hands it to the fellow, "This one pours, but each one drinks as they will. I am Fernao the Flowered, what is the missing one's, now found's, name?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:11, Fri 14 Feb 2014.

Accepting the wine with one hand, and clapping the Tauran on the shoulder with the other, he responds with a laugh, "I can tell already that we will become great friends, Fernao the Flowered!  I am called Conall," and in a quieter voice adds, "and well, many other less pleasant names," he stops, swigs his wine, and reaches for the food.  "I gather we had best make merry while we can, as we are in for quite a journey!"

Who is in the room?

Brude the pict,
Conall
Fernao the Flowered
Nkruma
Sabatha
Thamyron

The Atlantean woman sitting alone drinking goat milk
A short wiry human in his twenties, sitting alone.
A large man, most likely a soldier also sitting alone
These three have not partaken of the food and wine.

Koryos the Kurgan.
The serving girl
The barkeep

As those in the tavern enjoy the food set out for them, or do not as the case may be, the door opens and three men walk through, an older Atlantean man, A broad shouldered Man in half armor and a large man in scale armor wearing a wolf pelt.

The man in the wold pelt shuts the door and stands next to it, spear in hand, shield on arm and gladius on his hip. The other two step into the middle of the room.

The older Atlantean bows deeply and says...I"I am Alembos, it is I who have gathered you here. I hope you are enjoying the hospitality of my modenst business enterprise here."

He points at the broad shouldered man and says..."This is Captain Ason, some of you already know him. I have contracted him and his crew for an important voyage. Att he door is Vranu, he is my personal bodyguard and you have already met Koryos. He will be most important as our guide where we intend to go."

The captain of the Rosy Fingered Dawn nods his head towards the room and says..."I look forward to having you all sail with me if you choose to come along."

The man introduced as Vranu stands near the door silently. He is clearly if a military background but has a wild look to him. The wolf pelt he wears comes uses the head of the wolf as a sort of hood.

Nkruma barks a short grunt. "And where is it that you intend for us to go, Master Alembos? Though I know you from times past in Ophir, I know not of your current pursuits. There has been some talk that Scythia might be our destination. That is a journey of some length, is it not? What is it you seek?" His eyes drift from Alembos to Vranu. More particularly, the wolf-pelt that adorns Vranu's back and head.

Alembos smiles at Nkruma..."Yes, we have met years ago, I was nto sure if it was the same Nkruma that Koryos had scouted for me, I suspected it but am pleasently surprised to see you here.

Yes we travel to far of Scythia, to the Village of Stars on the border of Vir and then deeper into the Scythian heartland. Koryos will be our guide there. We seek a particularly potent strain of the imarelle mushroom. As an alchemist by trade, I have come up with a better way to produce the imarelle potion known to the Kurgans. I need a good number of these mushrooms and as you can guess, this is not a trip into non0hostile territory for me. I will need much help to get the numbers I need and get back here in one piece."

Brude looks up from his drink and asks,

"I am already a member of Ason's crew as is Fernao, why ask us here if we are already going?

Alembos smiles as he answers..."We will be heading inland after we make the Scythian shore. I need a navigator beyond Koryos. Ason assures me that your knowledge of the stars is unmatched by anyone he knows. The tauran...he is a brute and we will rn into hostiles. So you see I need you beyond your capacities as sailors."

Nkruma nods his shaggy head. "And payment for this venture, should we choose to embark upon it?"

He grins, a lupine and somewhat feral grin, a grin that some men might call mad. "Rather say what enumeration we might receive upon our return, if we return, for I am certain now that I shall go with you. As long as we do not sail to Ophir's shore, I am free. Olukun rules the wide sea and myself as well. I will go with you. For now we merely quibble over price." He drains the last of his drink and slams the cup down on the table. "When do you wish to depart? The night before we sail, I will wish to visit the temples here."

A thought enters his mind and he turns his eye to Ason. "Master of the ship, I must ask you, is there a shrine to Olukun aboard your vessel or do you worship some other, pagan god? And what do you envision those of us who are not seamen doing during the voyage?"

When Alembos calls him a brute, Fernao smiles, but does not say anything. Neither does he eat or drink. He just sits there. Smiling.

Alembos smiles back at the Asena and continues. He reaches into his sash and produces a small bag. Throwing them on the table he says..."Each of you will receive a bag of gems like this one. While this will not set you up for life it is a good amount and you will live like a king for a while."WR+2

He leans forward onto the edge of the table..."But the real prize lies further inland than the Village of Stars. Deep into Scythian plain, across the Sea of Grass lies an ancient Atlantean ziggurat. An ancient temple that the Kurgan avoid . What lies waiting for us in this temple? It is hard to say but it has gone untouched for ages. It is likely that we will be the first to set foot upon it's paving stones in a thousand years. This is where those ell versed in the arts of sorcery will come into use most of all. What we find there we will divide evenly. The journey for mushrooms will pay for the venture but once the mushrooms are gathered we will be free to explore the ziggurat."

Thamyron leans forward, and looks Alembos squarely in the eyes. He responds in a cold, clear voice,"You say we will split things evenly. But you hint at sorcerous secrets to be revealed, magical powers gained. How will those be split with those who aren't able to use them? And on the way back, once we get you to the ship, can we go our own way? I have some things to investigate in that part of the world."

His head swings to Brude and he says in a lower voice, and a hint of pain creeps into his voice as he says, "Ahmose has Ilyria. And is trying to hide."

Alembos addresses Thamyron..."There surely will be spoils of a non magical nature found as well. I imagine we can find compensation for the non sorcerers win that."

He listens to what Thamyron tells Brude then nods his head saying..."You will be free to leave at any time but perhaps since we are already there we can help you with whatever dilemma you face?"

"We do have a shrine devoted to Olukun on the ROsy Fingered Dawn. A priest of Olukun will be most welcome! As for thos who are not seamen, they will be made into seamen!"

Brude winces when he hears what Thamyron has said to him.

"You will have my help brother. I told that bastard Ahmose, the I would have his head. It is nigh time to make good on that."

In the corner the hooded figure takes a sip from the glass before her.  There was a lot being said and if they were to travel to the lands of Scythian plain this was something that Sabetha might have a thing to say.  In all time the Seer waits to see what Sabetha might have to say.

There was a slight smile under the hood to hear of the arts of sorcery. She was a Sorceress and still coming into her own power.

Fernao's smile does not fade as he listens to the offer and Alembos's response to Thamyron. He manages to catch the exchange between the latter and Brude and rumbles, "An enemy of Broood's is an enemy of Fernao's."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:34, Sat 15 Feb 2014.

Conall eyes the gems and smiles.  "It looks sufficient for me!  I am in."  He watches the others as they speak, and finishes, "as for the rest, let us get to Scythia and survive, then decide what we will do after!"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:42, Sat 15 Feb 2014.

Nkruma reaches out and picks up one of the gems. He lifts it, eyeing it appraisingly, turning it to and fro to catch the light. "Hm. Will you provide any of this before the journey as well? Buying a sacrificial lamb or some sacred oil to sacrifice to Olukun before our journey would not be remiss."

After setting the gem down, he fingers the bronze chestplate under his cloak. "I might be interested in picking up a new shield or the like as well before we depart."

You will receive your payment once e get back to the ship aftye the Scythian plains but I do intend to outfit this party with whatever it needs. My resources are not limitless but I am rather well to do. So please outfit yourselves as you see fit. Do not worry about mounts, we will get them once we reach the Village of Stars. Also note that I am an alchemist by trade so there will be some elixirs and potions available to us while we are traveling. I also have a small lab set up on board the ship."

He looks around the small tavern and smiles..."This place is one of my whims...it is rarely open to the public but it makes quite a profit when it is."

"We will leave the day after next at dawn so go to the temple if you need to. THere is time enough for most anything."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Sat 15 Feb 2014.

While all the chatting had proceeded around her, she sat silent, listening and watching.  Her gold-flecked emerald eyes flitting from person to person.

When the bag of gems fell to the table she gave it a long, appraising look before looking back up at the face of the older Atlantean man, her potential employer.

She reaches forward and plucks another piece of cheese from the platter before ripping off a hunk of bread.  She settles back and takes a small bite.  She chews thoughtfully before leaning forward, one hand on the table, the other still on her lap.

"You know my... talents," she says, half statement and half question, to her potential employer.  "Why do you want me along?  Or am I the new chef for your ship?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Sat 15 Feb 2014.

Alembos smiles at Sabetha..."Yes Sabetha, i know of your telents. You have been well scouted. Let us just say that your skills fill in some of the holes we have as a group."

Thamyron nods to Fernao in respectful acknowledgement of his statement.

He looks back to Alembos and says, "Ilyria is my lover, and she, Brude, and I fought together in the time of the Red Tide. Ahmes Ahmose was a brute from Acheron who we kept running into and making look bad, however we never managed to kill him.  He vowed to kill us all, but has been up to now rather inept. I've sent back the assassins he's sent after me in pieces. However, he appears to have changed tactics. I heard from some of Ilyria's crewmen that Ahmose had kidnapped her. The rumor was he was heading through Scythia back to Khem, but his trail seems to have dried up. I have been trying to find more information, but have been unsuccessful so far."

She glances up at the tall and handsome Alembos and her eyes seem to sparkle with amusement.  She nods and shrugs.


She listens to Thamyron speak, but says nothing.

With a twitch of an ear, Nkruma turns towards Koryos. "Alembos says that you will be our guide when we arrive in Scythia. You know the lands well? What sort of dangers might we face? What can you tell us of the place?" He barks a short laugh. "I am sure I will be plying you with many questions while we are aboard ship. I prefer to be well-prepared."

Koryos steps forward..."The plains if Scythia are my home, I know them well. The greatest danger for us will most likely be the Kurgan raiders. Not everyone who lives in Scythia is a kurgan horseman, many are but some are farmers, some are fishermen. My own people are from the mountains, a tribe called the Hippomelgi."

"we must also be wary of packs of griffins. They are drawn to horses...I know the area the ziggurat is located in. It is a cursed place and said to be haunted but by what I have no idea. We will have to deal with what scares the locals when we get there."

Conall avails himself of the food, and grunts through a mouthful.  "Is there anything else we should know?  If our employer is tending to the arrangements for travel, a day is more than I need, I'm ready to go now." 

Alembos looks at Conall and answers him..."I think we have convered most everything. I am encouraged by your enthusiasm Cimmerian!

He looks up..."So far only Nkruma the Asena and the Cimmerian here has confirmed they are going.  What about the rest of you?"

The young man who had been quiet up until now stands and says, "You can count me in. I am known as Aias of Hellas."

Far in the back the form in the hooded cloak stands and moves closer.

"I will be going along with you as well.  I'm known as The Seer. her voice was a soft young girl.

Thamyron nods his head and says, "As long as you understand the constraints I am under, I will accompany you."

"This brute will come with you for your beautiful gems and to see a place he has never visited before."

Her long lashed eyes blink slowly and she tips her chin in a sort of nod.

"I'll arrange the food for the trip," she says.  "Better send your man with a purse so he can pay for and tote the things I'll need."

She pushes her chair back from the table and stands.  Tall for a woman, even tall for an Atlantean woman, but perfection like all Atlanteans. She reaches out to pat the two nearest her on the shoulders in a friendly fashion, a smile spreading on her perfect ebony lips.

Brude who has been caught up in a very tasty goblet of wine finally nods his head,

"AYe, you have me as well if for no other reason than to keep both Fernao and Thamyron out of trouble."

The large soldier who has not spoken yet, stands and quickly makes his way out of the tavern. Vranu moves out of his way to let him leave.

Alembos frowns as he sees the man leave..."Too bad, he was a good fighting man by all accounts but perhaps he lacked the testicular fortitude to undertake such a journey?"

"No matter, we have all we need here. Unless there are any more questions, let us meet on the Rosy Fingered Dawn the morn after next."

Thamyron looks up at Alembos and says, "Since you seem to have put a great deal of effort into setting up this expedition, are there any items we should run down before leaving here?"

Once that is answered and any other questions and the group seems to be breaking up, he will motion Fernao and Brude to join him for a short discussion.

Alembos shakes his head..."We are well outfitted. Just get what you need for your own gear and we should be good."

He looks at Sabetha and replies in kind..."As with the rations. We are well stocked. Once on board you are more than welcome to peruse the galley and we can go from there if you do not find it adequate. Remember I share the same Atlantean tastes that most do here in our greatest city. I do not go for field rations or the like."

As the hardened soldier is allowed to leave, Nkruma waits a moment to speak. "Is there no fear that that man might run to your ... rivals and reveal your plans? Or is there no need of haste in this venture?"

When Thamyron, Brude, and Fernao pull aside to talk, Nkruma hesitates a moment, waiting for Alembos's response.

Conall looks inquiringly at Alembos, curious as to his response to Nkruma.

Alembos smiles and shakes his head..."The yet unraided ziggurat is well known among my peers, it's location is not. We have our guide, Koryos, if someone were to steal him then perhaps I would start to worry but for now I am ok with the man leaving...of course he is being tailed right now, just as any of you would have been."

A wolfish grin spreads across Conall's face.  "That, sir, sounds like fun in itself!"  He pauses a moment, as though considering, still smiling broadly, "but I like the sound of your adventure more than a game of cat and mouse, as tantalizing as that may be," he laughs.

Nkruma nods his head once, his snout dipping towards his chest slightly. "Very well. I shall go and make a sacrifice to the gods and pick up my belongings. I shall see you all aboard ship."

He will rise and move closer to Thamyron, Brude, and Fernao. "I heard your words of Ahmes Ahmose. I, too, have faced the Khemite, though not in battle. I," he pauses, thinking of the proper words while standing before the gaze of this Atlantean. "I have something that he once strove to possess. In payment, he has turned my home and city against me with false accusations. Though there is no solace for that ache, perhaps the secret I bear might shed some light upon the Khemite's future plans."

Hearing Nkruma's words, Thamyron motions for him to join them. Once the main meeting wraps up, he speaks, "Any information would be helpful. I should have run that dog down years ago. Judging by the ineptitude of his assassins, I assumed he would remain an insignificant pest. I was wrong. It is time to break him into little pieces and feed him to the sharks."

His face and posture tightens as he admits to being wrong, and after that his voice becomes sharp and hard. A wind seems to blow through his hair, and his green eyes flash.

Nkruma shrugs. "He was in Ophir some years back before... well, in any case, that is where I met him. And though his body displayed some of the twisted signs of one long acquainted with the use of sorcery, he was a pleasant enough man. He was researching something in our libraries there. He financed an expedition out to sea. I, and others, accompanied him." Nkruma hesitates, looking over his shoulder in what seems a reflexive gesture learned in years long past "He ... called something up. Something like the Makara, the sea-devils. They brought him something and he gave them something in return. He gave them a large number of the crew of the ship." He swallows. "My master's son, whom I was with, objected. They argued. My master's son was killed and I nearly so in defending him. Ahmose had me thrown overboard, and by the time I was able to make it back to shore, he had spread lies that I went berserk and killed my master's son. That the missing sailors had sacrificed themselves to stop or slay me in turn." His ears lowered, he shakes his head slightly. "I found him. I stole the thing the Makara had given him. It is with my belongings, but I shall bring it with us."

Brude looks on as Nkruma tells his tale.

"How can so many here have been touched by Ahmose? It is almost like the gods have placed us together eh? I look forward to learning more about this item and whatever it is, I hope we have a chance to use it against him."

"The item? It is... a horn. Like a hunting horn, but of no beast that walks the land. It is a frightful thing to behold. It's very touch and visage can set the hearts of those around it to hammering, and when it is sounded it can strike fear into those for many steps around." He shrugs, almost absently. "It certainly has it's uses, though I prefer to keep it hidden away because of the fear it engenders."

Koryos overhears Nkruma speak of the horn..."Is it possible to target certain fols with this horn or will it bring fear to all tha can hear it? This could come in veryhandy should we be attacked on the plains."

Nkruma shrugs. "If I had it on me and were to take out here, we each would feel the cold caress of fear. When the horn is blown, fear comes also to the enemies of the horn. Just as a bold warrior might attempt to frighten his foes, so too the horn can bring terror to those who oppose its wielder." He pauses a moment. "Or so I understand it. As I said, I do not like to bring it out into the light of the sun because of its evil mien. But, as these men were speaking of Ahmose, I felt it best that all know of this horn and Ahmose's past connection to it."

Koryos nods his head making his top knot bob up and down..."THis is good to know. Just make sure youc arry it when we cross the Scythian plains. The Kurgan's are known as fearless but we willsee if your horn will call this out for a myth. I already know they fear the strong magic of the ziggurat, let's see how this horn fairs should we need it."

Fernao has listened as he wove strips of leather into a new bracelet having finished weaving flowers into the one he first began. When Korys spoke he humphed, speaking in a gentle rumble, "Yes, this horn is powerful magic, Nkruma. Many have learned that Fernao is as Ferocious as he is Flowered, but he prefers to be Flowered."

The tall Kurgan looks up at the even taller Tauran and smiles thinly..."I speak of the horn that Nkruma has in his possession. I have no doubt of your magical nature my new friend. Only a enchanted beast could be covered in so many flowers as yourself!"

Thamyron looks intently at Nkruma, and removes a folded piece of parchment and a piece of charcoal which he lays out on the table. He speaks in a quiet, calm voice but his eyes glint with interest as he leans slightly forward, "In Ophir you say? Where exactly?  And do you think you could sketch the horn on this for me?"

Nkruma nods to Thamyron, awed somewhat by the Atlanteans direct glare. "Aye, in Ophir's jewel cities. It was in Ogbu, the City of the Shattered Mirror, that I encountered him. He said he had come from our capital, Khafir, up the coast where the great university lies." Nkruma's sketch is quite crude; he seems nervous and his clawed hands grip the charcoal perhaps a bit too tightly to keep from shaking. As a result some of the charcoal crumbles and leaves smudges, both on the parchment and on his fur. He frowns at the poor quality and rubs at his muzzle, leaving another smear of charcoal there. "I am not good at this. I apologize. When we are aboard the ship, you can see it. Perhaps it will not affect you as strongly as it did myself."

Thamyron shakes his head back and forth, his beard and hair shaking with a quiet chiming noise. A rueful smile appears on his face, and his white teeth flash.

"I should have thought more carefully. Let me see your drawing, and then you tell me what is different. It would be good to have a sketch to research before we leave. You just keep the horn safe. After we finish this, tell me any other details you remember, particularly on the Makara like creatures."

He folds out another piece of parchment, and holds out his hand for the charcoal. A look of determination appears on his face, as his mind focuses in on the task of finding out everything he can about Ahmose's plans.

The Asena nods his head briefly. "The mouth of the horn is wider. And this curve is more... It is more." He gestures, trying to shape the horn in the air with his hands. "Like an ibex and a ram together." He runs a claw along the side of the drawing. "There are some symbols carved into the horn here. And here. When wet, it smells strongly of fish. I try to keep it out of the rain."