A Scholarly Issue

[dreamweaver]

The middle of spring wasn't as bright as the earlier part, when it was all sunshine and bright hope. Though the farmers would definitely say it's perfect weather, for its nurturing rains, not many others liked it. The frequent drizzles made all tracks and some roads muddy to the point that it was dangerous to travel fast. However, the cold was over, and for that, everyone was happy.

Near midday, when people usually were at home for lunch, found Abe on the street, wandering in town. It looked to be just another irrelevant and drab day, when a 14-year-old boy obviously spotted him, and closed in fast. He even waved his hand in his direction, so it couldn't be random.

When he came up to Abe, he greeted him. "Excuse me, sir. Are you mister Absalom?" There was hope in his voice, hope that he didn't have to continue plodding in the occasional rain.

You can decide where Abe is coming from and going to.

[DrRenfield]

Abe scratches his stubbled jaw and tries to recall any debts or grudges that may be coming due.

"Who's looking?"

[dreamweaver]

"I'm Adare Kalrios, Master Oldrito's apprentice, and the Argent College would like to discuss an undertaking with you. Master Oldrito is a prominent member of the College, and he is much interested in this undertaking." He looks sideways for a moment. "And there is lunch soon, which you are invited to." - he adds in a condescending voice.

[DrRenfield]

Abe pretends to carefully weigh the invitation, but the boy had him at the offer of lunch. He matches Adare's condescending tone, "I suppose I can spare an hour or two for the Argent College. Lead on."

[dreamweaver]

The boy looks a little offended, but nonetheless he turns around and leads Abe along the streets, until they arrive at a larger house. It does have a sign saying Argent College, but it's hardly recognisable due to wear and tear, it must be decades old. The walls, windows and the front door are in similar condition, although those are definitely maintained to be usable.

Adare opens the large door and lets him into the antique building, which opens to a cosy hall, in sharp contrast to the outer conditions.

"Welcome to the Argent College." he says with awe and reverence. "The dining hall is over there." and he points at a finely carved door further down the hallway.

[DrRenfield]

"Good lad," Abe flips Adare a copper piece to enjoy watching him prickle.

Abe strides to the door, drawing himself up the full extent of his small stature. He summons the vestiges of his noble dignity and tries to lend his battered kit and wooden armor an air of veterancy rather than poverty.

He breathes deep and enters the Spirit Sensing Stance. His discipline has lapsed from his academy days, but the caution instilled by his training hasn't left him. Especially in the presence of strange wizards.

He pushes through the doors.

[dreamweaver]

He does seethe at the coin, and without a word follows Abe into the hall.

It is rather small as halls go, but given the size of the building it is no surprise. Three old men and two old women are sitting around it, and a young maid is ready to serve soup. When the newcomers enter, one of the scholars stands up and introduces himself. "I am Oldrito Hasiend, professor of the Argent College. Welcome, Sir to our house of learning and wisdom."

Two of his colleagues watch him definitely bored, but the others enjoy the formality, and wait for Abe to return the favor.

[DrRenfield]

Abe slides into an available seat, “But of course, sir.” He takes a wry tone, unable to suppress his instinctual need to be annoying after the pleasure of teasing Adare. “How could I refuse lunch in one of the most,” Abe glances about, “august colleges in the region.”

[dreamweaver]

"Well, it's not hard to be the most august if there's none other within a hundred miles." - the bored female responds to Abe's sarcasm. She is about forty, the youngest of the professors.

The others sit up suddenly, looking annoyed. "Knowledge does not become less important by joking about it." - Oldrito adds. In the meantime the maid starts serving lunch, filling Abe's plate first. Being a guest has its privileges.

"We are looking for an individual who can explore one of the ruins around the Gleamlake. We'd like to determine whether blue mold can survive in a cellar so close to a body of water."

[DrRenfield]

“You want to commission me to find mold?” genuine puzzlement replaces Abe’s smugness for a moment, but he quickly recovers. “Thinking of investing in some waterfront property for a new fungiculture wing?”

Abe takes a thoughtful spoonful of soup, “Why come to a sellsword? You've clearly done some research on me to have your boy ask for me by name. Why not send apprentices? Or offer a finder's fee to the locals in the Shrouded Hills?”

[dreamweaver]

"I am Lenna DeMiers, Mister Absalom." - the woman speaking earlier interjects quickly, "Our little group has had a long debate about blue mold and its necessary conditions for survival. You are not that far from the truth, actually, but this specific growth has several arcane uses, and we are interested in that."

While she is speaking, Master Oldrito rolls his eyes in disbelief several times, and sits back in his chair, looking very annoyed. Another colleague of him continues where Professor Lenna has left off. "There is a common problem with your suggestions, sir. This particular ruin is occupied, and in a complicated way, at that. Two groups of outlaws set up their respective homes, in two different wings of the remains of the fort. Warring bandits, yes. We need someone who can both outsmart them, and is not afraid of physical conflict when push comes to shove."

Master Oldrito gradually leaves the exasperated attitude, and by the time second colleague finishes, he is just nodding again and again. "You are correct, we researched you a little. Nothing sensitive, though, just what can be learned by asking around."

[DrRenfield]

"I suppose you’ll know my rate then?" Abe quips.

As a point of pride Abe is resolved to drive a bargain, but his mind is already traveling west and flicking through options and strategies for engaging the bandits. The long winter and recent rains have made him restless for action.

Another thoughtful spoonful of soup, “What if the blue mold can’t survive near the lake? How will I prove I searched?”

[dreamweaver]

All six of them start having lunch by now, in very different styles. Lenna seems to be of noble background, Oldrito is either noble or very well learned in being proper, while the other three scholars are mostly practical. Adare is respectfully listening to the conversation without saying anything.

Master Oldrito answers first, "We are willing to pay three gold ducats for the travel, and your troubles with the outlaws."

"Well, we'll have nothing but your word on that. Our little research tells us you will actually do the job, sir." - Lenna responds to Abe's last question.
-

It is a fair price, almost a third of monthly average lifestyle.

[DrRenfield]

Abe gives a nod, "I've received my share of colorful epithets, but I've never been accused of leaving a job half done."

"Are academics the betting type? If I return with a sample of the mold, I propose a fourth gold ducat be added to my payment by the disbelieving faction."

[dreamweaver]

At first, there's a little silence following Abe's proposal, but soon a snug smile spreads on Oldrito's face. "So, my dear colleagues, do you feel confident enough about your theory to risk a ducat on it?"

Lenna and a man look at each other, and their inner struggle is easily visible on their faces. At last, Lenna nods and the man turns to the mercenary. "Very well, mister. We are confident enough of our theory -- and the reasoning behind it."

Oldrito's smile turns into contented one before he continues. "If you need provisions for your little journey, we can spare one of those three gold pieces in advance."

[DrRenfield]

Abe smiles, “We have a contract then”

While taking full advantage of the meal, Abe becomes engrossed in the new endeavor and begins to forget the repartee. He barrages Oldrito with questions while he eats:

Are any precautions necessary to handle to transport the mold specimen?

Where precisely is the ruin? How many miles from Graystone?

What was the structure’s original function?

What is known of the bandits’ numbers?

What of their leadership?

[dreamweaver]

Yes, we have a contract. Would you like a written statement?

You'll be provided with a glass container, and any damp piece of fabric will keep it alive for a day inside it.

The ruin is a single day's travel or less. If you follow the trail along the Deep River, then continue an hour or two eastward at the shore of the Gleamwater you'll find it easily. It was once a forward fort, but with the start of Greystone, it was soon abandoned.

There aren't many of the outlaws there, if there were and they meant serious trouble, the town leadership would send a real force there to remove them. Still, they make some trouble for the traders, so they aren't afraid of a fight with guards. They have no famous leaders.

[DrRenfield]

Abe nods thoughtfully and chews, fully engrossed between the job’s details and the large lunch.

“Nothing in writing is necessary. If you researched me, you know that I won’t be taking you to court if I’m cheated,” Abe smiles to take the threat out of the statement.

[dreamweaver]

All others present look at the mercenary with visible indignation. "The college and its associates do not cheat." Lenna states matter-of-factly. Her colleagues nod at her and regard Abe with a distant coldness now.

"When do you plan on leaving?" Professor Oldrito asks.

[DrRenfield]

"But of course," Abe smiles, basking in their indignation.

"I'll leave in the morning. I'd like to be sure I arrive with a little daylight left."

My questions are satisfied. I am ready to move on when you are.