Kashif slips you a small piece of paper and motions for you to open it. The letters are perfectly scribed, as though someone has taken great pains to disguise personal handwriting flaws: Requested: Proof that C is working with the Tremere against the will of the Prince. Paper trail, recording, confession. You look up at the Banu Haqim with shock as he takes the note back.
"No need for a reply," he says. "Simply consider it. I have powerful allies and we do not forget favors owed."
You remember the promise you made to Corliss and Trevor—that you would extend their offer of a new sanctuary. There might not be another time to deliver it. "Kashif, there's something I need to pass on to you, but it's not an easy message to deliver."
"If the words are not your own, I will not take them as such."
"Do you know the Tremere, Trevor Haidt?" you ask.
"I know of him."
"He and Corliss wanted me to pass on a message from Prince Annabelle of Quebec City. She wishes to extend an offer to the Banu Haqim—a sanctuary in London, Ontario, where your clan can build a new home, free of Tremere influence. Corliss supports the deal and gives the blessing of Ottawa's Camarilla."
Both Ophelia's and Kashif's eyes widen alarmingly, the Malkavian's with surprise, but the Vizier…he's angry. "They offer to give us a token city? As if we were invalids in need of their charity? And of course their campaign of harassment is clearly designed to make such an offer more appealing. Outrageous!"
"And such a small city too," Ophelia growls. "It's an insult."
You continue, desiring nothing more than to be done playing messenger. "Prince Annabelle offers you safe passage to her domain to discuss the particulars. She guarantees your safety for the duration of the trip."
Kashif sneers. "It's almost worth the travel to tell her what I think of her offer in person."
"I think that's an excellent idea," Ophelia says. "An insult like this should be answered in kind."
"I will discuss this with the Warlock, myself," Kashif says to you. "Thank you for delivering the message. Know that I do not hold its contents against you personally." He cracks his knuckles. "I desire a moment alone for contemplation. We can speak more at a later date. Good evening, Agad the Imperishable."
You decide not to push the matter and bid farewell to the fuming Banu Haqim. You doubt there would be much benefit in further discussion and he's clearly no longer interested in idle conversation.
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