It wasn't long before they were on the road again. Casper had already healed up entirely by the end of that first night of course, but said that he would tend to his own wounds now that he was able, and made sure to keep the lie up until Annabelle was healed enough herself to continue the journey. seven days of wasted time in the camp, but it wasn't entirely unpleasant. Their conversations had been quite enjoyable. Annabelle told them more stories of her time as a bandit, doing well to tactfully avoid any of the more gruesome details for Alex's sake, after one particular story she had told made it seem that Alex was inches away from losing his hard caught dinner.
Alex didn't seem to catch the withheld information from Annabelle's future stories but Casper made mental notes of it. It would seem that Annabelle was quite the fighter, incredibly capable. She didn't mention anything before her time as a bandit, or what lead her into it, only passing stories of what she did with her old groups as she traveled about, how she had to hide she was a woman most of the time for fear of the men, and how it wasn't until her last group, had she found someone capable of being respectful to her. Respectful of course not being Casper's choice of words.
she was still treated as a 2nd class citizen even with them, being told to do the cooking and cleaning, she never feared for herself while with them however, which was a good step up, and explained in a slightly drunken state after Alex had revealed he was stashing a bottle of wine in his pack this whole time, how she was glad she didn't have to fear for herself with Alex or Casper, though based on her size alone it was no wonder she felt so confident.
They each had their own horse now, taken from the bandits that would no longer be using them and graciously returned by Alex on the stormy night. They had also taken some of the bandits old supplies. It made travel much faster and frankly much more enjoyable. Not having to lug around all their supplies and even being able to carry extra for the sake of some comfort.
Annabelle had thrown a thick cloak over herself, doing her best to hide the features that identified her as a woman for the groups sake, especially as they got closer to the city. A woman bandit was on odd sight but not one you would want to question, especially with that large greastsword of hers. However, in the city where you couldn't easily chop your way through every problem, it was instead better to avoid them entirely.
On horseback, the journey took only seven additional travel days as opposed to the two or more weeks Casper had predicted it would take on foot, for which he as very pleased about, it gave him more time to prepare once he got in the city.
The sun was high in the sky by the time they finally broke through the forest road. Just beginning to crest its way downward, casting brilliant warm light over the rolling hills, like a spotlight on the city beyond. The city of Ostlen was built in a large crescent along the top of the largest cliffy foothill near the base of the Whitespine mountains, on a section of cliffy beachside named the golden coast.
Beyond the city itself the impossibly large mountain range disappeared hundreds of thousands of feet beyond the clouds above. The large hedge-stone river cut through the base of the foothill city, acting as a power source for the water mills that sat around the length of it. Twisting paths, stairs and walkways lead down to the harbor were rather unsightly Casper thought. An amalgamation of wood and stone haphazardly built in convenient, yet non-aesthetic locations throughout the city like a web, though the ships docked in the golden cove were a sight to behold to be sure.
Three large bridges connected the city to the other surrounding hills, the large river acting as a natural mote, and at the very edge of the crescent, nearest the mountains sat the Castle of Count Constance, a magnificent military structure built up alongside the mountain side cliffs and down into the city, its own walls separating it from the rest of the rabble.
Farmland and small family housing speckled the rolling hilly landscape that lead to the city; Casper and the others rode through the twisting and turning hills of high grass, grain crop and farm animals, the landscape broken up by boulders and trees and fields of flowers or farms. Alex in particular was in absolute awe. His eyes never leaving the sight of the city as they got closer.
Crossing the great bridge from an adjacent hill to the one the city sat on was also quite the experience for Alex. Nervous being suspended on the large stone structure but unable to stop from smiling at the sight of it. Beautiful towers sat along the bridge with thick ropes of flags and banners and noble crests lined the way for them across the bridge to the great gates set inside the impossibly large walls.
Sounds from the city escaped beyond the guarded gates. Some of the buildings inside had roofs large enough to crest the top of the walls. The gates themselves, made of strong reinforced wood, were nearly 20ft tall at the highest point. The guards at the gate were inspecting carts and papers, creating a line before the entrance. Beyond them however were incredible cobbled roads, lined with 3 story structures that got wider as they went up, most made of a combination of stone and wood, the streets were lined with people, carts and horses. and the buildings were full of people as well. Lines of rope dangled from roof to roof, with colorful banners and cloths creating the façade of pleasant elegance.
As they got closer to the entrance, Casper began to mull over some thoughts in his head. He was prepared to be able to talk his way into the city if it was just himself. However he was not well enough prepared to talk his way into the city with two companions at his side. You needed written permission to enter the city, especially the city of the Count of Caution. He fumbled around in his head with what he was planning on saying, trying to come up with convincing lies as they slowly inched their way forward, until they were called up to present next.
The four gate guards dressed all in heavy plate began quickly investigating the contents of the horses travel packs. Casper was just about to say something, but Alex cut him off, without a word. Instead Alex simply presented a single piece of paper with a heavy wax seal. Casper caught a brief glance over at it, it seemed an important piece of paper he figured, and the guard seemed to agree.
Without another word and no further questions, the guard handed back the piece of paper. "of course, right this way please, we will notify-"
"That wont be necessary, I have other business first…" Alex said with a shocking amount of firmness, that both Casper and Annabelle were not used to.
The guard stepped aside, letting them all pass through and into the streets of the city.
"Well this doesn't look nearly as grim and dark as you described it" Alex looked over at Casper as they made their way through the streets.
"Of course it isn't right at the entrance. Here you'll find the people at your level" Casper motioned around to the storefronts lining the main road, the carts and stalls outside other businesses. "They will try and get every coin you have, and pick pockets aren't also that uncommon around these parts, so keep your coin purse close to yourself, and stick with me. I'm going to find a tavern and inn to rest in for a moment, and we can all discuss what we want to do from there"
Without further question, the group worked its way through the veins of the city, walking down the cobbled roads until they got deeper into the city's center. Casper turned down a smaller section of road into a much quieter ally. Vines crawled up the stone wall of a tavern and inn called the Honeybadgers Hovel. A quaint little place and tucked away from the rest of the big city.
The group entered and were greeted pleasantly by the staff. Casper found his way to a table a bit more tucked away and a young serving girl approached them for their orders.
"None thanks" Casper held his hand up to pass, though his stomach growled in opposition. Annabelle also shook her head. But Alex protested "nonsense, we will have three meals each, whatever today's special is, and 3 cups of wine please"
Alex smiled to the group. "You helped me get here, and Casper I promised you some pay i think" Alex took out his massive coin purse and let it sit on the table with a thud. Alex picked out some copper and silver and paid the serving girl, before turning back to Casper
"here you are, for all your help" Alex reached in and pulled out 25 gold marks and handed them over to Casper. Quite the substantial sum of money. An outrageous amount even given the type of job, and the fact that technically it was Alex who had taken care of both him and Annabelle for a week. but taking a peek into Alex's coin purse, it appeared that this was only but a small sum of money to him. Casper gulped a little and quickly stuffed the coins into his own pouch. "Thank you…" Casper nodded, and Annabelle shared her own thanks as well in turn.
The group sat there quietly until their meals were brought forward, and then sat there noisily as they dug into their food. A pleasant bit of duck with soup and bread, bacon and some greens. A very filling and fresh meal from all the rabbit and vegetable stews they had on the road in the days before.
Annabelle was the first to break the silence "So Alex, where are you off to now?"
Alex went a bit quiet for a moment but then answered quickly after "I actually have family here that I must go see. It...is supposed to be urgent, but I can afford to take some time today, after all, they have waited nearly a dozen weeks, no harm in making them wait a few more hours" Alex chuckled to himself.
"Family in the city hmm? Well that's nice then. Perhaps we will see each other some other time then, depending on what Casper has planned for us here in the city" Annabelle responded
Casper sighed "perhaps we will". Though hopefully not, Casper thought to himself.
Its not that he disliked Alex, rather he did quite enjoy the young boys' company during their travels. Instead it was more because of what Casper had planned in the city. He liked Alex, and desperately didn't want him caught up in anything Casper had planned.
"Well Casper, what do you have planned if you don't mind my asking?" Annabelle said between mouthfuls.
"I have some personal matters I need to attend to, we can stay here for a few nights, it may be closer to a week or so we need a room, but then ill be moving on quickly after I'm afraid"
"That's too bad" Annabelle frowned "I actually quite missed the city, I've seen too much of the road over the past several months personally" Alex resembled that statement with his own passionate nods.
"Sorry, but business is business. Gotta make sure it gets done and then I'm moving on. You're welcome to stay in the city, you are by no means bound to me" Casper mentioned it mostly as a passing comment but Annabelle seemed to almost take personal offense to even the thought.
"Nonsense! We agreed days ago that I owe you my life, quite literally I might add, I am at your beck and call, and I will remain by your side until I have repaid you for my life." she steeled herself and looked at him right in the eye with steadfast and stalwart resolve.
"Very well, but that also means i may ask you to go off and do other jobs, it might not be right next to me"
Annabelle didn't seem to like that too much but wasn't outwardly against it.
The group finished their meals and drink, and Alex was the first to get up "Casper, thank you kindly for your help on our travels, I will be off now, and I hope to see you again!" Alex extended a hand, and Casper shook it. "Annabelle, a pleasure to meet you and travel with you as well" the two shook hands, and with a smile and wave, Alex left through the door.
Casper had to admit, he was sad to see him leave. Alex
"Well then Casper, what now?" Annabelle crossed her arms and looked over the tavern, getting a read on the patrons inside.
"Now we grab a room and set our gear down. We will grab the supplies from the horses and stable them up out back for the couple of nights. It will run through a decent chunk of the money I have, so we may need to find a job or two to offset the cost depending on how long we are here."
Annabelle nodded in understanding, and together they went over and purchased a single room. She appeared a little red as Casper paid, and as they walked outside to set up the horses out back, she broke the silence.
"Casper…" she said, her voice a little higher than normal.
"Hmm?" Casper wasn't paying too much attention to Annabelle as he grabbed the saddle packs off the horses and loaded them onto his shoulder
"I need you to know…"
Casper began walking back into the inn with the supplies on his shoulder. Annabelle was taking her time getting the words out. It wasn't until Casper walked upstairs to the 3rd floor and opened the door to their room did she finish the sentence
"I must let you know I am still a virgin…" Casper dropped the packs on the ground in their room and let his own bag drop down into the floor.
"A virgin? Well that is very virtuous of you"
Casper could hear her audibly shift
"I have no experience"
"I believe that is implied in "being a virgin"" Casper began taking the articles from his pack and the saddlebags and laying them out on the table in the room
"you don't mind?"
"not particularly, no."
"in that case, will try my best"
That comment gave Casper some confusion as he turned around to see Annabelle, her face bright red and breathing heavily. It was then that he realized what was going on.
"Ah".
it was all he could say, turning and seeing Annabelle in the state she was in. that response made Annabelle even more embarrassed. Her hand shot up to her face to cover it, hot breath escaping through the cracks in her fingers.
"Annabelle"
"Yes!" she exclaimed perhaps too excitedly
"One room with one bed is simply cheaper, and safer. I have no intention of sleeping with you as part of your debt to me"
Her eyes went wide and her face even redder. She turned around quickly as to avoid seeing him. Her voice letting out a mixed of squeal and a groan.
"Forgive me for being so presumptuous! Truly I meant no offense. I am such a fool" the embarrassment was thick in her tone.
Casper sighed "no harm was done, forgive me for not understanding the intent behind your words just now"
"No no! Truly this is my fault." she took in a deep breath and turned to face Casper, steeling herself "It was a misunderstanding, I have learned in my experience...most men enjoy that sort of thing from women, to use them. I apologize for assuming you were waiting until Alex was gone to act on your desires."
"As I said, there is no harm done. This is simply the cheapest option to save money. You can take the bed, I will sleep on the floor"
"Nonsense!" she explained "I am the one who owes you. You should take the bed, I have no issue sleeping on the floor, I am quite used to sleeping in difficult positions and on hard surfaces"
Casper sighed and shook his head "very well, lets unpack our things, and then we can discuss other business".
Casper leaned himself against the wall and took a passing glance outside the window. The window wasn't all that impressive. It had a view of a small clearing behind the collection of builds the in was apart of, a clearing was there and a space set aside for a stable, a small clearing of grass with a single tree and table with a bench. An easy spot to climb to and from, he figured. Should he need it.
"So, you can help me with some of the details if it will make you feel better, but when I tell you I'm going about my own business I don't want to hear anything in objection alright?"
Annabelle nodded, taking his words to heart.
"Also, for safety's sake, if anyone asks you, pressures you, pays you, I don't care, you don't know me, you have never seen me in your life, period. Alright?"
her expression maintained its resolve as she nodded again.
"Perfect. First things first" Casper produced the coin purse from his belt and handed Annabelle half of what he had left after paying for their and their horses accommodations, a total of 7 gold pieces and 3 silver. It was quite the reduction from the 25 they started with, but rooms, meals, stables and feed were not cheap.
"Do you know how to write?" He asked, and she gave an expression and sound that didn't leave him with much confidence. "Do you have a good memory?",
"I do. And i can write, but not very well I'm afraid, I'm terribly sorry" she lowered her head, and Casper reassured her
"its quite alright, in that case do well to remember. I need you to do some shopping for me. I'm in need of rope, twine, caltrops if you can find them, some pitons, a few smaller bags full of grain, and if you could also pay someone to do our laundry that would be appreciated. What you have there should be well enough I imagine, if not. Those were listed in order of importance. Just let me know what you couldn't afford. Also please keep your eye out for any postings. Bounties, hunts, private guard work, anything goes. You know your way around a blade, and while it might not be as profitable as banditing, we need the money still. Any questions?"
"No, none at all" Annabelle offered a teasing smile, taking the coins in her hand and stuffing them away in her own purse. "Shall I wait for you here when I am done?"
"There is no need to wait on my every beck and call, do as you please, so long as you deliver the supplies and are back before morning tomorrow, do as you like"
"I understand, I will be off then!" Annabelle gave a wave as she made her way out. Leaving Casper alone in the room now. He rolled the coins over in his hand. He had some of his own shopping to do still, but it was far too sensitive to leave to Annabelle. He waiting 15 or so minutes to make sure Annabelle was likely good and far away, and then he himself left, making his way out into the city.
Casper made his way through the streets of Ostlen. The city itself could be considered quite beautiful, magnificent even, were it not a façade. Between the tall buildings were alleys of trash and mud and homeless. Beyond the main streets of finely painted signs were the packed together houses, all resting beyond what could be seen. The city was beautiful but it was also disgusting.
He made his way down towards the docks, listening to the sounds of men laughing, the sultry calls of women in the brothels, the drunkards roaming the streets, and thugs keeping to themselves far away and out of sight.
The further Casper got from the gates the more real the city became. More of the façade faltered and fell away to the scabbed and bleeding truth behind it all and the docks had the worst of it. Walking down the winding steps down the cliffside, he could already smell the old fish and salt. The sweat and stink of unwashed bodies. Crowds of people walked the paths all more self important than the last all shoving past one another.
One man bumped into Casper, and Casper grabbed at the poor man's wrist tightly as he felt the stranger's fingers grabbing for his pockets. Casper glared at the man who pulled away as quickly as he could and skulked off through the crowd.
Casper managed to force his way through the press and reached the bottom of the paths and walked out into the docks proper. Hand carts were being pushed, all selling a variety of wares. Oysters and fish, along with strange creatures with hard shells. Water logged treasures or strange items from across the see were all being peddled here, and all for a miss match of prices that offered no consistency. Nearest the cliff wall was a line of people being hauled by chains around their necks and wrists.
A man called out to Casper "cheap slaves! Fresh off the boat! Get em now before they are gone!"
And it was true. The slaves were selling quickly, a good mix of young women and boys, of able bodied men and women as well, all being sold out for cheap. The man pulled Casper in close "you see that one right there?" He pointed off to a younger girl in the mix, hiding behind some of the others in the line. "Aye shed make a real fine toy for ya, cheaper than a brothel. 10 gold an she's yours. I'm cutting you a real fine deal here lad."
"Sorry, only got 7" Casper said with a shrug, looking to get away from the slavers. He had no need for slaves. "Seven? You're driving a hard bargain boy but if you got seven i can do seven." The slaver's stinking breath was far too close for Casper's comfort. "Look at her!" The man called out to one of his companions and signaled for him to bring the girl over. "She's got a nice body. She'll keep your bed warm and for half the cost of a whore the same quality. For seven marks I'm practically giving her away!" The man hauled the girl over. His hand under her arm and lifting the rags around her body to show it off to Casper. His other hand gripping her cheeks to show off her good teeth and then her fine nails
"I have no need for slave or a whore." He said matter o factly. The slaver clicked his tongue and shoved the girl away "well dont go crying to me if you change your mind and she's gone!" He called out after Casper as he walked away.
Casper's father had told him about the slave trade. He has even seen some in the towns and cities before. But he never thought they would come so cheap. In Casper's mind owning a person would likely cost quite a bit, but then again he figured any person who owned a house or land or with any amount of money did have servants, and it made sense to buy a slave for cheap rather than to pay a servant a wage. He had seen plenty of slaves without realizing it, he thought. But still. 7 gold for a life did seem low. Then again. Bandits and thugs and highwaymen killed for less. So.it wasn't too shocking all things considered.
Forcing his way through the crowd, Casper came upon exactly what he was looking for. A group of men near the edge of the docks with a series of small row boats docked up next to them. The group seemed to be having a slow day, and were deep in conversation as Casper approached
"how much for the smallest one you have?" Casper asked. Pointing down to the small row boats. The men continued talking, either ignoring him or they simply didn't hear him.
Slightly annoyed, Casper scowled and went to raise his voice above the rabble, but before he was able to speak again, a blurry streak of movement from behind him drew his attention. Casper turned to check, watching just as the blur of movement passed close behind him, the sound of feet almost entirely inaudible, save for the movement of wind.
In, out, slow.
Casper channeled the mark for just a moment, just enough time to allow his vision to catch up to the blur of movement long enough to get a more detailed look at what was happening.
It appeared to be a figure, a young one it would appear based on size but he couldn't pick up any discernible details. The figure was covered in rags, wearing a hood, however the figure's eyes locked with Casper's for a brief moment.
Green, a very vibrant and piercing green, with heavy lashes, Casper noted.
As the heat from the mark faded, so did the figure, being chased by a few angry looking dock hands, shouting a flurry of profanities.
That at the least, seemed to have alerted the dock men to Casper's presence. "Huh? What'cha need boy?"
"I need a boat. Smallest one you have"
"Aye well rentals are 5 silver a day-"
"I want to buy it"
"Buy it huh. I can sell you this one here for 10 gold" he said, signaling over to a quaint 2 person row boat.
"Can you do seven?"
"Seven huh? Aye I could do seven."
Casper sighed. He was looking forward to getting away from the stink of the docks. He reached down to grab for her purse, his hand landing on empty air where it had been positioned safely on his person. Casper patted around his belt. His coin purse, his dagger, and his short sword, All gone. Casper's eyes narrowed as he wiped his head over his shoulder and caught the faintest glimpse of the hooded figure being chased by the dock hands, now barely disappearing down the docks.
"Here" Casper tossed the dock man his dagger. "Will you take this?"
Casper didn't want to give the man his dagger, but this was the smallest boat they had, and there wasn't a chance anyone else was coming here with more small boats to sell. Casper figured he could simply buy the dagger back off the man once he came into some more. The boat was going to be more useful for the time being, even if the dagger had sentimental value.
Casper prided himself on his awareness. He knew to expect pickpockets. He knew their tricks and tactics and strategies. He knew what it felt like. And there were not many people alive who could get one over on him. But it wasn't until that figure ran by him that his items had been removed. And once he found them, He would figure out exactly how they did it. It was exciting almost, he honestly looked forward to meeting this person who managed to steal away not just his coins but his weapons too. But that was for another time. Who ever that thief was, would likely be on high alert, and Casper needed to wait until they had relaxed.
High caliber thieves often didn't waste their time with pickpocketing low profile strangers on docks, which meant that despite the skill level of this thief, and the fact that such a proficient thief was being chased meant they were likely a regular here. The thief then is a local to the city, and wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.