Ulterior Motives

Posted on 10 Jul 2021 @ 10:25pm by Townsfolk The Scholar

581 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Summerday La Fête
Location: Jader chantry garden
Timeline: Cloudreach 21th, night

The chantry gardens were deserted, the hardworking affirmed had long since eaten the evening meal, attended Vespers, and retired. One of Thedas' moons was about to dip beneath the horizon, and it would be an hour before the other moon rose. The only source of light was the torch Chantry Elder Isouda had left in the sconce by the gate. In the exceptional dark quiet with only the rustle of spring leaves in the breeze and the occasional night-bird call, Isouda lounged on a garden bench and breathed in the refreshing night air. Casually, she watched for the expected approach of a man she'd utilized in past situations, her ears straining for any tale-tell sound.

A knife at her throat was Isouda's first warning she was not alone. Any other Chantry sister might be terrified to find herself in this circumstance, but Isouda only laughed – while remaining perfectly still to avoid an injury she didn't want to explain to Revered Mother Giselle. "Bless you, my child."

The knife withdrew with a disgusted huff, and Isouda patted the bench next to her. Gerlach Robertson had not responded to her summons himself, but sent his most irritating second - a young Antivan man. "Have a seat, Carlos. I was expecting Gerlach."

Carlos Acerbi joined the Chantry Elder as directed, but rather than sit up straight and show deference, he stretched languidly across the rest of the bench, his knee pressed against her thigh. The dagger remained in his hand unsheathed, and he made the motions of cleaning his nails with the tip, though he couldn't possibly see them in the dark. "Monsieur Robertson does not jump to the beck and call of anyone. What do you want?"

Isouda resisted the urge to move away from his insolent invasion of her personal space. "I require seven cases of wine to be picked up from a certain dealer in Val Royeaux, and delivered to a particular wine seller's port warehouse in Jader under lock and key. It must arrive before the third day of the festival, the day of indulgence. The wine must not be opened or consumed by anyone before then." She took purse and a slip of paper with the particulars from a pocket and handed it to him.

Carlos tucked the heavy purse into a breast pocket and glanced at the paper, chuckling softly. It was no wonder Gerlach accepted business from this Chantry sister. He finally sheathed the dagger, and to amuse himself rested one arm along the back of the bench behind Isouda - like a lover plotting a stealthy embrace. "Ma chère, I shall bring your request to Gerlach, but you give him rather short notice."

Isouda stiffened at his gesture. "Has Robertson lost control of the Cassabianca?"

"Not at all, but certain recent events have caused my boss to conduct business with more caution. However…" Carlos abruptly lost interest in his game of amorous advances and stood, then paced across the path in front of the garden bench, thinking. "I believe we may subcontract this work to another ship. Fast, with an impeccable reputation."

Isouda frowned. "As I said, the wine must not be-"

"-Opened or consumed. Yes, I understand. If the Night's Kiss accepts the contract, the crew will uphold the requirements." Carlos rubbed his hands together. "Gerlach is going to like this."

"Excellent," said Isouda imperiously. "And, you may tell Gerlach Robertson that-" Isouda stopped speaking mid-sentence. Carlos was gone.

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