You say "OKay, Zorya, is there anything wrong with assuming that you took off after the other charcters who were pursuing Sir Richard?"
Zorya says "If it is evening... sure, that' ok."
You say "Well that's what happened--they left in the morning, then you followed when you woke up and noticed nobody was there."
Zorya says "But Folcwica is in the persueing party anyway."
You say "oh right, I forgot that; you can just play wiht her if you prefer"
You say "It woudl be nice ot havea maga there though"
Zorya says "No problem."
Zorya says "That is... Unless they enter a city. I won't go in there. NO WAY! ;-)"
MTKnife grins evilly.
Zorya says "A city is anything with more then 50 people."
MTKnife nods.
You say "Well, right now, that's your problem."
You say "You've been huntng your friends--you had to ask peasants along the way wehre they went a few times, but you've found them."
You say "Sort of."
You say "They stopped at an inn that's in a crossroads village."
You say "You haven't been inside yet, but there could be as many as 30 or 40 people in that building!"
You say "So what do you do in this situation?"
Zorya says "If I know they are inside, I'll land on the roof and wait. I remember owls landing on roofs allways got some attention so I guess someone of them will come out. :)"
You say "okay, inside the tavern...Eumenios, the guards have taken yo uto hte tavern and they're buying you drinks and toasting you"
Troels says "great!"
MTKnife nods.
Troels says "i spread the fear of my name with awesome but true tales"
You say "for some rason they're very imprssed that you beat up those Venetian thugs on the road."
You say "Something's wrong though."
Troels says "oh, what?"
You say "well, this group of people over in the corner..they're..weird"
You say "aside from having no taste in clothes, they're just odd"
You say "in fact, thinking about it, the remind you a lot of that wizard on the ship."
You say "well not all of them do, but one or two of the definitely do."
Troels says "hmm. being a stranger in a strange land i can sympathise, but is the cut of that tunic not a wee bit frankish?"
A soldier says "Well they look like Greeks to me, but you know I relaly don't know about those things."
Troels says "ive had some venetian tunics myself in my day ;-)"
A soldier says "I bet you have!"
A soldier slaps Troels on the back.
Troels says "methinks they should be asked whence they hail and who they might be..."
You say "okay, over in the corner, Folcwica, yo've noticed osmething odd, too"
Folcwica wonders what.
A soldier says "eh...we get all types through here...it's a crossroads, you know, all sorts of strange foreign traders"
You say "that man who just came in...I don't konw"
Folcwica thinks. o O (A man... Nice. :) What's wrong with him?)
You say "well he seems very suspicious of everything aroudn him...he's glancing around a bit"
You say "doesn't sem to know anybody in here"
You say "as you watch he heads over towards a group of soldiers in the middle of the room and...well he looks around again and..roll a die."
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 6.
You say "okay, he's just drawn a knife."
You say "and he's moving towards a man in the middle of the group of soldiers."
Folcwica turns to Merlor and points at him
You say "He gets up, but it looks like he's not going to be there in time."
Zorya says "Would I be there in time?"
You say "Nope; but Merlor shouts."
You say "Now the guy's running for the exit"
MTKnife rolls the die, which comes up a 1.
MTKnife rolls the die, which comes up a 1.
MTKnife rolls the die, which comes up a 7.
MTKnife rolls the die, which comes up a 8.
MTKnife hmmms.
You say "Merlor breifly catches him by the wrist--he drops his knife (it's a nice knife, by the way) but then he slips out the door."
Troels says "eumenios (the man in the middle) naturally jumps up"
You say "okay, what do you do?"
Troels says "sprint to the door but not beyond"
Folcwica thinks . o O (He's gone, so no danger.)
You say "which is basicaly what Merlor does."
You say "Zorya, there's a commotion below you."
Zorya watches closely.
Troels says "eumenios to Merlor: that didnt look like he wanted to pawn his dagger for a drink!"
Zorya says "What's happening?"
You say "a man runs out of hte tavern, followed by yells from inside."
You say "Merlor nods at you knowingly"
Zorya says "Yells of men I know?"
You say "Yes, you think you recognize Merlor's voice."
Troels says "thank you, good friend. that was timely."
You say "he smiles at you and slaps your back"
You say "and says, 'Someone must have it in for you, eh?  Who's wife have you been seducing?'"
Zorya says "OK, I'll follow him (flying) and type him to the ground if he leaves the town."
You say "he's defintely trying to leave--he's getting on a horse and trying to ride out"
Troels says "hmm. i have managed to get on the wrong side of some *ptui* venetians     s    "
Zorya says "OK, He'll get taped to the ground - includeing his horse."
You say "'And how did you do that?,' Merlor asks"
You say "roll your casting roll"
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 7.
You say "okay it works, though you take fatigue"
You say "now what?"
Troels says "eh, taking some ships for them. bitty of ransom too. all in the esteemed emperors name of couse "
You say "'Well,' he says, 'that much I suppose they deserved, the scum'"
Troels says "you see i hunted pirates. you ever notice how fast those "trading" galleys of theirs are?"
Zorya says "Does not matter. :) If he's taped to the ground I'll land, turn human and spont Invocation of Weariness on him. (with reach touch)"
You say "roll it"
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 1.
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 1.
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 5.
You say "well I guess it works"
Zorya says "Should work. :)"
Merlor says "Did you now?"
Zorya says "OK, I'll remove the net and drag him back."
You say "what are you going to do with him when you get there?"
Zorya says "Enter the inn - I guess Merlor is inside - and ask Merlor: Anything wrong with that man?"
You say "there are a LOT of people in htere"
You say "and um...are you dressed?"
You say "roll a die"
Zorya says "Dress? No..."
Troels says "perhaps i did ransom someones wife. perhaps someones wife didnt mind it quite as much as someone..."
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 4.
You say "okay, yes, you forgot to dress"
Merlor says "I see..."
Zorya says "What do I need a dress for in a warm room? ;-)"
You say "okay, Eumenios, now there's a nude woman in the doorway, dragging the sleeping form of your assailant."
Troels says "eumenios silently curses venus. is she beautiful, aside from being strange?"
You say "well she's kinda cute, but very unkempt"
Zorya says "Average... Try l zorya"
Zorya says "Rather wild, I guess. :)"
MTKnife nods.
Troels says "might you be one of the Fair Folk?"
Merlor is laughing.
You say "what langauge are you speaking to her in?"
Troels says "greek"
Zorya says "Probably...? Does Eumenios ask that?"
Troels says "certainly"
You say "well she doens't undersatnd you..."
Zorya says "If he speaks Greek, Zorya does not understand and ignore you."
Zorya heads for Merlor.
Troels says "eumenios asks merlor: who in the name of gods mother?"
Zorya says "Merlor? Anything wrong with that man?"
You say "he speaks to you in broken russian..."
Merlor says "Well, lady Zorya, you're not dressed..."
Zorya says "I know."
Zorya says "So...?"
Merlor says "You can't go where there are people, without dressing"
You say "Eumenois, you knw, aside form the rest, she's got that odd look about her too, like that wizard."
Zorya says "Err... I'm here, hoo, you see... I can."
Troels says "eumenios pastes on his most brilliant smile and says, looking at zorya, would you convey the lady my heartfelt thanks (merlor). is she sent by my grandmother?"
You say "the guards are horrified; one of them grabs a cloak and rushes to wrap it arouand Zorya."
Zorya steps back and snarls.
You say "Merlor translates what Eumenios says"
Zorya says "Why he wants to attack me?"
You say "okay, a couple of the other guards are now sneaking around behing Zorya"
Troels says "eumenios stops the guard and says "stop, man! she is a nymph!""
Merlor says "Because you're not dressed--he thinks you must be a madwoman"
Zorya says "Oh... hooo... "
You say "the guard looks like you're crazy, 'I think she's just a looney'"
Zorya backs away until she's got a wall at her back. Then she accepst a cloak to cover herself, but she won't let anyone touch her.
Troels says "eumenios will try (non-violently) to keep anyone from grabbing her, as she seems not to like the idea "
You say "okay."
Zorya says "Err... hoo... Merlor, what about that man now?"
Troels says "just a loony (q) a loony who just _happened_ to catch my assailant, mother-naked little sprig that she is..."
You say "the guard are now sitting around scratching their heads--thought one of them does grabs the assassin and restrains him."
Troels says "there is more to her than, err, meets the eye. be wary and respectful"
You say "the solider says, 'With all due respect, I think we've seen just about all of her there is'"
Troels says "(in a low voice) uh, right!"
Zorya says "OOC: *laugh* If they only knew..."
You say "the guards are _very_ much at a loss for how to handle this situation."
Zorya says "OOC: Merlor does not answer my question?"
Troels says "eumenios stares absorbedly at the now-cloaked zorya"
You say "oops sorry"
Merlor says "Which man, lady?"
Zorya points at the man she brought in.
Merlor says "Oh...well I suppose the guards will take him away and hold him until they can have a trial."
Zorya says "Hooo... "
Zorya rolls the die, which comes up a 5.
Troels says "how does the cutthroat look(q) bumps on the head, other stuff to remark?"
A voice in Merlors head says: I'm outside if you need me.
You say "not a hair harmed on his head"
Zorya hands the cloak to whoever gaveit to her and leaves.
You say "the soldier looks at his cloak blankly"
Troels says "his clothes?"
You say "a soldier asks, 'Who was that?'"
You say "a little dirtied from the dragging."
Zorya says "Just for the record: Zorya sits on the roof again."
You say "okay"
Troels says "eumenios tells the man: a good fairy, obviously. see how the cutthroat is unharmed but asleep."
Merlor says "Er, no sir, not a fairy"
Troels says "eumenios to Merlor: who, then? i have great need to see her again"
Zorya says "Hm.... I guess I'll free the poor horse first. :)"
You say "okay"
Merlor says "Why?"
Troels says "(OOC) was that Trap of Weavers Webs?"
MTKnife nods.
Zorya thinks . o O (Can't eat the horse, so let it run)
Troels says "(OOC)wouldnt the man be gooey?"
You say "okay"
Merlor says "Well she's....well it's hard to explain.  Let's just say she's one of my employers"
Troels says "eumenios half-whispers: later then, but i must see her!"
Merlor says "why?"
You say "Ulrich, would you like ot be Merlor from this point on?"
Troels says "eumenios looks gloomy and drags merlor over to the bar for a cup of wine. "i will explain""
Zorya says "Hm.... I can try... I don't know much about him."
Merlor nods at Neeson and follows Eumenios
Troels says "(OOC) who is Folkwica anyway?"
You say "a maid"
You say "a grog"
Troels says "ooh!"
Zorya says "and translator"
Troels says "a fair maid?"
Zorya says "Yep. :)"
Troels says "how fair? ;)"
You say "quite fair"
Zorya says "Let a bunch of male Grogs look for maids... :)"
MTKnife hehs.
Troels says "anyway, back to Merlor..."
Troels says "you see, my good... did i get your name?"
Merlor says: You may call me Merlor. 
Troels says "my name is Eumenios of Parnon. You may have heard of me. As you know, the venetians balk at nothing."
Zorya says "OOC: Has Merlor heard about him?"
You say "I don't think so, no"
Merlor shrugs.
You say "Merlor doesn't get near ships very often :)"
Troels says "upon one of the ships which i took, there was an evil sorcerer in the employ of the venetians. he did indeed take very ill to having his ship confiscated. i was luckily protected against his sorcery, but now he bears a grudge. these thugs were likely sent by him. i dont know when he is going to try sorcery again, and i need protection for my family."
Troels says "that fair bare-naked lady who left before seemed to be perhaps capable of helping me."
Merlor says: Well, maybe she is. But who will tell me if this is the truth?
You say "while you're talking, one of the soldiers picks up the knife and hands it to Troels, 'I suppose you ought to have this'"
You say "they start to gather around him again"
Troels says "i verily swear it is, by the mother of god! besides yonder thug might be able to confirm it, if we can get a chat"
Troels says "takes the knife""
Troels says "takes a good look. might it be poisoned?"
You say "nope, but it's nice"
Troels says "like, gold filigree or what?"
You say "not really; just well-made"
Merlor says: I'll ask her when I see her next time. I assume you can be found here within the next days?
You say "and has a very nice edge"
Troels says "keeps it then"
You say "okay"
Troels says "um, time might be of the essence. when cutthroats prowl it is good to be on the move..."
Merlor nod.
Troels says "i might be found in the house of prince alexander i think. could we arrange... a meeting?"
Merlor says: I can't promisse, but I'l try.
Troels says "how soon, then?"
Merlor says: Wait.
Merlor leaves the inn.
Zorya says "OK, Zorya flies back and informs... Hmm... Hora I guess."
You say "okay"
You say "okay, where were we?  oh, remeber that the soldiers have said they want ot introduce you to one of Alexander's advisors."
Zorya says "Well... I guess Stefanos should know. He's the one most... threatened by hostile magi."
Troels says "oh jolly good!"
You say "Stefanos is threatened by his own shadow"
Troels says "i wouldnt want that attached to my feet either! ;)"
You say "well maybe :)"
Merlor comes back and tells Eumenios: She will visit you within two days, if you tell me where you can be found.
You say "the way thigns are going, probably Theodoro"
You say "the big city on the high plateau"
Troels says "oh dear!"
Troels says "Theodoro is what eumenios says then "
Merlor nods. You will hear from her then.
MTKnife hmmms.  Wel lif that's what you decide then I can't continue with you both right now; the travelig party is problaby gonig to head on after Sir Richard, while Eumenios heads to Theodoro.
Troels says "eumenios clasps his shoulder, smiles warmly and says: the kindness of strangers is the very most virtuous. Thank you Merlor!"
Zorya says "Well... A foreign sorcerer is a threat to serious to handle alone. Remember Helios? ;-)"
Zorya says "That's why Zorya desides this way."
Troels says "(OOC) can I borrow a grog then?"
You say "yes, Helios isn't anice man :)"
You say "you could be Merlor if you want"
You say "and/or Neson"
You say "Merlor's son"
You say "or Astrid"
Zorya says "Merlor would be best I guess."
Troels says "pick one. i don't know them anyway"
You say "tell you what, since ulrich is already merlor, I'll send you neson and astrid"
Troels says "affirmative"
You say "sent"
Zorya says "Didn't we find out SR was heading for that big town?"
You say "well he was headed in that direction, but you don't knwo if he went specifcally there"
Troels says "go on then, i will catch them when they come"
You say "okay, you finally get to sleep"
Zorya says "OK, next morning we'll follow SR again, asking peasants etc."
You say "and they continue to point you northward--you end up passing by Theodoro"
You say "and heading onto the north slope of hte mountains"
Merlor thinks . o O (Interesting...)
You say "it's very differnet on this side-the wind is fiercer, the woods are all conifers"
You say "it's a little more bleak--not as fertile though people still farm it"
You say "and it's a good bit cooler"
Merlor leads on... As long as there is something to follow...
You say "anyway at one village you come to you ask about SR and the grogs, and they tell you yes, they've seen them"
You say "as a matter of fact, after they left this village, they found the carcass of an enormous bear--with six legs!--on the road."
Merlor asks: Where?
Merlor asks: Whoops... Now that's strange.
You say "just a little north of here"
You say "the bear had been cut to death with swords, it looked like"
Merlor says: Hm... So did we find SR or did we not?
You say "not yet"
You say "the next village htey confirm that it was SR that fought hte bear"
You say "they tell you they tried ot warn him about the sorcerers down in Dory, but he didn't listen"
You say "oh...and one of the covenant's grogs is here in the village, recuperating from his wounds."
Merlor says: Strange... Oh, who?
You say "one of the ex-bandits"
Merlor says: OK, what does he tel us? And what was that about other sorcerers.
You say "hwen you talk to him he confirms they passed through this way...each village they cae to, hte bandits they were chasing had bene thorugh and headed further north."
A villager says "Well, they's sorcerers down in Dory, you know?"
A villager says "An' when we heard abouts that bear, we figures, you know, it must be the sorcerers--you don't mess with them."
Merlor says: Sorcerers... And our people went there?
A villager says "But that Sir who came through here, he dinna want to listen about it, just bulled right ahead."
A villager says "Well, they 'as headed in that direction, yes."
Troels says "Neson says: Where's Dory, now?"
A villager says "well it's norht of here, on a big plateau"
A villager says "it used to be where the princes live, till the Khazars got all antsy that time and burned it.  Now the people there all lives in caves--really a sight to see!"
Troels says "Neson says "oh""
Merlor says: Well... I think, we'll take a look.
You say "okay, any more quesitons before you head north?"
You say "once you catch up with SR, btw, we'll have to stop"
Troels says "cavemen sorcerers! now that is something, eh dad?"
Merlor says: Yeah... See something new every day.
You say "okay, you head up the road again, asking villagers along the way--and it does appear they haeaded to Dory (or Doros as some say it)"
Merlor says: How many days do we follow them now?
You say "about 3"
You say "towards the end of the third day you arrive at the city...it's indeed on a high plateau, set into the side of the mountain"
You say "the end up against he mountain is riddled with caves--there really is a whole city of them there"
Troels says "ooh! Now where are the sorcerers. Shall we go ask?"
Merlor stares for a minute. Then he asks the first peasant if he saw the knight.
You say "well you do ask a few people...they tel you ther are some mystics up in the monastery.  And someone points you to an inn where Sir Richard can be found."
Merlor says: Wait, son, they might not like being called that. :)
Merlor says: OK, we go there.
You say "okay, and that's where we'll have to stop, since you've caught up with SR."