Talon explores a new town.

[talon]

"Perhaps, however..." Started Talon, with a somewhat pained expression on his face. "But good master Hil, I am a bit concerened for my safety making a a purchase, and even moreso for you." Expecting a puzzled response from Hol, Talon immidiately continued with the utmost concern in his voice and on his face. "Good sir Hil, i am afraid you may have inadvertantly endangered yourself and your customers by accepting this hafling as payment! First, can her motives be trusted if she "volunteered" herself. Second whether this halfling or her husband built up a debt, the creditor always seeks out the kin to come good on the money! She may have given herself up simply to run! Furthermore, you have accepted her as your charge, therefore you are now directly resposible for her debt and actions! Master Hil, it is one thing to accept a charge from a previous owner, who has until then had responsibility on their shoulders, but to recieve one who was responsible for thier own actions is dangerous. We both know that these individuals are here because they should not and cannot make decisions for themselves. Furthermore, if is is reimbusement her creditors seek, they will attempt to lay claim to anything you may own. And I dare ask, with as little stock as you have, what would happen if you do not have the funds to pay that debt. You are far to noble to have this thrust upon you. Also, If I make a purchase, and the creditor finds you at fault, and lacking in the funds, he may try to seek to reclaim stock that he believes is his. This puts me in danger as well as any other customer. "

Talon made sure to pause at the right moments, and continue before Hil could muster a response.

"Master Hil, my suggestion is to find some way to dispose of her. And If you can honestly say you had nothing to do with her disappearance, the safer it would be for you! I did wish to make a purchase, but I am afraid it is not in anyones best intrest. I would suggest you dispose of her immidiately, and if she could be spotted in another town or place, that would take the blame off of you!"

Talon fely a bit shady playing this game with the slavemaster, but after all he was a slave master, this person BELIEVED one person should and could own another soul. If he spoke correctly, and proved what a blow this could be to everything Hil had, his buisness, his money, his life, and what seemed to be most important, his pride; then maybe he could convince Hil to release her to him, so that Talon could do a "favor" and heck, maybe even get "paid" for the service as well!

Talon now paused, looking concerned, and even a bit sympatheticly at Hil (even if it were sympathy that Hil did not understand how wrong to own a person it was).

[Game Master]

"Well I..I mean...you truly think so?" Hil stroked his jaw in contemplation. "Hmm, I suppose I could have the Ogre eat her. It would be tragic but, there would be no evidence. I can't be seen to just let her go after all I do have a reputation to uphold."

[talon]

"Master Hil, to let the Ogre eat her would show negligence on your part. It would bring into question your reputation as an efficient master. You need to have evidence of a transfer to another person, a transfer of liability if you will."

Talon was careful to lead the conversation, but not directly offer. He was concerened that an offer to help would be to obvious, and raise suspicion. Also, if he were to pull off everything he intended, he would have to make Hil believe this was a burden for him to do....

[Game Master]

His expression brightened. "Ah! To another slave Merchant you mean. Excellent idea. Brakonus loves a good cook. I bet I could get him to trade me for her. Of course, I won't see him for a few weeks yet. Your a goodly, smart fellow Master Talon. I'd offer you a job if I required an apprentice. Still you deserve something for helping someone you just met. Come. I'll take twenty crowns off the top of any slave you have your eye on."

[talon]

"I do appreciate it Master Hil! However, do beg my pardon, but I would feel better about a purchase after you have resolved this matter. I would suggest a transfer as soon as possible. Just out of curiousity, Brakonus is not one to hold you liable is he? It could be percieved as a trick on your fellow masters if it was found that you knew of this issue and transferred ownership for that reason."

Talon realized this elf was hardly able to come up with sound decisions on his own, how could he run the lives of these individuals...

"Master Hil, my suggestion is to make it appear like a sale, and transferr her to someone that will not be tied to your buisness. She needs to dissapear, but with the burden on an unknown individual."

"Master Hil, it is against my better judgement to do this, but I have seen many noble elves loose their life or livelyhood due to matters that were not their fault or doing. I will be departing this town shortly, and heading cross country for some time. I may have the ability to deliver this halfling out of town, and make it noticed I have assumed responsibiliity. On my journeys, should I find someone, I could make a sale of her, and return the profits to you. Mind you, I am not offering this solely out of the goodness of my heart.... like you, i am a bit of a buisnessman. This is quite a burden, and I would assume all of the danger, for you could prove a transfer to me. I would expect some level of payment."

Talon has gotten a bit frustrated with Hil. You would think that he was the blonde headed elf, not talon. Talon decided he had to change the pattern of the game. And he had not lied at all, If he sold her, he WOULD bring Hil the money. Talon however knew there would be no sale involved.....

"And Master Hil, I would pledge my help should you ever come across this type of issue again."

There it was, Talon had layed his whole plan on the table, certainly Hil did not seem sharp enough to pick up on this.....

[Game Master]

Hil's mind seemed to implode with frustration before Talon's eyes.

"Fine, fine take her. Take her far away. I'll draw up the paper work. I can't pay you directly, though the offer of 20 crown's off any purchase still stands."

[talon]

"Good sir Hil, I do hope this will save your reputation and your life. It is always difficult to loose money, however your reputation can never be replaced." Talon paused a moment to try and let some of the frustration dissipate, he needed to try to let Hil think he was in control of the situation. "Master Hil, where would you prefer I take her? What would benifit you best, and insure your safty? Also, do you think she should be seen with me in town first? You are an expert in these matters, so what would make this most convincing? If someone were already looking for her, we would not know."

There, now he has given the illusion of Hil being back in control. Talon knew he was going to stay in town or nearby for a bit longer, so he just hoped that Hil liked the idea. No matter, Talon felt he had already succeeded, he just needed to get her out of here.

[Game Master]

"Hil had the expression of someone who really hadn't thought things through but, tried to play it off as if he had. "Quite right. Quite right. Parade her around a bit if you wish. No reason to take chances eh?" The slaver smiled.

Unlocking the pin Master Hil motioned for Mosh to come out. "Here, she is all yours. Come back in an hour and the papers will be legalized. Did any of my stock interest you?"

[talon]

"Yes sir Hil, I may be, let me check my funds, and see if I may be able to handle more than one charge. I must say however, they do seem to be well behaved! You are quite the master! I will see you in an hour or so, and let you know my decision then."

"Lets go!" Talon said ito the halfling in a serious voice, just to impress upon Hil. "You had better listen, and behave, for I garuntee I won't treat you the same as all the other masters!" Talon had to turn away and stifle a grin when he said this. For him there was humor in it, because he definately wouldnt treat her like the other masters! What other slave owner would get a slave just to turn her loose. He was not sure if Mosh had seen him grin, but no matter, she would be seriously confused in just a few moments anyway......

Talon bid the normal pleasantries and farewells to Hil, and led his new companion to the edge of town. He was looking for a place away from buildings, and places to hide for several reasons. First he didnt want his little companion to try to run off before he had a chance to explain himself, and he wanted to make sure he was out of earshot. He wanted to make sure that he could see in all directions, and let his senses guard them.

"Young Mosh, your name is Mosh is it that correct? And, may I call you Mosh?" Talon didn't really give her a chance to answer, he wanted to make sure she got the whole message before she started to speak. "I have no desire to keep you with me in bondage, as a matter of fact, I despise the idea of one person owning another, and that if your story is true, you made a very noble sacrifice, one that was not yours to have to make. My intentions are simple, to secure your freedom with the papers from Hil, we will depart this town, and when you feel able and ready, that you may go on your way. All I ask in return is that you never allow yourself near any of the slavers, or anyone assoicated with your enslavement. I also wish for you to pitch in and help, and if there are any items you need, to reimburse me for them. I realize this is quite a bit to take in, but do you understand?"

There it was. Now, what would be the reaction? All Talon could do now is wait for a response, and be poised and ready to react should she wish to retaliate.

[Game Master]

The hobbit's voice was deep and somber. Not at all what the elf would expect from one so small. She also spoke as if from a leaned background or at least tutored. "Honorable sir!" She curtsied. "I have no reason to believe your words false so, I shall take them at face value and thank the Lord of Plenty that you have rescued me. I wish only to return to my poor husband to the South. I shan't need much. Provisions, a water skin and a dagger with which to defend my honor." She paused for a moment perhaps to see if her savior would object. When Talon remained silent she continued. "How shall I...help thee and repay my debt?"

[talon]

"Well my little friend, we will make it so. I must question your decision to return to the very person that caused your enslavement, but each must choose their own path. Please be concious of the fact that you have been granted a second chance, and not to allow yourself to fall into the same difficulties again. "

"We will visit the town store, and I will purchase whatever you need. Please understand that anything i say or do in front of others is only out of nessisity, and I apologize ahead of time for anything that i may do or say that would insult you."

"My friend, I am curious what you have learned while there at the pens. Meaning, what know you of the others there. I was moved by your story, but i feel that others there did not have the true story told of their enslavement. I was fortunate enough to liberate you with no cash cost, but I fear that will not work every time. I guess what i am asking, is your opinion if there is anyone there that i, we, should try and liberate. Remember, i am limited on funds, and we must still aquire supplies for you as well as a few items i have requested. So, what do you know of the others?"

[Game Master]

Mosh smiled and then shook her head as if to shake away a bad dream. "I am truly free then? My Lord is to kind. I was...I was sure I would be a slave for the rest of my days." She looked on the verge of tears now that reality was sinking in. She quickly composed herself again. She was strong willed this hobbit las. "Forgive my weakness. Yes, yes of course I will tell you all I know. May we sit awhile? Over tea? It feels like an age since I last had a good tea." She giggled almost manically, but again came to her senses within a moment. "Oh but, look at me." She seemed distressed over her garments. They were in fact tattered rags. "No matter. I am free even if I must play the part of a slave for a while longer." The two of them talked while walking. Neither of them really knowing where they were going.

"Of the orc and the snotlings I know nothing. Their language is guttural and harsh sounding. I never knew what they were talking about. Even the orc didn't seem to like the company of the little greenskins. Hmm, the Ogre was a quiet fellow. He never mingled with the rest of us. Always brooding when no one was looking and slack jawed when buyers or slavers were taking notice of him. He's smarter then he lets on but, I know not what is in his mind. He didn't seem evil though not like that sailor man Freedrick. He could chill a volcano. He killed two other slaves with his bare hands before Master Hil punished him for it. Sometimes I would catch him leering at me." She shivered. "Now Master Thagin steelanvil on the other hand was a fine fellow indeed. He protected me more then once when I was new to the pins and the slaves were more numerous. It can be a rough place without friends. We would share meals on occasion and he would tell me stories of his family far to the North. I suspect he's a dwarf of some importance though he never said so. He's very proud. He will never be a slave, no matter how many owners he has."

[talon]

"I do appreciate this my friend. And thanks to you, I may have found my calling in life. We will see what can be done. Come, let us start this game over again. Remember, you must play the part. And remember! DO AS I SAY! OR, OR, YOU WILL HAVE TO DRINK THE STORE BRAND TEA!"

Talon laughed. He fell light, happy, he had made a difference in one beings world, now it is time to do it again.

He and Mosh headed back the way they came, towards the slaver Hil. It had been more than an hour, Talon really wasnt even sure how long it had been.

As they approached, Talon started the show.
"Come here! I have an errand for you! I am out of a few nessisities! First, check to see if my goods are in at the store, second, i wish for a bit of tea, the best they have. But most important, for heavens sake, do something about those rags! I refuse to travel with anyone looking like that! Here!" Talon grabbed her arm roughly, and handed her a few coins. "Will be enough for the tea, and if you are fortunate, something to dress in. And believe me, you had better spend wisely. One wasted copper and it will come out of your backside!"
Talon had to giggle to himself. Had once heard a human woman say that to her child. If he knew Mosh's middle name, he would have use

[talon]

used her middle name too. that seemed to be the thing to do in his observations.
"And my little charge, i do not give warnings, lessons, or disipline. It is always correct, or, lets put it this way.... I will have one less mouth to feed."

Satisfied with his performance, he ushered her away, and turned his attentions towards Hil using all the customary pleasantries.

"Master Hil, while this charge can seem to cook, I am still in need of a strong arm, one that can wield an axe. The dwarf did catch my attention. Tell me a bit more, and perhaps we can work out a reasonable price."

[Game Master]

Mosh nods her head in understanding and scurries off as quick as she can. She looked fearful in Talon's eyes.

Hil approaches with a smile. "The dwarf? Well he's a strong one thats for sure. He'll work all day without tiring. Just remember he'll require a close eye and a firm hand to keep in line. Don't send him on errands like the hobbit las. He won't come back less it's to get revenge. He'd fetch 200 gold crowns in a busy market, but out here I can let you buy him for 105 crowns, minus the twenty we agreed on. 85 is a bargain to be sure.