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Seeds of Divinity, Ch 8

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Bird's grip on him was loose so Raedryn had no trouble turning to address the speaker; he was not surprised when he saw the Molz behind the bar. The Badger looked just like he had in his dream too: just shy of 5' tall, incredibly broad shoulders, low center of gravity. The barkeep wasn't 'fat' per se, but he definitely had the hint of pudge about him, and had developed the kind of belly suggesting that he like drinking as much as serving.

Herald approached the Molz calmly and non-threateningly. "We are simple travelers and are not looking for trouble, good sir."

The Badger let out a snort, reaching up a paw to stick a cigar into his scruffy muzzle. It wasn't just his muzzle, Raedryn realized; the Molz was the first barkeep he had ever recalled seeing who was so shaggy-looking and unkempt. The Badger's brown-and-white fur was a mess, which was a surprising contrast to his immaculately clean apron. When their 'host' finally DID speak, he was in an almost chiding tone. "Usually the only folks who say that're usually the ones who BRING the trouble... Sir."

The Badger's use of 'sir' had a hint of satire to it, and yet, despite him voicing concerns over the possibility of conflict, he still seemed casually dismissive of the three of them; it caught Raedryn off guard how relaxed the Molz could be and, if he had to admit it, the whole air of disregard was a little intriguing. He quickly spoke up. "We do not mean to be an imposition, sir. We are more than happy to pay for drinks."

The Molz motioned them all over to the bar. He took a drag off his cigar and blew out a messy cloud of smoke (courteously off to the side rather than at them). "See... got a problem with that. This place is The Teamster's Hall... if ya ain't a Teamster, ya ain't supposed to be here."

Bird posed a statement that Raedryn realized was just to be difficult. "Perhaps we ARE Teamsters?"

Ray realized that nobody would mistake them for Teamsters; he'd seen the like on a few occasions and he had no doubt that his pair of gloves probably cost more than an entire wardrobe for those responsible for transporting heavy freight around Kashyr. Judging from the Badger's incredulous look, Raedryn could tell that Bird's assertion went about as well as he thought it would. The Human tried a different tactic. "Perhaps if you could let us stay for just a short time as an exception to the rule perhaps I could provide recompense for our presence?"

The Molz laughed. "Yep-- definitely not a Teamster. 'Recompense', huh? Wow..."

Raedryn was taken aback by the statement. "Wow? What do you mean 'wow'?"

The Badger took another drag off his cigar, moving over to stand in front of the Human before blowing out another breath of smoke. As he spoke, the bartender put a small wooden cup in front of the young man and filled it with an amber colored liquid. "It's just not every day we here such fancy words in here, m'lord."

The Human went to pick up the drink but Bird's paw shot out quickly, grabbing it first. Ray glanced quizzically to his companion, who simply stared back, slowly bringing the drink up to his muzzle so he could sniff at it cautiously, then hazarded a quick touch of his tongue to it. After a moment he set it back down and offered a faint incline to his head; Raedryn realized what that was about: Bird was checking for poison, apparently.

The Molz watched on with obvious amusement. He leaned forward with a huge grin on his broad, scruffy muzzle. "So I wasn't far off from the truth then, eh, young Master? Perhaps you might show me your coat of arms. Not every day we have one of the great houses stop by this humble establishment. Already took everything else from us... may as well start occupying our social clubs as well, I suppose."

The Badger's stare should have made Raedryn uncomfortable, but there was something about what should have been an intimidating stare that, for some inexplicable reason, seemed far more endearing than off-putting. Up that close, Ray could smell the rich, sweet scent of tobacco almost covered by the acrid burn of smoke, a few days of sweat, and no small amount of alcohol. There was something else too... something he couldn't quite place. Realizing that the Badger was expecting some kind of response, the Human quickly regained his composure. "I didn't realize this was a private tavern. My apologies."

The Molz poured a second drink, setting it beside the first on the bar. "Oh, never you mind that, young Master. Us little folk know our place, after all. What you people want you get... either by coin or by force. I'm not likin' the idea of force, so I may as well take the coin. Carrot and stick, am I right?"

Bird stepped up beside him again. "We are no Teamsters, but we are also not here to cause trouble."

The Badger let out a scornful 'ha!'. "Yer Varkken friend already said as much... but it's not about you CAUSIN' trouble I'm worried about... I'm more worried about you BRINGIN' trouble here."

Herald took one of the drinks from in front of Raedryn. "We were not followed. Besides, it was by His will that we are here now."

Raedryn tried to regain control of the conversation. "Kind barkeep, my companions and I are NO Teamsters and--"

The Molz smirked. "Color me surprised."

The Human tried to push forward. "However, we do mean no harm. My name is--"

Bird immediately interjected. "There are no other Teamsters here now, and we can afford to pay for drinks. It should make no difference who we are."

Snorting, the Badger stuck a pudgy index finger out at Raedryn even as he addressed the Sunfeili. "It DOES matter who he is, cuz he's been in my dreams, and, based on the way he looked at me when he came in here, I'm thinkin' he knows why."

Herald downed his drink in a single go and placed the cup back on the counter, immediately derailing the conversation. "There are no other Teamsters here because the unions were broken by the Church years ago."

The Badger spoke his next words with a grumbling growl. "Course they were... damn temple couldn't do with anyone havin' any kinda power they couldn't control."

Bird looked like he was about to say something but the Varkken pressed on. "I presume it is safe to say that you have no great love of the Church?"

The Molz grunted. "You could say that, Wolf... if so, I coulda shouted out somethin' when I saw this here Wescott show up."

Bird's fur stood on end but Ray placated him with a gesture. He turned back to the Badger in the hopes that their situation could be salvaged, but Herald hadn't even skipped a beat. "Perhaps... but you know He of Many Pieces, and would not be inclined to do such a thing to a youth seeking refuge from a hostile power, would you?"

The Barkeep kept a weary eye on Herald, pouring the Varkken another drink. "Yeah? Not many people know that name these days."

The Wolf accepted it, downing the second shot with the same fearlessness as the first. "It is a name well known to me. I am curious as to how YOU know of it."

If Raedyn had expected some kind of inquisition or push-back, he was surprised when the Badger snuffed the butt of his cigar out and grabbed the still unattended drink from the bar. "My Gran used to tell me stories of the Sundered God. How 'bout you, Varkken? Where'd YOU catch sight of the broken one?"

As fast as a snake striking, Herald reached over the bar and rested a paw on the Molz's arm. "Mila Grayeyes was right to teach you of him."

The Barkeep stared critically at Herald, as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning or figure out some deep secret. Ultimately he asked. "How'd you know my Gran's name? Just who are you, Wolf?"

The Varkken's ears went up and he reached out a paw to take hold of Rraedyn's shoulder before shooting a glance at the door. The Wolf spoke aside to the Badger. "There is little time to explain right now. We must be hidden. As surely as you pray at the broken altar, we are in need of aid, Molz."

Indecision creased the Badger's muzzle and, for a moment, Raedryn didn't know how the barkeep would respond. All of that changed with the banging on the tavern door followed by a haughty shout "Open up in the name of the divine! The Light shall not be denied!"

In an immediate change of demeanor, the Molz pointed to a door. "Into the back. Now."

Herald and Bird moved quickly, following the barkeep's direction. Once they settled into the small back room, surrounded by several kegs, the Sunfeili spoke in a near-silent whisper. "That Molz cannot be trusted..."

Herald did not seem as concerned. "There is no need to worry... even if he is not a follower of the Sundered God, he still adheres to the Old Ways."

Bird demanded answers. "How can you be so sure?"

Although he didn't know exactly how he'd noticed without really noticing, Raedryn already knew the answer. "He may not have it hung up, but he's wearing an oriflamme around his waist like a sash."

Bird did a double take. "You mean... that red flag we saw in your vision? How can you be sure, Master Raedryn? And, even if it is--"

Herald quickly interjected. "Shh!"

Raedryn could hear his heart beating in his chest almost as loudly as he could hear the sounds of armored feet trampling across the wooden floorboards out in the bar. The door between them and the common area was thick enough that he couldn't clearly make out what was being said, but he could definitely tell when the Molz was talking; his gruff, no-nonsense, generally-disinterested tone was unmistakable amidst the sea of proselytizing, holier-than-thou, condemning voices.

The discussions, however, eventually came to an end. One of the templars was the last to speak, and, although Ray couldn't understand the words, the tone was unmistakable; that was definitely a threat. After that there were several long minutes of silence until, onces a tense, indeterminate amount of time had passed, the Barkeep's voice spoke up loud enough to make out what was being said. "They're gone. Come on out... and you better not've cracked open any of those kegs."

Herald emerged first, followed by Bird, who refused to let Raedryn precede him. When they found the common room abandoned except for the Barkeep, the Human was finally willing to let out a deep, calming breath. Bird's question caused Ray to look up. "So what's all of this for?"

Focusing on what Bird was calling attention to, Raedryn saw that the Barkeep had set three bowls of stew and three cups of what looked like ale on the counter. The Molz offered a very brief explanation. "It's called hospitality, Cat.

Herald was much more poetic. "He is showing suitable Hospitality. As bade by the Sundered God, he who holds a hand out to those in need shall be blessed in return."

The Badger huffed. "I could use it about now... tried my damnedest to keep this place open, but it's really a lost cause anyway."

The Varkken was not so pessimistic. "You may not be a full believer, Brother, but your faith will be rewarded. The Reunification is finally close at hand."

Rolling his eyes, the barkeep just grunted. "Whatever you say, bud. Until then, I got a desk full of bills and a crater full of nothing to pay em with."

Herald reached into one of the pockets in his coat and pulled out a pawful of gems-- a good number of the ones that had spilled out of his seemingly endless pouch back in the bath. He set them in a small pile on the bar. "You have shown Hospitality, as He commanded of his people. Be blessed in return, friend."

Rather than respond to Herald, the Molz looked at Raedryn, scooping up the gems even as he spoke his hesitance at accepting the payment. "The Wescotts aren't exactly known to be big supporters of the unions... it ain't that I'm ungrateful, but it definitely got me wonderin' where the generosity is coming from all of the sudden."

Ray could have taken any approach, but he decided to go for the most earnest one. "I'm not my father. Besides, you can think of it as repayment for keeping us safe."

Bird was much less pragmatic. "Makes me wonder how you succeeded... the temple doesn't usually just turn around and leave. They should have torn this place apart looking for us. What blackmail do you have and on who?"

The Badger smirked, pulling out a fresh cigar; it was longer and thinner than his first. "Just because they don't like unions doesn't mean that they don't use teamsters." He lit it up using a match. "A well placed bluff can do way more than blackmail or a threat if you use it right."

Bird wasn't satisfied. "And what kind of bluff?"

The barkeep shrugged, taking a quick one-two puff off of his stogie. "Just that it'd be hard to unload their shipment tomorrow if everyone had to help me put this place together again tomorrow morning."

Although Raedryn didn't know what to think of the statement he was surprised when Bird actually let out a snicker; the Sunfeili didn't often express emotion and a mirthful half-laugh at the temple's expense was unexpected. "I am certain there was far more to it than that."

Herald was not quite as insistent. "Well, however you provided support, you have my thanks, good sir, and the favor of the Shattered God."

The barkeep puffed on his cigar a few times before responding. "You sure do hold fast to the old ways, don't you, Varkken?"

The Wolf smiled, extending an arm. "They are the only ways worth following, friend. And you may call me Herald."

Raedryn watched as the Molz remained quiet for several seconds, eyes focused on the paw as if sizing up his options. At length, the Badger finally reached out and grabbed Herald's wrist, giving it a firm clasp, and then each provided a single up-down motion of their arms; it was definitely not a traditional handshake. The Molz responded once he pulled his hand back. "Micah."

Bird seemed surprised. "A church name?"

The Molz nodded flatly. "Gram was a follower... my Pa, not so much."

Herald didn't so much as pause. "And your grandmother surely had you Anointed in accordance with the Old Ways, yes?"

Taking another drag off his cigar, the barkeep nodded. "Course."

The Varkken pressed "And your Anointed name?"

The Badger frowned, glancing toward Raedryn and Bird. "Like I'm gonna hand it out in mixed company?"

The reluctance actually made Herald smile. "I understand your reluctance. Rest assured, Raedryn is in the Shattered God's favor... he is the Prophet."

The statement made Micah's eyebrows raise, and the cigar threatened to fall from his muzzle. He ultimately pulled it back in with his tongue, chewing on it as he asked "No shittin?"

The Wolf nodded. "Correct. 'No shitting'."

The Human very nearly laughed; hearing a curse word escape Herald's muzzle, even so casually as it was provided as a parroted statement was almost too much to bear. The young man paused however when the deep brown eyes of the barkeep settled on him. "You're REALLY the Prophet?"

Raedryn shrugged, offering an indecisive response. "So I'm told?"

Micah let out a single, deep-bellied 'HA'. "Sounds about right."

Bird, who had, until that point been pacing, appeared to be getting increasingly agitated. "If we are done here, we should keep moving. The longer we give the Temple the opportunity to form a search party the--"

The barkeep interrupted him. "I know who you are, Spymaster, and you should know better'n anyone that the Temple gets what they want. The street's probably already swarming with templars. It's a few hours til dawn, and night won't help hide ya."

Before Bird could speak up, Herald interjected. "What do you recommend, friend? We must leave town and we cannot do that by staying in one place."

Rather than answer right away, Micah took off his apron, revealing a slightly sweaty white tunic beneath; it was damp enough that it clung faintly to his chest, revealing a firm physique beneath all the fur; Raedryn was staring so much he almost missed the delayed response. "First, I close up shop and get someone to cover while I'm gone. If you three plan on gettin' outta Kashyr you're gonna need some help."

Herald bowed his head. "We would be grateful for any help you may be able to offer, Micah. Thank you."

The Badger tapped the end of his muzzle for a moment in thought. "Okay... best way to handle this will be in two groups-- one to get the Templar's attention and one to slink quietly to the docks."

Bird responded flatly "The docks are more than half way across town. What about the eastern gate?"

Micah shook his head. "They'll be watching it more closely. Besides, teamsters pretty much control the docks. Even if we're not a union anymore we still stick together. I'm sure I can get us on a ship."

Herald nodded at the statement. "Yes. That sounds reasonable. In that case, if you must go to the docks, that leaves Bird and myself to cause the distraction."

The Sunfeili immediately objected. "Are you out of your mind? We barely know this Molz and we're trusting the safety of Master Raedryn to him?"

The Wolf responded simply. "If not, then he will be the distraction."

That simple logic immediately took the argument right out of the Cat. He offered one last objection. "I still do not like leaving Raedryn unattended."

The Molz snorted. "He'll be with me, Spymaster. I'll keep him safe, and you can take that to the bank-- teamster's promise."

Herald rested a paw on Bird's shoulder. "I am aware that you have not survived this long by trusting, but I promise you that your role beside the Prophet will be different. I ask you now to have faith... in me and in our new friend."

The Cat snorted. "Friend? We hardly know him."

Raedryn found himself staring at the Badger and his cheeks reddened when he saw the Molz staring right back, eyes focused on him and only him. A little shiver rank up the Human's back when he realized that there some something about the barkeep... something more than what the dream revealed. Herald said that he could be trusted, which was enough in and of itself to give Raedryn sufficient leave to do so, but that wasn't all of it. Ray let his will be known. "I'll be fine, Bird. Micah won't let anything bad happen to me."

The Badger let out another 'ha' before he set his mostly finished stogie into an ash tray. "That's pretty cute, kid... you make up all the trust your spymaster lacks. Hopefully that won't jump up an' bite'cha in yer ass."

There was something about the word 'cute' that made Raedryn blush even harder, and the way Micah said 'ass' sent a second shiver up his spine. He glanced to Herald, who only looked back at him and winked. The Human had little doubt what that was about-- the Wolf may as well have screamed that they had found another Fractal. The young man actually gave vague voice to his question. "Are you sure?"

Herald reached out with a smile and gently rested his paw on Ray's shoulder. "I can see it already, Speaker of the Word... can you not feel it?"

His companion had called him on sensations he'd only begun to figure out himself. Looking to the short-yet-still-massive Badger, Raedryn felt his heart skip a beat when the barkeep rested a paw on the counter, his other in a fist against his furry hip, staring right back at him. Blushing further, the Human couldn't deny the answer. "I... guess I can."

Bird wasn't privy to the discussion. "Feel what?"

Rather than answer the Spymaster's question, Herald looked back to Micah. "Very well... where shall we meet you and when?"

The Badger grabbed a knapsack from behind the counter. "The kid and I'll leave now... I got an errand t'run before we head to the docks-- gotta make sure the bar'll be fine without me while I'm off gallivanting around with you lot."

Bird glanced at Micah. "You're coming with?" His attention then went to Herald. "He's coming with?"

The Varkken responded "So it is decreed."

The Molz continued. "Give us about an hour... get yourselves a drink or somethin' while ya wait. After that, cause all the chaos ya want. His lordship and I'll get passage on 'The Silverwind'... it's a Carrack moored on the south side of the docks. I'll let the boys at the docks know to be on the lookout for ya."

Bird was apparently still not convinced. "So we're friends... just like that?"

Micah scoffed. "Nah... we're not friends... I just hate the Church and helping you lot escape's a great way to stick it to em."

The Sunfeili scowled deeply. "That does not inspire trust."

The Badger winked. "It's called 'bein honest', Spymaster... it's what us lowborn folks do when we're not hidin' somethin'."

Herald placed a paw on Bird's shoulder. "Steady. All will be well. Have faith in the Sunder God's plan. We will succeed."

As the Varkken attempted to pacify the Sunfeili, Micah reached out with a broad, thick, rough paw, which completely enveloped Raedryn's hand. "Let's go, lad... they may be hangin' out, but we got a schedule t'keep, and we gotta do it right."

The young man felt a spark run through him the moment Micah had a hold of him. A shiver ran up his tail bone to the base of his skull and back down; although it was distracting, he saw clearly enough that the Badger's fur also stood on end, but the Barkeep was apparently skilled enough to shake it off without otherwise reacting. One of Raedryn's questions was definitely answered: they had found another Fractal. Herald obviously knew, and it was readily apparent at that point that the Wolf planned on playing his part in the escape while giving the young man the opportunity to gather another Seed of the Divine.

The thought seemed almost lurid to Raedryn as he raced after his short-but-broad furry guide but, he admitted to himself, the prospect was not an unwelcome one. They stepped out into the blackness of a back alley and a passing early-morning breeze carried the Molz's piquant, masculine aroma back to his nose. The Human found himself liking the arrangement more and more.