But it seemed that Radgast was answering to other masters, and was not the free agent that he had purported to be. Talk was cheap - but the sale of the Tavern involved hard gold - and when it came to the crunch - Radgast was not able to bring the support needed. Radgast's backers would take the Tavern to lands other than the Warhost in search of more gold - that was not the way of the Crimson Moon ....
And then the stranger had accosted Vollsanger in the shadows by the storehouse... Not in a threatening manner, Vollsanger had a history of furtive meetings in the shadows and recognised the purpose here was for secrecy and discretion. No harm was intended. But he carefully slipped the dagger from his left sleeve into his hand - just to be careful... Hidden in the shadows.. the tall, angular frame seemed slight in the tattered cloak that hugged his shoulders... the hood pulled down over a weatherbeaten face, wispy beard and tight lips, which whispered "We have a proposition.."
Vollsanger was sure that he recognised this man, the voice was heavily disguised but years as a skald had taught the bard how to listen to the resonance of the voice, the tones, the intonations, to wade through the lies and hear the voice behind... "I know that voice" he thought to himself..... but steeled his face into open questioning... They sat on two store boxes in the shadows by a small table normally used for measuring grain.
"My lady would like to meet with you - to discuss some plans of mutual advantage" The eyes were bright and piercing under the hood, questing into the face of the old bard for some hint of how the offer was being taken...
A stranger sitting at the table would have been hard pressed to see what happened next. A Gold piece appeared between the fingers of the hooded figure... and strayed across the knuckles before disappearing into the clenched fist ... only a second for the whole movement. Not a word was spoken. Two fists laid out on the rustic wooden surface.. one holding he gold piece that had just rolled across his hand.. the other, back to the surface - fingers clenched....
Vollsanger continued to look into the hooded eyes - and without hesitation covered the clearly empty fist with his right hand - which opened slowly to reveal a large gold piece. Vollsanger took the Gold - his eyes never straying from those of the stranger...
"The Widow is the only one who can make any final decision, but it is well that you spoke with me first, for I speak for the "widow" in all such matters.." No mention was made of what 'matters' - it was clear that both men knew the subject of discussion and both disdained to elaborate. Vollsanger recognised a hint of command and stature despite the ragged clothing and the, probably false, stoop of the shoulders. Here was a man who had commanded men, warriors, perhaps more !! Vollsanger knew it would come to him if he did not press the memory. But who was the Lady ???
"Perhaps later in the Crimson Moon - we have a private room at the back - and there is separate entrance for those who wish to be circumspect.. Bring your lady - she will be safe and we can talk and enjoy a hot mulled wine or a jug of mead... "
A breath of wind and the place next to him was empty - only the still shadows.
Vollsanger looked at the Gold piece in his hand. A bite told him it was true gold, but there were strange marking on the coin - not of these lands he thought, and he knew most coin of the lands.. Was there a hint of the image of a dragon upon the back of the coin....
"Stranger and stranger " he thought - I may have to do some enquiries of my own." The stranger had smelled of salt and fish, and the sea!!! "Maybe I should start with the yacht that is moored in the harbour.. It had a strange name... Ah Yes - the Atrocity !!!!"
