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-----Gimplefwick purses his lips up at the mention of orcs being on the outskirts of town. "Shiver me timbers, I could probably deal with one orc. Maybe two, if I were lucky and they weren't. But we might be hurtin' if'n there be more of 'em. Much as I dislike the thought, maybe it'd be best if we traveled by daylight. Take the wagon out to the edge of town tonight and wait fer mornin' to move out. Since none of us are too skilled at driving a wagon, we probably wouldn't stand much of a chance of outrunnin' em. But standing up in the wagon oughta give us a good view of anybody tryin' to approach us. That might give us the chance to use me sling, afore any orcs get too close. Do either of ye have any sort o' missile weapon?"
-----Seth nods at the Dread Pirate’s words, "That sounds ok, I can use a sling. On our way out I need to see Brad before we leave as we take the wagon to the edge of town. Sound ok to you Kaz?"
-----"I can throw knives, but I only have one or two of those," Kazel says. "Brad's tavern closes at midnight so you should go before then."
-----The thieves now move along the next block. They pass five small shops on their right, while empty market stalls are once again on their left. At the end of the block, they stand directly across from the town well. With the night falling, the shadows seem to swallow the small structure.
-----As they turn to the right, they start down another street with a few people making their way to the nearest tavern or inn. On their left, they see another small shrine, which stands in front of the town hall. To their right, are more houses and shops, but these seem nicer than the ones they have seen so far in town.
-----On the corner of the next block is a tavern housed in a well kept building. The north and the west side of the tavern is surrounded by a porch where, during the warmer nights, people can sit and visit by the building in comfort. The sign hanging over this business features a star.
-----Almost directly across from the tavern is a large dark building, measuring sixty by forty feet. Two large doors on the front of the building are open and Kazel directs the other two there.
-----Seth motions to Kazel. "I would say that’s the dock warehouse where we are meant to be. Shall we learn more or blunder in?"
-----Kazel whispers, "Let's take a closer look." She then motions for Gimplefwick as well and starts carefully towards the building.
-----Seth follows Kazel's lead and tries to move quietly into a better position to find out what is going on.
-----As they peer in the darkness of the building, they can see large wooden boxes, crates, and barrels barely illuminated by mounted torches and braziers. From deeper within the building comes the echoed sound of voices.
-----Kazel, Seth, and Gimplefwick carefully move inside the open doors and then move to the left behind a tall stack of boxes, which is about five feet wide. In the darkness, their eyes begin to adjust. To their left is a narrow space that runs between the stack they hide behind and the next stack of crates over. Looking down the narrow space, they can see it runs between the two stacks of merchandise toward the center of the warehouse. The brazier light dimly illuminates the end of the walk space.
-----As quietly as they can manage they head toward the dim light. Halfway down the walkway, a male voice is heard up ahead using a threatening tone, saying, "You are sure it is the gold we are looking for?"
-----At the edge of the boxes, the three thieves peer around the corner. Not more than ten feet away from them, toward the center of the warehouse, they see three human-sized figures. One person appears to be a middle-aged man wearing a well-worn tabard. He faces the two other people.
-----One of the other people appears to be also a man, although younger. In the dim flickering light, his hair appears to be brownish and well kept. A close cut beard graces his chin and he wears a fine looking suit of leather armor. He wears a long sword at his side.
-----His companion is a strong-looking young woman with short-cropped black hair. She also wears leather and a sword by her side. Her face displays a smirk and she stands with her hands on her hips.
-----The younger man’s face is in the face of the older man. The older man shakily answers, "Yeah, . . yeah, I told ya! Yore stuff’s locked up over in a box labeled spices!" The old man points toward the eastern wall.
-----The woman chimes in, "Okay, old man, you be sure it’s delivered tomorrow night at the location we gave you." She glares evilly at him and the effect in the dim light is hair raising.
-----"I do not have to tell you what could occur if you fail to follow our directions to the letter," the younger man says and he places one hand on the stand of the brazier.
-----The older man’s eyes widen with the realization and he quickly replies, "No, no, you’ll get yore delivery!"
-----"That is good," The younger man says calmly, patting the face of the older one, "Do not make us come back for you."
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