The House of Peace and Respite for Our Heroes

[Ceutinde]

Ceutinde raised an eyebrow at the mention of going off with Nigel. "If you're going with him, I'll squeeze you in for one with me, personally, when you get back. Just think of the tension headaches."

As for whether she'd found anything, "I did. Nothing particularly odd personally, so far as I can tell. But he hasn't been here in some time and he's got some money tied up in another brothel - Starla's - so who knows what he does with them. Has a bare minimum of 40 mercenaries employed, and consults with a Diviner, so I stand by the not-running-in-swords-a-swinging plan. And looks like he's looking into buying an estate out near Lockhart Asylum. That'll be in addition to his manse on the south side of Bastion and an estate near the Morass." She drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair. "But out of all that, the only thing that jumps out is that he might be looking to take them for Starla's. Or one of his other ventures, but it seems a bit odd to use former sex slaves as gold miners."

[Silvia Raizer]

"Ha, yes, they require different kinds of stamina," Silvia observed. "Maybe you're right. Perhaps he thinks to make Starla's a star attraction of the city. Perhaps he means to keep the poor women as slaves, like the pirates did. I know there are brothels were the women are locked in their rooms and have to pay their madam for every bite of food, every gown, to the point that it's impossible for them to ever escape their debts. I even helped a girl out of a place like that once. Lacey, her name was, poor girl. I never did find out what happened to her."

After another swallow of wine she asked "Do you think we should pay Starla's a visit?"

[Ceutinde]

"It's not a bad idea, though I don't relish the idea of just walking into the potential lion's den. Did that with the pirates and nearly got us killed. The asylum would be an interesting coincidence, as well...perhaps we ought to have a word with Justine."

[Silvia Raizer]

"Oh yes, we could do that. Do you think it will be painful for Justine to speak about it? I'd hate to cause her harm, even accidentally. I mean, I know the two of you are close but still, from what I've heard, that place is awful."

[Ceutinde]

"I think she will be. Probably not to both of us, though." Ceutinde shook her head. "But really, that's neither here nor there. Fascinating as his land interests are, we know that ships carrying the ladies were intercepted by pirates. We're fairly certain that shipping schedules were passed on by our friend Gregori. The simplest answer is that he's been bought by pirates and is, indirectly, selling them slaves and cargo. The question is how we bring him down."

[Silvia Raizer]

"We should do it quickly. If we delay, more women will be captured." Silvia frowned as she thought about it. Could we find a way to make it seem if the pirates have betrayed him? Or...give him a reason to believe someone piwerful is on to him. That way, he'd stop of his own accord."

[Ceutinde]

"Someone powerful is on to him. Or rather, some two." She replied with a chuckle, before rattling off her outline of a plan. "We find out who's passing the shipping information off to his people, and I bribe them more for their information to dry up. I'd say we go to the authorities with what evidence we have, but I doubt it's enough to convict a man of his resources. So we play the long game. Start some rumors. Edge in on his business, here and there. Hurt his reputation and his pocketbook. Until he's more vulnerable."

[Silvia Raizer]

Silvia frowned again. "The long game. But more women will suffer. You're probably right, but I don't like it."

She sighed.

"The authorities do tend to show favouritism towards men of means. So let's do what we can. What sort of rumours do you have in mind?"

[Ceutinde]

"If we cut off his information stream, that should at least reduce the number of ships getting intercepted. No doubt he'll try and find new sources, so I'll need to shut them down as they come." She stood and started pacing back and forth. "As for rumors...go for his business first. We say he's debasing his gold. Selling fake reagents. Then the real thing. He's selling state secrets to pirates. No one will care for that."

[Silvia Raizer]

"I suppose not. Money counts for more than common decency, for many people."

She thought s moment. "We should spread the rumour from taverns and other busy places. I don't think we should start them here, though. Someone might come after you."

[Ceutinde]

"So thoughtful, dear. You're right. Best to keep his enemies unknown for the moment. Might see if we can enlist some friends - Nigel always loves telling a story, after all."

[Silvia Raizer]

"Now there's an idea. But are you certain he'll wish to help us in this? There#s no glory in it for him. Not now and maybe not at all. It's hard to imagine Nigel would wish to participate in a venture that will not add to his personal glory."

[Ceutinde]

She waved a hand dismissively. "I doubt he'll think about it nearly that much. I'll ask him to shout about some fake coins he got, and offer some amusements here in return. He's easily motivated by a few pretty ladies. But if you'll excuse me, you're welcome to stay as long as you like, but I ought to see to setting these plans in motion."

[Silvia Raizer]

"Of course. I'll see if I can think of a way to spread a few rumours myself. Good luck, Ceutinde." She smiled and picked up her wineglass.

[Ceutinde]

Ceutinde blew Silvia a kiss. "If I don't see you before you head out on your adventure, best of luck. And don't forget when you get back, come in for another rub-down from me." She sashayed out of the room and toward her office.