Chapter 3: Secrets

Laurent looked back at Jenks, discreetly. The prices the gnomish scrivener expected for the scrolls were beyond his range, but the young man tried to dissimulate his lack of means with a slight air of indifference.

"How may I address you, Master Scrivener?" he stated, opening what he hoped might be a fruitful exchange. "Some of your wares are of interest to me, though I wonder if you are only interested in gold as a means of payment?"

Though he is surprised by the silent method of communication chosen by the Scrivener, Laurent attempted to display as little emotion as possible.

"Far more precious," he stated, "though nothing displayed here would be worth such an exchange. Services, or information, perhaps? Knowledge is far more precious than gold, in the right hands. And every scrivener has tasks that need taking care of."

As Berry and Squiddly leave the silk merchant's stall, something very strange happens. Berry's head swims for a few moments and then everything comes into incredibly clear focus! It's a little disorienting at first—his vision seems strangely segmented at the edges—but then he realizes those edges now extend almost all the way behind him! As if he had eyes that wrapped around most of his head—like those of a dragonfly!

"Ya alright, boss?" Squiddly asks.

"I could give you an impeccable account relating to the criminal activities of a certain notable, and his clashes with not one, but two rival factions in the Harborside district, for instance, he stated discretely, looking about to make sure they were not being overheard.

Berry rubs his eyes, "Oh, yes, fine." He's a little disconcerted but he doesn't reveal to Squiddly what he's experiencing but will find a quiet moment with Laurent and Tilma to explain what's happening.

Laurent observed the proffered sheet of paper with a perplexed air as he scrutinized the script. His brows knotted somewhat, as his lips were pursed in an expression of slight displeasure. He took the quill, and began scribbling. After a few moments, he handed the sheet back.
He observed the gnome's reaction politely. He did not expect this to be a matter of interest, and was preparing himself to leave empty handed.

Nothing's gained from the scrivener but you have your gear and the determination to forge ahead. Squiddly draws you a crude map of the route you're to navigate. The three urchins salute you and scurry off to conduct their own search around the Night Market.

With that, you begin your descent into the Nasty Pits.