The Mage in the Iron Mask - Brian Thomsen [104]
Though Selfaril had commanded the respect of the mob on numerous occasions, no one could recall a time when he had earned as much acclamation as the High Blade did on this day. Worries of the encroachment of Thayan interests on Mulmaster's sovereignty were put to rest at last.
The High Blade went on to conclude that the following day would also be a holiday in honor of his father, the former High Blade, for whom respect and praise was long overdue. The next day would begin their journey onward to the glory of all Mulmaster.
The High Blade took a seat, exhausted at the emotional speech he had just given. Fullstaff and McKern gave his shoulders a subtle squeeze of encouragement and affirmation. Rassendyll knew that he had a tough job ahead of him, but that was the least a High Blade owed his city.
* * * * *
"I never thought of Mulmaster as much of a party town," Passepout said. "I guess first impressions can be misleading, especially when your first night is spent in jail."
The master traveler chuckled and replied, "I have to remember to put that in my next book under 'extremely useful axioms for travelers.' "
Passepout laughed, adding, "And of course I will be given proper attribution."
"Of course," Volo replied. "Maybe I can talk my publisher into another book. The Words, Wisdom, and Observations of Passepout, son of Idle and Catinflas."
"The Famous Thespians," the rotund actor corrected. "It has to be Idle and Catinflas, the Famous Thespians."
"Of course, old friend," Volo said, slapping Passepout on the back just as he was about to quaff yet another tankard of ale. "How else will anyone know which Passepout we are talking about?"
"Or which Idle and Catinflas," the rotund actor added. Changing the subject just slightly, the thespian asked, "Do you really think Tyme Waterdeep, Limited would publish it?"
"I don't see why not," the master traveler said, holding back a fiendish grin so as not to betray his levity. "They seem to have done well with The Underdark Diet, and given the scope of the contents of the book we are now discussing, it's not as if it will require a huge investment in paper or printing time, it being such a short book and all."
"Agreed," said Passepout in all seriousness, "and if it doesn't cost them that much to do, they will be able to pay me more."
"Of course," Volo replied, adding a single sticking point, "once you've turned the book in."
"You mean I have to write it first?"
"Of course."
Passepout became visibly disheartened, refilled his tankard, and turned his attention back to the merriment at hand.
Speaking of books, Volo thought, I'd better make sure that my notes are properly in order. Instead of my guide to the Moonsea, a book-length expose on the goings-on in Mulmaster will no doubt top the charts and line my pockets with gelt in no time.
The master traveler's dreams of wealth were interrupted by the arrival of Chesslyn with whom he had shared almost as many festivities as he had the risks, dangers, and adventures of the days previous.
"Volo," she said sweetly, "may I have a word with you?"
"But of course," the master traveler said guardedly. He had no desire to break the poor girl's heart, but figured that the time had come to let her know that he wouldn't be sticking around, and that, though he would always cherish the memories, he didn't believe in making any commitments that would result in the diminishing of the options that might make themselves available to him.
The master traveler put his arm around the secret Harper, and the two wandered away from the crowd. Volo looked back, saw that Passepout was making conversation with yet another serving wench, and decided that his traveling companion would be safe for at least the next few minutes.
Arriving at a tree whose branches managed to droop in such a way as to provide an enclosed and secluded seating area for those agile enough