Rotemdol and his 'friend' are interrupted by another visitor, Zul
On seeing Zul enter Rotemdol turns to his 'friend'
"Hopefully I will take care of business soon. You are welcome to stay and watch, this girl here present an interesting enigma", he says.
The man takes a seat in the corner of the room, looking as unobtrusive as possible. With his wide brimmed hat pulled low, Zul can't see much of his face, as Rotemdol moves to welcome her.
"Happy you could make it. I see you already warmed up, very good".
Zul has entered the narrow side of a large room, about six by nine tavars, with two columns in the middle. It seems that a few rooms where combined into one. The left half of the opposite wall is covered with weapons, mostly knives, of many designs, and has a door in the middle. The right half open into a smaller room three tavars square, padded on the floor and the walls. Flanking the door are two man size knife targets. In the close left corner there is a small table with three chairs next to it. Next to the walls are a few closets with equipment. Zul can smell what she recognises as Keylinan cooking.
Once she´s back in the Anthill and finds a quiet corner somewhere, she takes a minute to tidy up. She ties her hair back in a neat bun, forgoing her usual tousled look, and finds a pump where she can wash up. Upon finishing, she heads over to Rotemdol´s place at an easy pace.
Zul enters without even glancing at all of the training equipment, instead immediately turning to face Rotemdol. "Good day, teacher", she declares in perfect Filgan, inclining her head respectfully. "I was not aware you were expecting an honoured visitor. Please excuse my most inconsiderate intrusion." She bows slightly more deeply to Rotemdol's guest. "Begging your pardon, most kind sir."
The visitor nods in acknowledgement. Zul still can't see much of his face. He's dressed in simple clothing of a dull grey colour, as if trying to be indistinctive.
Rotemdol shows Zul to one of the closets.
"Please put anything that is not firmly attached, including jewellery, here so that it will
not snag when we train".
"Yes, teacher", she replies. If her humble bearing and use of proper Filgan is somehow intended as a sarcastic joke (which, given what Rotemdol already knows about her, it just might be), Zul isn't letting on.
Banjo comes from inside and sits at the table to watch
Zul removes her long leather coat, swirling it to keep her nirvork concealed) and places it in the cabinet. She pauses, glancing at the guest, her cheeks flushing a bit. "If it pleases the teacher, this one would request a moment of privacy -- in the interests of modesty, you understand". She gestures at her rather loose-fitting, long-sleeved tunic. "I believe I should change into something less likely to snag. Might you be so good as to turn your backs, or could I make use of another room?"
"Banjo, Could you show her to my room to change?" Rotemdol asks. Banjo shows Zul to a small chamber and closes the door behind her.
With Zul temporarily absent, Rotemdol turns to his guest, "Can you place her accent? she seems to use a lot of them. I have seen her use some version of kalmas, she claims she is good with the nirvork which we will check in a few minutes. she certainly did not learn all of this around here".
The Visitor considers this for a moment. "Filgeth, I would say. Be careful of her, I've met her type before. And never trust a woman".
Meanwhile behind the closed door Zul removes her tunic and changes into a snug, short-sleeved shirt -- and she transfers her small throwing knife from her wrist to her ankle, hidden under her wide-bottomed trousers. Her large knife remains on her belt.
When Zul returns Rotemdol shows her the training weapons, mainly wooden versions of most weapons. "Choose whichever fit you fancy and lets spar a bit. Let see what you can teach me", he says as he picks up two wooden knives, one of which has an elaborate guard, the other a much smaller knife possibly balanced for throwing, made of curious light form of vyrn.
"The only rule is that no one should get hurt. Make sure you are always under full control. If you see an attack coming which you need to do something wild to avoid let it get in, this is only practice. Any questions before we start?"
"No, teacher.", Zul replies.
She has chosen a matched pair of large wooden knives with hand guards,. Zul then faces her much taller opponent pretty much head-on, in a right-forward stance, her right foot turned slightly toe-in, with perhaps 60 percent of her weight on her back foot. Her lead hand is extended in front of her, the point of her knife directed at Rotemdol's sternum. Her off hand is close to her chest, with its knife held nearly erect. Her back is straight, but her shoulders are relaxed. She gazes not at Rotemdol's eyes, but at the center of his chest.
It appears that she's trying to keep her face impassive, but when Rotemdol assumes his stance, a tight half-smile creeps onto her face. She waits for the kandar to make the first move -- unless he asks her to take the initiative.
Rotemdol tries to figure out her style from her stance. It seems naggingly familiar; Rotemdol knows of a lot of broadly similar styles, each taught by different teachers; Her stance has elements of the moves taught by a rather strange quasi religious revolutionary cult called "The Trespassers", but there are also elements of the moves taught by the now dead gladiator trainer from Filgeth, Arun Zarn
Rotemdol is happy, Zul has had some instructions and might show him something new. If this was serious he would have worried about if she knows the style she is showing, faking one style and possibly using another, or just showing of an opening stand that she learned somewhere but as he will know the reply soon he is not overly concerned.
Rotemdol starts the sparing with very simple moves, moves to combinations and then back to simple moves this time with no tell, (no warning what's coming, takes a lot of time to develop and is usually the mark of a master) and then back to simple combinations. By now it is fairly obvious that he is ambidextrous.
Zul's knife-fighting style is economical and direct, with no right angles and no big movements: quick thrusts and short chopping arcs. Her parries flow immediately into counterstrikes. She attempts to offset Rotemdol's longer reach not by backing up, but by slashing his attacking arms, then moving closer to strike at his torso. Her style isn't much to look at, but she knows what she's doing. She's clearly right-handed; her defense with her left is just as good as with her right, but her left-handed attacks don't have the same crispness.
As she's handling all this well Rotemdol increases the pace, all this time using a variety of styles and moves to see what Zul is familiar with to try to trace her teaching, although he draws a blank. As it is becoming obvious that Zul can handle herself, and that she is looking for more challenges, Rotemdol increases the tempo. He's still doing nothing fancy. However he is starting to attack twice, three times and sometimes four times a round and it is obvious he is not going full out or trying very hard.
Rotemdol's goal is to press Zul to see how she reacts when she is out of her depth, assuming he can get there. From what she said he thinks that knife is not her main weapon and he will ask her to choose another weapon if she want to show him her stuff.
But just when Rotemdol thinks he has her figured out and takes a hard swipe at her head, instead of parrying, she suddenly ducks forward into a somersault, rolls between his legs, and finishes up doing a split on the ground under him -- with the edges of both her knives pressed up against his inner thighs.
"You keep holding back on me, Stretch, and I'll have to hurt you" she whispers in Mannish, smirking. "That move worked just as you said it would, teacher", she gushes in Filgan. "Thank you".
"Somersaulting" Rotemdol comments while moving with total unnatural speed but without seeming to be breathing hard "carries the danger of not seeing the attack coming, If is hard enough even when you face your opponent, if he is semi competent".
Rotemdol decides this is an appropriate point to stop the training match. Zul would definitely make a good sparring partner.
"You are very good" Rotemdol comments and smiles " You promised you will give me a few pointers on chucking steel, and show me how to use a nirvork for something besides chasing butterflies." He draws his very fine nirvork, takes a plug from a cup board and put it on its tip and hands the nirvork to Zul . As he passes the nirvork he comments in a whisper "it is better that you use mine". Rotemdol steps back, still holding the two knives, and waits.
Rotemdol's visitor remains silent.
Rotemdol's corked nirvork whickers through the air as Zul tests its weight and balance. She gazes along its length appreciatively. "Truly, teacher, I am unworthy of such a weapon. With all due respect, perhaps this one should use a lesser blade, while you wield this work of art. It would be difficult for me to learn nirvork techniques from yourself while you are fighting with knives, or am I wrong?"
Her tone is deferential, almost obsequious, but Rotemdol notes the devilish glint in her eye. She's challenging him to put down his knives, with which she knows he's a wizard, and pick up a nirvork, with which she seems to think she can take him.
"I sort of used to know how to use this weapon many years ago", Rotemdol replies as he goes through some very advanced moves with the nivork that Zul handed back to him. "However, as you can see from the mint condition of this very fine weapon, I haven't been doing it lately. Once I became Banjo's... disciple", he gives a respectful bow to Banjo, "I have concentrated all my attention on knives. I am not going to teach you anything about using the nirvork, but am interested in seeing how good you are with a weapon you are comfortable with".
She selects a decent-looking nirvork from the wall, unsheaths it and walks to face Rotemdol. Then she crosses her wrists in front of her chest before whipping her arms apart, finishing with her empty left palm-out and raised slightly higher than her sword hand. The tip of her sword is pointed slightly downward -- violating perhaps the most basic rule of classic nirvork training. And of course, her centre in completely open (there goes another rule). She's standing almost erect, with her feet shoulder-width apart.
Rotemdol takes the tip of his nivork and sheathes it. He stand across from Zul, waiting for the fun to start.
Zul waits for a second or two in this posture; she takes the initiative, launching a furious assault of broad, sweeping strokes and bold thrusts from myriad angles, appearing to leave herself wide open for counterattacks. But Rotemdol finds that these open doors slam shut as quickly as they appear; despite her wilder technique, her deafens with the nirvork is even tighter than it was with her no-frills knife fighting approach.
Rotemdol is working with Zul. Taking to offered doors when he can, retreating when he must. As Zul knows from her experience, even in training, when you go into combat speed people become tense and loose that extra flexibility. That does not seem to happen. In fact it is obvious to her that Rotemdol is just having fun (as well as that he is way bellow his combat speed but she knows that by now).
After testing the shape of his defences, Zul begins trying to disarm Rotemdol.
Rotemdol smaller knife goes flying from his hand... killing one of the training targets, and a new knife appears. Rotemdol signals a stop. "Lets take a breather before we see if you are as good in wrestling" Rotemdol offers Zul a glass of juice from the table "You show great potential, excellent reflexes, experience, aptitude and most important will" Rotemdol adds. " I will be happy to use you in my show"
After they´ve taken their rest, Zul asks, "Teacher, are we just wrestling? That is, just practicing grappling and throwing techniques? No striking techniques?"
"I never could figure out why people put so much effort into striking techniques", Rotemdol replies, "The only situations in which they are of any use are when you can not use any weapon at all and your opponent is not in armour. I was once in a bar when Chanlath the famed arena fighter whose hands are registered as a weapon" Rotemdol is smiling " was attacked by two common drunks. He used a chair like the rest of us. If someone, who has been training for 15 years in striking with his bare hands, prefer a chair you can draw your own conclusions".
"Grappling, throwing and locking are always useful" Rotemdol add "As to your question, use whatever you want, just no permanent injuries".
Rotemdol's enigmatic visitor remains silent.
"Ready?" Rotemdol asks and follows immediately with backhand slap to the face.
Lets see if she is expecting it after the talk on how strikes are useless, he wonders.
Zul assumes exactly the same stance that she did for knife-fighting.
She parries Rotemdol's strike, and launches an immediate counterattack, stepping inside his reach and throwing a succession of quick punches straight down his center line.
Rotemdol fighting style is totally unexpected. It seems that without the knives he becomes "human" again. Rotemdol's movements are so fluid and stylish that it seems to Zul that he prefers style over function, maybe he even considers it an art form. Before she can get too confident Zul finds that she has to keep very alert and that her combinations are not as effective as they should be as it seems that Rotemdol considers any strike, even close combat ones like elbow strike, an invitation to a wrist, elbow or shoulder lock.
Zul tries to move into close combat, shifting back and forth from quick wrist grabs, traps and tripping maneuvers to elbow and knee strikes. This is the point where she find that one of the reasons Rotemdol movements seems so fluid is that he is double jointed. Traps seem questionable at best.
Rotemdol is happy to move into close combat.
"Lets see if I can demonstrate a drill called the Dance of Pain", he says, "In this drill, joint locks are connected in series. The main objective being to learn how to flow from one lock to another, should one loose a lock such as, if the situation were to change as in a scenario where the opponent might know the counter to your lock or, your hand slips from the sweat on his wrist", changing from a deductive tone to exclamation.
Rotemdol overextends his balance just enough for Zul to decide this is the moment to try and throw him. Not a sacrifice throw like she used on Klarrash, but effective enough. Over he goes.
"You are stronger then you look", Rotemdol says, getting back to lecture mode as he regains his feet, "Or if he were able to just plain muscle his way out of a move. This is where knowledge in flowing smoothly, using the strength of the opponent, into another joint locking technique becomes extremely useful".
It is obvious that Rotemdol has a lot of experience in instructing and is used to talk while training. Sometimes it *might* just affect his concentration at crucial moments, though.
After they disengage Rotemdol comments "Either you had a very good teacher or practiced with giants. You are strong and such people tend to substitute strength for skill yet you did not fall into this trap. Very nice" He seems to be waiting for Zul to reply
"Very good", comments Banjo, "I can see why Klarrash took the tumble he did".
The mystery man remains silent.
Zul gives a little bow. "Thank you for overextending yourself -- intentionally, I'm sure -- and allowing me to throw you," she replies, still in Filgan. She's worked up a sweat, but is not short of breath. A few errant strands of red-blond hair cling to her neck and forehead.
"Very nicely done" Rotemdol replies smiling at her change of subject, thinking to himself that he's not going to learn who her teacher is.
"If you like, I can freshen up while you conclude your business with this gentleman", Zul adds, "Afterward, we can perhaps discuss a training schedule".
She awaits his reply.
"Please do. It will be nice if you could then help Banjo with the kitchen. We can discuss some more training at the dining table".
After freshening up and putting on her leather coat and nirvork again, she heads to the kitchen, where she finds Banjo watching several pots steaming over the wood-fired stove.
"Keylinan dish", he says, "Better than the boiled cabbage or unidentifiable fried stuff that passes for Calbeyn cuisine. And it doesn't contain earthworms either".
Meanwhile Rotemdol turns to his guest. "If there is nothing more, I will try to conclude the business tomorrow. Let me know if there is any new information".
"I have no more information yet, I'm afraid", he replies, "After all, that is what I am paying you for. As for concluding the business" He keeps his voice low to prevent Zul from overhearing. "Does that actually mean you plan to do the deed? Or simply to gain further information?".
"Could not do anything so far, not as long as she is in the temple", Rotemdol replies, "But if she takes a hike I will be waiting. If you know anything let me know but in any case I will do it the moment I find her."
"And one other thing", the mysterious patron adds, "Who is that woman? There are things I find strangely familiar about her. From her accent I believe she must come from Filgeth, or have lived there at some time. Her fighting style I do not recognise, but then you should be the expert in that area".
"She is a new one on me", Rotemdol says, "Don't know her teacher either. She is trouble but I am not sure for whom. Life can get interesting".
"Finally", the mystery man says, "There is the question I asked of you just before that woman arrived, which you did not have the opportunity to answer. What do you know of the Right Hand of Vandrak?".
"Don't know anything much about them except that one of the merchants on the route she is likely to take is one. He told me that he will keep me informed if he hears anything about her whereabout", Rotemdol replies, "Why?"
His patron shakes his head.
"I ask that you treat them with great caution, especially what information you reveal to these people. Many of that group are extremely rash and foolhardy. Many are fanatics that wish to cause mayhem for it's own sake. They do not have the wisdom to realise the likely consequences of any action they might take.
"I would describe them as a crude carving knife, when what is required in many circumstances is a fine scalpel. I trust you understand my metaphor?".
"Everyone knows I have no liking for mind reamers", Rotemdol replies, "I gave The Hand no information whatsoever. I just gave them the impression that giving me information may yield additional mayhem. In any case, given information from them or not, I hope to finish the assignment soon. This of course depends on the opportunity presenting itself"
He repears his plan; to learn of the route she might take when she finally leaves the temple, and take her out with a head shot from a rooftop, preferably from a location from which a quick, concealed escape is possible.
"Fine, I will speak with you again in two days, or when the job is done", the mystery patron responds, "And I shall try to find a place and time when you don't have company".
With those words, he gets up and leaves.
Meanwhile, in the cramped kitchen, Banjo concludes that the meal is just about ready.
"Smells good, as always" Rotemdol says as he enters the kitchen. "How is the new helper doing?" he asks Banjo.
Banjo turns to Zul
"Does it look done?", he asks her, "Has to be the right consistency; don't cook it long enough, it too hard and chewy, too long, and it turns to mush".
He turns back to Rotemdol. "Has that visitor of yours gone? And who was he?".
Zul winks at Banjo. "I'm a tiny terror, fella. You seen me work".
"So listen, Ro, I figure we're both in the same line of work -- and I don't mean juggling. Whatever gig this guy offered you, I want in. You know I can handle myself in a scrap, and I can be of particular help with, well... a certain kind of clientele".
She taps her temple with her index finger.
"I have got some import/export work from him in the past, and we are discussing one now", Rotemdol says, "However, I never work in this city. Everyone knows I try to keep my nose clean around here and even though I get offers I reject them. From time to time people annoy me, especially mind reamers, and I lose my temper".
His expression turns manic at those words, quite at odds with his regular sunny self. It lasts just a second.
"But I haven't liquidated anyone for over a year. People are so nice here in the Anthill".
"Even those that try to burn it down", Banjo adds, "They love us really".
After some thought Rotemdol adds "And anyway", Rotemdol adds after some thought, "This was pleasure and not business. If you tell me how to contact you I may call on you in about a week, but it will require travel".
Zul shrugs. "S'pose I should be able to dodge Rataxe's goons for a week. Least, I think that's who they were. If you two have any suggestions how I might be able to get straight with the old man, I'm all ears. If you need to find me, go to the Abdid's butcher shop, next to the dry fountain and ask for Rosie, then come back here and wait for me"
She stands up, waiting for their response.
"Abdid's apprentice is one of your contacts, etc?", Banjo responds.
"If that is all, then this one will graciously thank you fine gentlemen for a delicious meal, and bid you good day," she coos in Filgan. And with a curtsey and a wry smile, she's gone.
"He is gone" Rotemdol replies. " He is one of my best contacts. Got me some lucrative shows. Tried to get him to stay to eat so that I could introduce you, but he was in some sort of a hurry... "
Turning to Zul "looks ready to me. Smells good too"
"I've seen noodles before", Zul replies, "I'm from Filgeth, not some backwater out West or something"
She tests them, finds it to be cooked just right, and removes it from the water with tongs.
"They have sophisticated food in a backwater like Filgeth?", Banjo says, "Whatever next? Some weird human dishes from the far west in Karmork?".
"Yeah, Stretch, what's the job -- and when do we start?" She eyes him matter-of-factly.
"Nothing definite, possibly something outside the city in a week" Rotemdol replies. "By the way, how would you liked to be called?"
"What's the opposite of 'stretch'?", Banjo jokes, "Coiled-up? Squashed?". He makes sure he's out of the range of Zul's kick before he says that.