The date of the big feast draws nearer and the drow siblings start to feel at home in the Xaniqos Manor. Lilith, who has increased her status as a full noble of the house, is kept busy with social meetings and other activities that befit her station. At some point Phaedra pulls the cleric aside and tells her that she’s been keeping tails on Blessed Seahaven.

Something fishy is going on. There are Kua-toas present who don’t follow Blid Dool Poolp, and there are Shar’ans about. Do you want to check it out?

The cleric gladly takes the opportunity to get away from her social obligations for a while. Together they go in search of their brothers. Jharrath is in his room, but to get Alvra, they have to go to the training grounds. Many Xaniqos soldiers are training, and their brother is practicing with javelins: broken sandbags and splintered wooden dummies are silent witnesses of the fighter’s prowess.

You have ten minutes to freshen up and be ready,

Lilith orders. Everyone seems to be training fanatically. A group of eight drow is drilled in crossbow tactics. All goes smoothly and it is a sight to behold. Orcs hastily help don Alvra’s gnashing armor.

The four leave for the Ghetto of Chattel; both Alvra and Phaedra have been there more often. It is an interesting area, though some parts are not that safe. There are many slave traders, even mindflayers. Their miserable wares stare blindly into the distance; among them orcs, goblins, and even drow, some duergar, ogres and giant ettins.

When the Xaniqos continue uphill, they arrive at a big square. A cacophony of sounds greets them, where traders shout in undercommon, people talk and pull their weapons. The market is rather organized. In the middle of the square a group of six slaves is being sold, their fighting spirit broken. Only the bite of a whip can bring back some power to their dull eyes.

Among the visitors are a couple of kua-toas. They are not participating in the trade, but observe everything closely. Phaedra signals to her sister and quietly mingles with the crowd. Drow guards of House Vae patrol in groups of four. They seem to mind their own business, as long as no one asks for their assistance.

The slave traders with cheaper ‘wares’ bid against each other in loud voices. Lilith heads towards a dais where the more exclusive slaves are sold, but is not allowed any closer. House Tormtor seems to be looking for fighters. The cleric is told she can make an appointment if she wants special slaves, like spell casters.

Phaedra notices that an elderly drow often is assisting in the higher deals. The male takes notes with a large feather pen in a book, which a slave carries. He keeps an eye on all that is going on. Phaedra walks towards the ancient one and waits until he notices her. He doesn’t seem to wear a House insignia.

Greetings, Sir, do you keep track of the higher purchases?

Yes, I do.

And do only Erelhei-Cinlu inhabitants do the buying?

No, other cities as well. Looblishar loses as many slaves as they buy.

Does Blessed Seahaven also buy slaves?

No, they have never kept slaves.

But do other kua-toas buy them?

Yes, actually there’s a meeting scheduled tomorrow.

Phaedra continues:

And if we wanted a private audience at our House, could that be arranged?

Yes.

Thank you, I’m much obliged.

With that, the scout returns to her siblings and quickly informs them of her discoveries.