The Mages Part 1

Part 1
S.T. The contacts who set you up with this car have already done so setting you out on this rum running business (more like bathtub gin in this day and age).
You two spend the time in the car sleeping as you have no other place to stay but business is as steady as New York’s demand for alcohol.
The vehicle is parked inside a warehouse and the morning’s sun casts across the scaffolding as a young man taps on your cars driver side window.
Hutter "Bhu hu?" he pushes past his lips looking up at the young man.
S.T. The young man is a simple courier, possibly from a contact. You have seen him before, and he smiles down at you when he has your attention.
Elwood Nudges Jake with his elbow "Wake up, the courier is here."
Jake Jake stirs and grumbles then open his eyes and sit up "Right, let's get to business"
Elwood Elwood takes his legs down from on top of the drivers wheel and opens the door slightly
S.T. The man slips in a folded piece of paper and gives the place a look about, after the large brother takes it he simple scuttles off to the exit.
Jake "Well El, what are you waiting for, unfold it!"
Elwood "Right right." He says and then unfolds the letter
S.T. 'Sitting up in the drivers seat' once the paper is unfolded it contains a scrawled message on a hotel pad. The letterhead reads "The Hotel Manger" in gold leaf followed by "the wonder hotel of New York-a modern marble palace"
The letter simply gives a delivery up time, crate number for dock pickup, and a hotel room number.
Elwood "Ah pickup," Elwood says and hands the letter to Jake
Jake Jake gladly takes the letter, eyes it through, leans back and simply says: "Well, well, let's get this thing over with."
S.T. The dock number isn't to far out, the both of you straighten up your shirts and Elwood starts the car.
Elwood Elwood reaches under the seat and grabs the colt "You know this supplier?"
Jake Jake reaches for his own firearm
S.T. The dock lot number is a few 'houses down. It’s an open pickup lot, minimal security and is known to have a steady supply of deliveries.
Jake "Nope, new guy. Long as he pays, I'm happy"
Elwood "You sure he ain’t a squealer?"
S.T. The sun is breaking through the horizon, but the buildings block its light from being cast over the entire city, with the exception of the docks. They are east facing and the sun pummels the eastern façade with its morning fury. Works begin to arrive slowly and when you pull up there are several who are beginning to roam around.
Jake "Can't be sure, but he better not be, for his own good that is!"
Elwood "Should we tote around with the big guns just in case?"
S.T. One of the workers spots you and waves you down.
Jake "You do that, I'll stick to this one."
Elwood "Nha, too many persons around now."
S.T. When you approach you slide your window down. The conversation is a typical 'morning' greeting and proper how-do-ya-do's
The worker points out the location of the lot in question and you pull to the small dockworkers shack that is surrounded by smaller crates.
Jake "You know how it goes, you look intimidating, I do the talking."
Elwood "Sure sure."
S.T. The shacks door is unlocked, and you walk in. One person is sitting there eating a doughnut with a cup of coffee. The pot is on a back stove still boiling. He looks up from a newspaper and smiles to greet the two of you. "Names roger," he says wiping crumbs off of his face "what do you boys need?"
Elwood "What do you have?"
Jake Jacob turns to the man and flashes a winning smile, "Well, we've come to pick up some goods."
S.T. he lets out a slight disgruntled frown as he looks at Elwood. "I take it from the muscle you aren't here for the Sunday laundry? No mind it, you got the lot number?"
Jake "Um, right wait a second."
S.T. After looking at the piece of paper, you recite the lot number. This makes him a bit more uncomfortable, and he gives the nod of understanding, as his silence also says he understands completely. With that he goes out the door motioning with his finger to wait a moment.
Elwood "He don’t seem to be prepared."
Jake "Well, looks can be deceiving, stay on your guard just in case."
Elwood "Ok, he might just be green."
S.T. The man returns scuffling around with a stack of boxes setting them down outside the door. His silhouette can be seen through the dirt caked window pulling a pencil from his ear and jots something down on the clipboard. He comes back in, "you boys have the muscle to move this yourself?" With that he looks at Elwood and proceeds to ask the smaller framed Jake, "can I have a name for pickup?"
Jake "Of course," and signs the clipboard with the moniker ‘Fred Herrington.’
S.T. Once outside there are 3 boxes, two of them are the same size but the third one, the bottom one, is the largest. Elwood places the first two in the trunk, they have the same weight as you would expect being a person of your line of work, but the third, has no weight to it. It feels empty and garners a look from Elwood noting its uniqueness. With the boxes loaded, the two of you get in the car and begin the deeper into town.
Elwood "What do you think is in those boxes?"
Jake "First two? Probably Booze. The other one? Don't know, don't care too much. We'll probably be unpaid if we opens it anyway."
Elwood "Well it feels empty." He says bouncing the box in his hands. "And I bet I can open it without anyone knowing. How do you think our household always had brie at home?"
Jake "Talking about empty containers and brie, I'm hungry! Wan'na grab something to eat before the delivery? Forget about the crate for now."
Elwood "Yeah sure." They start the car and begin to proceed down the line of early morning stops for the dock workers. "Were to? Not many places are open THIS early.” Pausing, "well accept the bloodsuckers place."
Driving down the side roads they see that morning vendors are plentiful, they open before sunrise for the dock workers, the construction workers and general mass that starts at sunrise. There see vendors on the way that one could stop at, a deli and what not, also markets that have various fruits and vegetables to pick up on the way.
Elwood "If I had a fireplace, I could put something together.”
Jake "Well, I guess we could start one, but I don't think it would be appreciated by the people of the city"
Elwood "Hmm, lets see if we can find a nice Cafe."
Jake "Sure, a cheep one if possible El"
Elwood "You know I don’t like the cheap stuff. Or wee, the bad stuff. Let’s just pull over here.”
Jake Sighing, “Right! You pick. But not TOO expensive."
Elwood Elwood pulls the car over in front one of the cafes
Jake Jakes gets out of the car and stretches.
Elwood "Let’s see what they have,” he says with a bit of impatience in his tone.
S.T. The cafe, not to fancy not too cheap, serves food for those who need, often light entrées and snacks. They order from the family behind the counter, give them an assortment of dimes, and head back to the car chewing on their morning meals.
Elwood "So interested in what’s in the box?”
Jake "Well, of course I'm interested, but as the voice of reason I think we should be very careful with it. As I said opening it would probably not endear us with the customer, you sure you could open it without them noticing?"
Elwood "Yeah, depending on what’s in it"
Jake "You've worked at the docks for most of your life, what do you think may be in it?"
Elwood "And we both now that you probably can see it."
S.T. The most conveniently private place in a city's existence is an alley, which is what you turn down quickly. The ally ways are narrow, just enough space for one car between the two larger buildings. Elwood manages to drives the car deep enough to be unnoticed by passerby's
Jake Stepping out of the car, "right let's check this thing out!"
S.T. They both proceed to the back of the vehicle as Elwood Opens the trunk Jake tries the first step of the pillar of Farlog discerning that the large box definitely contains value, a strange value, but value none the less.
The boxes contents aren’t necessarily the riches you would normally claim, it has another value that can bring about riches once sold or auctioned.
Jake "Well, it seems to be worth some. But not to us I guess. Let's try some more"
S.T. After a moment of concentration, Jake can see the contents lying in hay, a foggy box made of glass sealed on all of its edges with etched brass. On each of its corners lies a locked bolt sealing it tightly. The glass cannot be seen through, but its contents whisper of a time that has passed, and an ancient meaning.
With further concentration one can see that it points to something, like a map, but it has no directions, no compass. It has instructions, but no origins. Its words are broken and meaningless, as it is a part of a whole.
Jake "Seems,” pausing for a bit of dramaticism, “iiiiinteresting”
Elwood "Should I open it?"
Jake "Well, I'm not sure what to make of this El. Anyway, we can't use it for ourselves regrettably. So no, there's nothing to gain from opening it up, sadly enough."
Elwood "Well, lets just deliver it then."
Jake Sighing, “I suppose that's for the best, yet... such a shame."
Elwood "Hmm yes, but We could still take a look at it?"
Jake "Well, do you really think it's worth the risk? Besides the box itself is sealed, I doubt we could open it without disturbing it obviously."
Elwood "I could try."
Jake "Well I vote for delivering it, but I'm awfully curious..."
Elwood "And besides. Did it feel magical?"
Jake "Yes, most definitely magical, that I can swear upon."
Elwood The larger brother examines the crate deciding how one would go about opening the box. The crate is relatively new, and unweathered. The wood is still a natural color and lacks any form of aging even from shipping and lacks discernable signs of its origin.
Elwood Perfect, he thinks to himself. "I have an idea."
Jake "Oh?"
Elwood "We open it, and then just put it in a new crate. We make sure to check all markings and such in it." He looks at his brother who remains skeptical, "Come on, this is the first magical thing we have encountered since we came here!" He stops to lament for a moment, "unless you count the bloodsucker though. But they are nothing special."
Jake "Well, it seems like it might work! You know were we'll find a new one, right?"
Elwood "Of course, the docks."
Jake "Right, El, go for it!"
Elwood "We just say that we are delivering some china to our mom, and need a crate for it."

(TRAVEL MONTAGE)

S.T. A simple task. The dock workers don't have a hard time giving you a crate for whatever reason. A box of a wonderful likeness is found.
Jake "Aha! Perfect!"
Elwood "Ok lets go somewhere private and take a look at this thing, be sure to bring hammer and nails and such."
Jake "Yeah, Yeah" Checking his pocket watch to keep tabs on the time. It is 8:15 am for the brothers as they look into the city skyline. Elwood checks the note as it says ‘deliver at 9:40 sharp!’
Elwood "Let’s do this quick then." As he takes a close look on the crate for visible markings and such
S.T. El pry’s it open with a bit of gentile force, an easy task. as it opens they hear the sound of ripping paper. Jacob leans in looking to find the first glimpse. The lid comes off easily; bits of hay cover and surround a small item as described before.
Elwood “Ill check what ripped,” he says with an annoyed tone.

Part 2
S.T. Jake peers into the box looking at the mysterious item. The glass on the outside is clear, clean and undisturbed. The glass on the inside is faded, dirty, and looks like it has been through a few seasons and collected many bits of debris.
Elwood flips the lid over seeing a small piece of paper across the lid, glued in place. It has no words but is also old and faded yellow.
Elwood "Fuck there is a piece of paper here. You check this thing, Ill go and fix the paper."
S.T. A piece of similarly sized paper is quickly aged using a bit of tea, and then the dried piece of paper is reapplied to the box. The bottom is manipulated to reset the entire working, and Elwood feels that he has successfully recreated the working piece allowing no one to be the wiser.
Elwood "Did you get anything out of the thing?"
Jake Jake inspects the box more closely to see if it can be opened without being evident
S.T. Jake notices that the box has definitely been unopened for years. They realize that opening it could mean any number of things, but being as it hasn't been opened in so long it’s up in the air as to what may happen.
Jake "Well, it may be some sort of map or something, but I can't understand it, and just look at the box, opening it up is impossible! Unless we wish to get found out that is! Damn, it's so frustrating!"
Elwood "I guess we just got'ta deliver it."
Jake "Guess so..."
S.T. With the box secured, the two of them hop in to the vehicle to finish the delivery. The hotel address you were given is a short drive away and the time it took to recreate the crate has cut the time short.
Elwood "Damnit, that box is the first magical thing we found since, well ever."
S.T. The two of you travel down the roads avoiding traffic and arriving at your destination with a few moments to spare.
Jake "Yeah, it's a darn shame. But at least we'll get some money out of the delivery."
S.T. Hotel Manger, a multi story complex with a salmon colored stone exterior with white trim at the ground floor. “The wonder hotel of New York, a modern marble palace,” the post cards read. The two of them stand at street level talking amongst their selves and they take all three boxes out start their way into the hotel. Once inside a bellhop assists them in getting to where they need to go escorting the group inside an elevator contraption and sends the lot of them into to the penthouse suites. The bellhop walks them up to the suite and knocks.
Inside the room you can hear the bolt unlatch and a tall older gentleman of old world stature standing stoically looks at the bellhop as he explains, “a delivery has arrived,” motioning towards the two of you.
With approval from the gentleman the bellhop escorts the two of them inside and in a chain reaction of disseminating information, the older man tells the bellhop what he wants with the boxes and the bellhop obliges by ordering the brothers with the same line of words.
S.T. "Set them here," the old man states.
S.T. "Here," Says the bellhop.
S.T. As the two of them simply set each of the boxes on the table another man comes out wearing an old style blouse and vest combination buttoning it as he emerges.
S.T. "Ahh, on time and in good condition," he states with a soft exuberance. He is excited to see his boxes and proceeds over to them to inspect them closely.
The butler motions the three of them to stand at distance so that the master can do as he will.
Elwood "I hope you have no complaints?"
S.T. The butler stands between you and him making sure your focus is on him and matter-of-factly states, "if we do we will be sure to inform you."
S.T. The brother’s gauge the man tending to his delivery but the aura from the box still dominates the room as it was easily detected. Jake is able to detect that the man has a magical power to him, but he isn’t 100% sure if it’s from a magical sortie or because he understands the concept of pillars as they do.
The longer the man sits there the more Jake notices him start to churn his own pillar or an effect based on a pillar. The man begins to use various ancient writs to bring forth his own connotations by taking from his pockets and writing down various symbols best described as scripts, alchemical in nature, and he touches each one placing them in a pattern around the three boxes. Jake, using his Galdar is assured that this is a seal of some sort to protect and isolate the boxes.
The man sits and waits for a moment, then asks you directly without looking at either of you, "any problems during transportation?" Pausing only briefly, "any thing, go wrong?"
Jake "No sir, just a run to the mill delivery. Why do you ask, it's just some liquor, right?"
S.T. The older gentleman puts his monocle on and looks at the both of you through it.
The man continues with his questioning, "you picked it up right from the docks, no problems right?" he asks while standing up putting his pen in his pocket.
Jake "Of course not sir, we're professionals. No problems at all."
S.T. "huh" he says to himself. He then turns back towards the room where he came from and once he closes the door behind him the older man straightens up and walks towards a writing table. He opens it and pulls out a checkbook and begins to write an amount in it but stops before completing it. He uses his monocle repeatedly to look at the three of you staring back between the bellhop and the two of you.
"How morally strong are the two of you?" Carrying the check book and fountain pen in his hands he approaches the two of them.
Elwood "Uhhm..." Elwood embarrassedly mutters looking down at his feet.
Jake "About as strong as the people in our business is likely to become I guess."
S.T. "Do you perchance carry?"
Jake "In our line of work, that's sometimes a grim necessity I'm afraid"
Elwood "But not much..."
S.T. He nods in approval and finishes the check, writs a second one, and then on a spare piece of paper writes out a note.
"This is to be done immediately if you would please." and stands squarely at attention.
S.T. Jake looks at the two checks that are in two different amounts. The first one says "for delivery" with no name in the field for $150. The second says, "For services rendered" for $1,500.
Elwood reads the note as it says simply. "the third man"
S.T. They both possess the pillar of Galdar and they sense the purpose of the note. Galdar says; that for some reason he is worrisome of the bellhop and is instructing you to take care of him.
Elwood Elwood eyes the guy and then looks at Jake "Shall we?"
Jake Jake returns the look and nods
S.T. The older man smiles at the both of them, puts his hands on their shoulders in a friendly gesture, and gently pushes them towards the door.
The butler looks at the bellhop and pulls out a small wad of cash and him one perhaps two dollars giving him a slight nod and motions towards the door.
Jake Jake strolls up to the bellhop. "Young man, I'm sorry but I'm new in town and well to be honest I don't know where you big city folk goes to unwind, you know any good places round here? It's my first big job in the city and well, there's a lot to celebrate if you know what I mean," he coyly states waving the checks in front of him
S.T. He smirks back and says, "but it’s so early." His voice changed to an embarrassed tint of timid at the thought of celebrating. You can tell he has a hedonistic side that he hides in this job. It would explain the expectant nature to receive tips as a position like this can churn out some very good pay.
Jake "It's never too early to celebrate my friend! Come on, I'll make it worth your time,” Jake coos with a devilish tongue that would make a priest blush.
S.T. The bellhop looks back at Jake and smirks with anticipation thinking this is the greatest idea ever and nods in response to the question. The three of them go out of the room, into the hallway and into the elevator. The ride down seems long enough for the two of them as they ponder how to 'execute' the request of their benefactor. He looks back at them every once and a while, while talking about a few places he knows of and what is found there. When he makes eye contact with either of them they smile and nod back at him to keep up appearances.
The bellhop stops at the desk to inform the attendant that he is running a private errand and will return shortly. The two of you get in your car as he jogs after you and gets in the back.
Elwood "So its this a good job?" El asks once he climbs in the back of the vehicle. "Being a Piccolo that is."
S.T. "It pays a slaves wages." He says with a smile, "but the tips can bring in more in a day than most make in a week."
Elwood "Kinda like us then,” he says smiling.
Jake "Well, I suppose that you pick up a lot in your line of duty then?"
S.T. "Yeah, one time I saw this one woman. She was dressed in her unmentionables when she answered. Walked around without a care as she had me 'do' things like pull her bags and the like." He laughs, "man I wish I knew what she was thinking!"
Jake Jake laughs at the thought of it. "You don't say! Well, people do the strangest things when they're away from home."
S.T. He takes them around to the bank where the man who gave them the checks does his banking, as Elwood walks inside and cashes it. The tellers can't cash the $1,500 check right now so they suggest coming back and setting up an account when they have more time. After that, and $150 richer, the bellhop takes them to a nice and quaint cafe.
"If you flash the woman a $1 bill she takes it and lets you into the back. It might not be so busy now, but you can definitely get something there."
Jake Plotting the ‘piccolo’s’ alcoholic slumber, "Well, the day's still young, might as well get a head start!"
S.T. The woman waitress arrives and takes their bills, and slides them into the pocket of her apron and pours a single cup of coffee. "Bit early for late starters isn't it" She asks.
Elwood "We have things to celebrate!"
S.T. She raises an eyebrow and lets out a "huh" and turns around and leaves the three of them alone with the one cup of coffee. You can see her in the back behind the counter with the cook as they talk, obviously about the three of you, and she disappears for a moment while the cook eyes you while he chops his meat.
She emerges from the back through a different door and says to the three of you "alright boys, if you have some celebrating to do you should go ahead and follow me."
The three of them follow the woman into the back where she takes them into a closet containing a broom and a sink. She rhythmically knocks on the wall behind the sink and a small port opens allowing you to see a man behind it glaring back at them. After that the door opens allowing all of them entry.
Once inside you can see an underground room large enough to fit about 50 plus people with a stage and a bar at opposing ends. There is a restroom door in the back and the faint stench of cigarettes remains in the air.
The man behind the door stays behind the door as he closes it after you interlocking it securely and returns to his newspaper.
Jake Sighing, "Just like home."
Elwood "What do you know about that, you haven’t been there for twenty years."
S.T. The 'piccolo' walks up to the bar where a bartender is organizing his supplies for tonight’s activities and leans into speak to him out of earshot.
Jake focuses upon them and hears him speaking to the tender. You can hear that he is upset that he has visitors so early, before he has even stocked his supplies and the piccolo keeps goading him for something. "come on, you have to have some!"
The bartender squints his eyes at him and shakes his head, "fine, so goddamn early. They best be payin' in cash!"
The ‘piccolo’ looks back at the two brothers and says, "man do I have a treat for you." He starts opening his arms to them. "This is one of the few places that has the means to serve Absinth. You ever had some?"
Jake "I don't think so, is it any good?"
S.T. He has a large grin on his face as he clasps his hands together obviously anticipating the drinking fest they are about to have.
Elwood "Oh yes...." he says reminiscing a few nights of boxing stints where it was the only thing keeping the pain at bay.”The green fairy. "Watch out brother, it is very strong."

Part 3
S.T. He leans in over your shoulder pushing you towards the bar, "it’s the stuff of dreams, maidens, and what ails you all rolled into one."
Jake "Just the way I like it."
S.T. After some conversation, and some whisky to tide the three of you over the tender returns with a bucket of ice and sets it under the bar. Prepares several bottles of various unlabeled substances and pours a very green colored concoction.
Before any of them begin to drink, a voice from the shadows next to the stage comes forth, "It will put hair on your chest too." The three turn around and see a man dressed from the waist down in an army uniform, pants and shoes, with a shirt from some thrift store mocking the establishment. His complexion is light, but his shadows are deep and a cold air comes from him.
"Watch your cocks boys," The bartender warns, "he's taken a liking to you."
Elwood "Oh sir I got plenty of hair on my chest." Thinking for a moment and turning to the bartender to give a look of bewilderment. He moths the words ‘cock’ at the tender and looks at his brother who continues to stare at the newcomer.
S.T. "Ain't you fuckin’ lucky" The newcomer states and grabs the drink from Jake’s hands, "You weren't plannin’ on drinking that anyway were you?"
Once he is this close, the gruff nature of his demeanor reeks of the dead. Neither of them has a problem discerning that he is a vampire.
Elwood "And It won’t have any affect on you I see." He says swirling around his own drink.
Jake "I've seen your kind before you dirty pig, you wouldn't have any joy of it! Begone!"
S.T. "Who’s the bag," he asks stepping up to the bellhop. "Don't worry, I can smell the adrenaline."
Elwood "What bag?"
S.T. "your mark," he says pushing the bellhop into a stool
Elwood "Excuse me sir but fuck off and leave our friend alone."
S.T. "you friends with ghouls?" he quizzically asks.
Elwood "I’m friends with whoever I like punk."
Jake "Yeah, watch it! Or you'll have to deal with El here!" Jake begins letting his brother step between the two of them.
S.T. He laughs, turns around to a table and pulls a chair from the top of it to sit down. "You mean to tell me you’re his marks then?" As he puts the finished glass of absinth down.
Elwood "Marks of what?"
S.T. "green as hell ain’t ya?"
Jake "Your starting to get on my nerves leech, leave us alone." Jake blurts out again from behind his brother.
S.T. "a mark, a target, the victim," he looks down at the glass and watches the ice settle. “Someone’s getting’ killed today, and it ain't me."
Elwood "We just want to have a drink without being troubled by a madman’s ranting." He focuses internally preparing his pillar of Hjaldrar anticipating the next move. “So bugger off."
S.T. "Don't worry about me,” the vampire states, “I'm just here to see how it’s done." He smiles and sucks his teeth watching what the three of you do next.
Elwood "Lets leave, I don’t like the stale air here," he says placing the glass on the counter and starts walking towards the exit.
Jake "You wanted this? Fine"
S.T. The brothers turn towards the door walking to it as the larger man behind it stands up. Flashing a large pistol hidden under his coat shaking his head letting them know that this isn't happening this way.
Elwood "Oh the payment."
S.T. Turning back towards the bartender you see him reach from under the counter placing a shotgun down pointed towards you. He uses it as an intimidation technique geared at letting you know you are not in control.
The bellhop remains sitting on the stool staring at the vampire, "You should’ve kept your mouth shut Adam."
Jake Cringing because he hates when this happens "Järnspikar!"
S.T. Jake glancing over with his Galdar notices that the vampire has an eye on the bellhop, but not like he is on his side. He can clearly see that his eyes state that he is staring at him for more infamous reasons. He picks up quickly when he gets closer to the bar that neither he nor the bellhop gets along as the bellhop called him Adam, pointing to a more seeded relationship between the two. And the Bartender has the shotgun out because of the level of tension between the three groups here. These lines are not drawn between two groups, definitely between more, but the man at the door remains protective not an instigator, definitely sided with the bartender because of his occupation.
S.T. Elwood focuses upon his pillar of Hjaldrar and concentrates for a moment intending to sooth the tensions between the groups. The bellhop obviously unhappy with the vampire and seems to let it go blurting, "whatever man, your a piece of shit and you should leave."
"Can't," Adam says, "and you know why." Adam looks up at El, "So how’s it goin’ down?"
Elwood "I’m going t’ pay for my drinks, and find another place to celebrate a job well done." The statement remains defiant, "any problems with that?"
S.T. Adam turns his head to the side and looks at the bartender, "you got a problem with that Chip?"
"Yep," the bartender responds with a sharp quip.
Elwood "How so?" preparing for the worse he cracks his knuckles understanding that the raw stubbornness is often best resolved with an equal amount of force.
Jake Jake nervously places his hand over his face knowing that whatever happens he isn’t suited for this type of conflict.
S.T. "you see,” Adam starts in response, “twiddle McDumbass created a grievous error by coming here. Now the three of you aren't the problem, it’s what the two of you are going to do once he finds out you have murderous intent against him. But I already spill’t those beans." Adam stands up and approaches the bar.
Elwood Focusing on his pillar he anticipates a brawl generating more stamina for himself but finds that Hjaldrar is unresponsive to his demands.
S.T. Adam is taller than the barkeep as he looks down and demands, "Three fingers of whisky."
The barkeep, known as Chip, looks up and says, "I don't serve alcohol with mah shotgun out."
Elwood "Do you really believe him?" he asks the bellhop attempting to keep up his guise. The bellhops face sees the jumbled message in his eyes, knowing that safe is interpretive right now.
S.T. Adam grabs the shotgun, "well put the damn thing away, you ain’t gon’na fire it during the day are you?"
Elwood Focusing on Hjaldrar once again he attempts to sow conflict, hoping for a distraction.
S.T. Unaware of the mystic influence Adam throws the shotgun at the bartender who catches it and puts it under the counter. He then comes up with a tall shot glass and fills it with whisky in a simple motion. Before Adam even grabs the glass, the whisky bottle is below the counter as the tender too senses the aggression.
Adam finishes the glasses contents with one fail gulp, slams the shot glass down on the counter and his extraordinary claws begin to grind against its surface.
Through his teeth he grinds out, "The three of you ain’t goin’ no where," turning his head allowing you to see his glowing red eyes. "But I don't mind if only two of you make it out of here," he finishes turning towards the bellhop pouncing onto of him with only his fist. The impact creates a popping noise as the bellhops eyes roll back in his head with an apparent one hit KO. Elwood sees this and feels the power, as an experienced boxer he sees the technique as his mouth goes dry. Regardless of his own confidence, he would rather leave without a brawl, and this is his opportunity.
Elwood "Can we go now?"
Jake "Ooookay, that's fine with me El."
Elwood "What’s you gon’na do with him?" He asks, but he is the only one who hears. No one responds as the violence continues.
S.T. The bartender watches Adam pounce on the bellhop, as the two of them make it to the door. The large man stands there, puts down his newspaper, and smiles at them while he opens the door. "Have a nice day," he starts, "come back anytime."
Elwood "What will he do with him," he asks again. "Drink his blood?"
Jake "Thank you, maybe aon a more [peaceful day]."
S.T. The frenzied fury of induced violence, via Hjaldrar makes Adam scream out several phrases of frothy profanity, "Goddamn Sabbat ghoul!" as he punches him over and over.
Jake "I think we've seen enough El, and hey! Mission accomplished!"
Elwood "Oh it’s a that gang war thingy." He stats watching the fists fly. "Yeah let’s," answering his own question.
S.T. The two of you leave the closet and find yourselves back in the diner. You can hear the violence shake the walls while you exit and by the time you make it to your car you feel safe once again.
Jake Taking a note to his primary pillar, Farlog, he sees that this was perhaps the most fortuitous outcome of the situation. The faith he has placed him in the most opportune moment in both finances and result.
Elwood "I still want to know about that box," he says climbing back into the drivers’ seat. "Should we report back or?" He rummages through the options knowing the situation warrants an unspoken understanding but something else pulls at his conscious. “Sending a note?”
S.T. They know the job was assumed to be completed as he gave them payment in advance.
Jake "Something fishy’s going on El, that's all we really know. These employers of ours seems rather,” pausing at the assumed word “suspicious. And the whole scene in the closet with the guy that took a liking to our cocks, man nasty stuff. I think it's best to lay a bit low for a while you know?"
Elwood "Let’s tally what we know." They ponder together for a moment, "Our employer, does he know that we are mages, and does he know that we know? And do you think he would react positivity to us?"
Jake "That depends I guess. Right now, I can see two broad possibilities. One, our employer wants us dead and worked vicariously through the vamp in there to do so; or two, they merely wanted the bellhop dead because of his nature as a ghoul and thought us capable enough to handle him, probably true, but still..."
S.T. They both lament about the Sabbat who are notoriously known as the monstrous vampire who cares little of others. Even mages fear the Sabbat as does any one else because they care so little of many things that others do hold dear.
Jake "All I know is that there's big bucks involved, and why pay us fully in advance, something's odd." Recanting his pillar of Galdar, “If the guy in the hotel knew that the ghoul was a Sabbat ghoul, he doesn't want them finding out, the Sabbat, as they will ransack his room and take what they want. He could have mystically known that we saw what was inside the box, and because we weren't honest he sent us to kill the Sabbat ghoul and then the Sabbat muscle would have taken vengeance on us allowing him to kill two birds with one stone.” He puts his hand on his forehead again shaking his head at the realization, "We may have made not one, but two powerful enemies today brother."
S.T. Elwood also notes that he might also have an honor code, more old-world, and fears that because he knew that they weren't truthful he did this. It can be assumed that he would be receiving of an honest apology at the least.
Elwood "Cant we see if we can become friends with one of them? The mage that is, let’s send a note explaining the situation.” He thinks for a moment, “We don’t know if the check will clear or that he has put a stop payment on it. He will know as soon as we try to cash it.”
Jake "Very well, El. You've got a point; I'd rather have a powerful ally than two powerful foes. Let's send the guy a message. You do it; I'm no good at apologies." Neither of them acts upon the commitment thinking of the repercussions. "But, then again, he seemed rather old fashioned, he may find a telegram insulting, thus a personal message would have its own merit. Alas, our very lives may be at risk. A telegram it is."
Elwood Realizes that a phone call is more advantageous, safe, and holds with it the personal touch. He moves starts his car and heads immediately to the docks as he knows there is one there.

(TRAVEL MONTAGE)

Part 4
S.T. The two make it to the docks and contact their cousin and ask him for the use of his phone, which he obliges without hesitation. He pulls it out onto the desk for you, pats you on the back, "you look frustrated cousin, did you make a rough delivery?"
Elwood "A frustrating one," He replies in earnest.
Jake "To say the least."
Elwood "Which we will need some clearing about." He says as the operator picks up on the other side. “Miss, could you connect me with, uhm. Hotel Manger,” he asks.
S.T. "clearing, no problem. Take as much time as you need, me and the boys are going to start up some lunch soon. Anything I can throw on the fire for you?"
Elwood "Some scrambled eggs; you know how I like ‘em."
S.T. The operator connects you to the hotel operator and you ask for the room number. After a few moments of silence you hear a bellhop speak to someone and the voice of the old man on the other line. "Alistair’s Domicile," as he waits for a response.
Elwood "Uhm, we would like to clear some things up..." he says as the butler inhales. Elwood knows what he will ask next and quickly interjects, "It’s the delivery men."
S.T. "Hmm," he says in acknowledgement.
Elwood "We have done what you requested, and I have one question for you." He states with a subtle bit of nervousness.
S.T. "I see, go ahead."
Elwood "Uhm.” He stalls for a moment before continuing. “In hindsight I think its best if I ask it to,” pausing again, "In hindsight I think its best if I ask it to your master. Is it okay if I talk to him?"
S.T. "No, regrettably for you he has gone to a meeting." he says simply and without emotion. "Anything you must say can be said in my presence, I am able to relay anything you have to say.”
Elwood "Tell him this." He pauses again taking a deep breath preparing to say what shouldn’t be said. "We know about the pillars, And we would like to discuss them with you."
S.T. "I see, it is unfortunate you weren't this forth coming earlier. You have caused us some grief, but do go on."
Elwood "And we are sorry about the sneakpeek. We scryed." He admits again, feeling the deep pitted struggle between saying what he shouldn’t and admitting what he thinks he should. "I guess I can talk openly with you. You seem to know about it."
S.T. "Apparently." He says again dryly.
Elwood "We felt the aura from the crate."
S.T. "Hmm" he mutters again acknowledging you.
Elwood "And it was the first mystical thing we have seen since we became, ‘enlightened’ or what we are gon’na call it."
S.T. "It’s very unfortunate. So you have taken it with your own eyes then?"
Elwood "Pardon?"
S.T. "You have seen the item with your own eyes, you have gazed upon it out of the box, touched it with your hands?" He asks again.
Elwood "Uhm," he starts, "Yes, we are sorry. It was the first thing we have ever seen and," as he is interrupted by the man on the other line.
S.T. "That is a noble intent on your behalf," he starts in an apparent context at accepting your apology. "We will be needing your services again soon unfortunately. We will contact you soon." and with that he hangs up the phone.
Elwood "They will contact us.” He says as he slowly puts the receiver down, “and it seems that we shouldn’t have had touched the box."
Jake "Well, at least we may get some money out of it. Making enemies is all too easy in our business, and a rare ally can be a great weapon. Anyway, I think it may be in our best interest to at least hear him out. Especially now that he knows that we are alive."
Elwood "Yeah. Let’s go and eat those scrambled eggs."
Jake "Sure"