The price of a soul

General Summary

Morning rose after a night of rest. Peaceful for some, and eventful for others.   Breakfast was like any other, and the crew gathered for a hearty meal to start their day.   Jessica had made herself useful in the kitchen and was helping Huey cook up a storm while the old chef tried provide instruction to the girl, but it's hard when the student knows more than the master.   Will munched happily on toasted breads dipped in honey and greeted the rising crew with his normal effervescent cheer, a more recent turn of his character since Jessica's joining, and a warm relief in recent weeks since Monty's passing. His cheeky glances at Jessica here and there was hard to miss by the crew. In fact, only the two young teens seemed none-the-wiser at their own games.   Looking forward to the business of the day, it was decided that the Mauney Expedition was a bounty, too big to ignore and the crew made haste with the day to resupply before heading to the station.   The recent destruction of Dave's Munitions Empire has stricken the world with a sudden shortage of ammo, combined with the sudden demand of a hundred eager fortune seekers, has caused the prices to skyrocket, and the panicked buying of all available stock, leaving the artisan runecrafters flat-out selling their ammunition as soon as its made and forcing quotas on customers.   Away from the hubbub of Harena, the village of Poke was quieter, but still seeing it's unexpected glut of visitors.   Nonetheless, with the aid of a sneaky back door deal, the crew managed to modestly resupply with medicine and ammunition as best they could, and left for the station.   The bounty had attracted many a would-be hopeful and hero. Money was tight now with the economy shaken by recent events, and a cash windfall was too tempting an offer for any with an adventurous bone.   The station was crowded when they arrived, and a large throng of people were queueing to join the Mauney Expedition. The crew made it past the checkpoint thanks to the large distracting crowds though Marvyn was stopped by the Marshal, Marcus McKenzie. Luckily Marvyn's relatively low priority request for interrogation was put on hold, as another scuffle broke out, and Marcus let him go on the proviso he submit himself for questioning on his return.   All seemed to be going relatively uncomplicated when the final boarding call was signaled by the station staff and Horatio suddenly said he needed to speak to Jessica alone, spiriting her aside, leaving his confused comrades behind.   As they waited, contemplating their comrades strange actions , Horatio met with Austin Allaway - a talent scout from the capitol. To her utter shock and dismay, he took the girl and sold her. Jessica, too stunned to think, watched, filled with heartbreak and betrayal as the man she had once called hero sold her back into the very slavery she had escaped only a few weeks earlier. Just one more piece in a game of chess she wasn't playing. You never stop being a lamb.   Horatio climbed back aboard the train sporting a bleeding and broken nose from a fight he started. With a few weak excuses and some medical administration from Matthew, he curled up in a corner and tried to swallow the guilt knotting his stomach, all too aware that James was staring suspiciously at him till what fitful dreams took him.   The great iron beast trundled along the tracks, as steady and rythmic as the turning of the world. Unaffected by the uncertain dark cloud hanging over the crew's head.

Rewards Granted

For Horatio: 300,000c + One ticket to the Midnight Pageant

Missions/Quests Completed

Quest Start: The Silver Sorrow of Starlight

Character(s) interacted with

Austin Allaway - Trade Negotiation for the guardianship of Jessica Wellhart   Marcus McKenzie - A tense verbal encounter at the bag check. Marvyn "promised" to check in with the Marshal's office next time he was in town.   Jessica Wellhart - Jessica had grown to love her new family, and was frankly a little concerned and guilty with the price they paid to purchase her guardianship. Such warm sentiments froze when Horatio abruptly sold her to a talent scout.

Notes

Scamp ate some gems

• Medium Blue Sapphire
• Small Diamond