Sumani Text 2

CHAPTER 2 - FIRSTCHAPTER 2 - SECONDSumani responded promptly.

Shuffling closer to James, he pitched his voice so as not to disturb others that were drinking in the tavern.

SUMANI: Your will, lord?

JAMES: A minute of your time, keeper, if you have one to spare.

SUMANI: All the hours of the day if need be, honorable sire. How may I be of service?

James motioned to the figure across the room.

The man walked over to join them. He stood before them, eyebrows arched inquisitively.

SUMANI: However the Blue Wheel Inn may be at your service, please do not hesitate to tell Sumani.

MAKALA

JAMES: We met a Tsurani in Krondor named Makala. Do you know anything about him?

SUMANI: He is a Great One of the Assembly of Magicians. Beyond that, I know little as the Great Ones do not communicate with the lesser folk.

JAMES: Lesser folk?

SUMANI: Those who are not of the Assembly or those who are not Lords or Ladies of the Tsurani Empire. It would be improper that a person such as I should speak to one of his rank unless he asked a question of me. This is the way of my former people.

ROADS

JAMES: I suspect the graveyard outside of LaMut will fill up faster than the gravedigger can dig holes if the roads become any more treacherous.

SUMANI: It is truer than you might imagine. The roads at night are patrolled now by the LaMutian guard. Any found out after dark will be slain on sight.

JAMES: No exceptions?

SUMANI: Dubal told me that he managed to...haggle, is that the word?...past one of the guards, but then again he is especially gifted with words. I, myself, would not wish to rely upon such a skill.

HAGGLING

JAMES: I've always found myself on the short end of the stick when I've tried my hand at haggling. Ask me to charm the dress off a peasant girl, no problem. But when it comes to convincing a merchant to undersell something to me, I'm less than expert.

SUMANI: You were not born knowing how to walk, but you seem to have no difficulty putting one foot in front of another. Anything may be learned so long as you truly wish to learn it.

JAMES: So who would I speak to about learning how to haggle? Dubal?

SUMANI: Dubal is Dubal. His talent is a part of him and I doubt he understands his own abilities. There is one who lives in Romney, however, who I think may be of help. He is known as Mitchel Waylander and is the head of a very powerful guild, the Glazer's Guild. I had a very long conversation with him when he wished to buy a few of our Tsurani pots. I think he could teach you something about haggling.

FIRST GOODBYESECOND GOODBYEJAMES: I'm afraid it's time we did something other than sit around soaking up the atmosphere. Things to do.

SUMANI: I am pleased you chose to visit the Blue Wheel Inn. It is my hope you will return again.

JAMES: I would say it is a definite possibility, assuming we're ever in LaMut again. Goodbye, Sumani.

JAMES: Thank you for your services, Sumani. You have a wonderful establishment.

SUMANI: Your patronage honors us.

JAMES: Goodbye. I promise if I'm ever in LaMut again, I'll be sure to drop in for a bit of something to eat.

CHAPTER 3 - FIRSTCHAPTER 3 - SECONDJames motioned to the figure across the room.

The man walked over to join them. He stood before them, eyebrows arched inquisitively.

SUMANI: We are always pleased to have guests of your imminence. How may the Blue Wheel Inn be of service to you?

James motioned to the figure across the room.

The man walked over to join them. He stood before them, eyebrows arched inquisitively.

SUMANI: The Blue Wheel is honored to have such exalted guests. How may Sumani serve you?

JOKE (if Dubal)

JAMES: Dubal tells me you're quite the entertainer. Any chance I could hear one of your Tsurani jokes sometime?

SUMANI: Dubal tells many people many things. Some things he says are true, other things he says...not as true. I merely repeat what it is I have heard from those at the Garrison.

JAMES: That's fine. I'm easy to please.

SUMANI: Your will, lord, though I should warn you there is a different...how should I say, aesthetic to Tsurani humor. You may find it...puzzling. But as you request it, I shall endeavor to entertain you.

During the reign of forty four times Emperor Hidjucama, the lords of the minor houses of the Omatu, the Xudumakal and the Hebatoki were summoned to the Holy City for an audience with the Warlord. The Omatu, knowing the Warlord to be allied with the Ebon Fist Party, decided they would present the Warlord with a woman of the Reed Life. The Xudumakal were richer however and decided they would buy the Warlord a fine wooden sword from the Cho-ja hive on the estates of the Kenu. But the Hebatoki paid the greatest price of the day and rode into the Warlord's estate astride a ferocious harulth. Immediately, the harulth consumed the Reed Life prostitute and began destroying the Warlord's estate. Using the blade given by the Xudumakal, he beheaded the beast but broke his blade in the process. When he had seen what he had become of his fine gifts, he exclaimed, "Turakamu be praised! The Emperor shall love his new shoes!"

JAMES: Ah... That was...well... To be honest, I didn't understand anything you said after the word reign, but you told it well, I'm sure.

FIRST GOODBYESECOND GOODBYEJAMES: As much as I would enjoy staying, there are several dead men whose murderers we need to find. We appreciated your hospitality.

SUMANI: It is my hope you may find those you seek. I should not like to see the Game of the Council become commonplace in your world.

JAMES: I'm not well versed in what this Game of the Council is, but from what little I have been told of it by other Tsurani, I think I would have to agree. Thank you again.

JAMES: It's time we left. We still have men to find.

SUMANI: May Chochoan watch over you.

JAMES: I'm assuming that must be a Tsurani god. I'm not sure if they have any influence here in Midkemia, but at this point, I'll take luck wherever I can get it from. Thank you, Sumani.