Post by chris on Feb 8, 2016 13:51:58 GMT -5
Octavie Goes Missing
Archimedes Mercador, Part 2
Two figures speak softly, huddled over a table littered with rolled papers and measuring instruments, a large map at its center. A small globe illuminates their workspace, casting a protective glow that doesn’t quite reach the edges of the room. Occasionally, the light stretches outward a little, flickering to reveal endless rows of shadowy books.
“So walk me through it again, Octavie, from the first mark.” said Archimedes Mercator, as he pushed a polished stone into place on a map of Blackwater City. Refocusing his gaze on his companion, Mercator raised a finger to his temple, where he adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses to rotate a green lens away from his eye.
With an impatient sigh borne of many repetitions, Octavie replied, “we’ve been over this a dozen times, Archie. The plan is excellent, and the owner is away. What’s gotten into you? I’ve never seen you so skittish about a job.”
Octavie looked at Mercator with intelligent eyes, the kind that always probe for insight and lead to quick thinking and direct action. Shoulder length brown hair spilled out of her black top hat, which is wrapped by a pair of multi-lens adventure goggles.
Octavie smiled affectionately, then began. “I’ll access the target building via inclined strong wire, crossing the courtyard from a high point on the Cornwall Tower. Mark 1. Once I reach the rooftop of the target site, I proceed to the bank of north-facing windows for direct ingress. Mark 2...”
And on it went for several more hours. Occasionally, Mercator would stop her to illustrate a risk or comment on her analysis. At two points (Mark 9 and Mark 13), he interrupted to present her with a small vial containing some alchemical material. He would then quiz her about its contents and purpose.
“Green-labeled vial has the shielding dust. Sprinkle on the target item…”
“To strengthen the parchment and protect the manuscript,” interjected Mercator. “That is correct. But first you must use the red vial, to check the case for enchantments or traps.” “Do not touch the map until you’ve followed the entire procedure. Be sure to replace it with the copy we’ve prepared.”
As the night wore on and her focus waned, Octavie’s mind drifted. She’d been working with Mercator for nine years, a long and successful partnership --and friendship-- that had seen some close calls but nothing especially dangerous. Mercator always targeted maps or nautical charts, and sometimes books about maps. He took pains to avoid or delay detection, producing elaborate copies that were probably as valuable as the original. Octavie did not understand his interest in them, but she was charmed by his passion for the old paper.
Mercator ended their planning session by reminding Octavie where she must take the stolen map for safekeeping, and how to reestablish contact with him once the job was complete. “Right Archie. I’ll see you in four days at the Oceanside Tavern, dockside. Thanks for looking after me. We’ll take a vacation after this one.” Then Octavie walked out of his study, spiraling down the stairs through the darkness and out into the night.
Twelve days later, Mercator was beside himself with worry. Octavie never showed at the tavern or any of their contingency locations. He feared the worst.
Mercator Role play
- Part 1: The Map that Turned the World
- Part 2: Octavie Goes Missing
- Part 3: Mercator Contacts the Radiant