Storm expected Gavin to step forward but much to his suprise, it was Leyocan that addressed the man.
"I am the owner of this vessel." Said Leyocan.
"What is your business in Arcadia?"
"Just here to do business and to see the sights. "
The man scribbled something down on his parchment.
"Any non-human servants to declare?"
"Just my navigator over there." Said Leyocan as he gestured towards Gavin.
The dock master eyed Gavin with a look of disdain.
"Make sure that he only stays in the designated servants areas. Any trouble he causes here you will be liable for. " Explained the man.
Storm was outraged at the poor treatment the dwarf was receiving and was just about to retaliate, when a hard elbow to his midsection drew his attention.
"Don't cause trouble! Just play along!" Muttered the dwarf.
Storm gritted his teeth and did his best to conceal his anger.
"Under what name shall I register you?" Asked the dock master.
"If it's all the same with you, I'd like my name to remain anonymous. " said Leyocan.
He handed a small bag of gold to the man and he eagerly took it.
"As you wish 'Mr Johnson' enjoy your stay in Arcadia. "
Storm glared at the back of the man as he walked away and did his best to resist firing a lightning bolt at him.
"How could you take that disrespect from him!" Asked Storm.
"I'm afraid that is how elves and dwarves are treated in human cities, lad.
Let's just say you get used to it after a while. " said Gavin.
Storm shook his head.
"Why would some Dwarves and Elves willingly migrate to human cities and submit themselves to such abuse!?"
"Many don't exactly have a choice in the matter.
Hunters regularly attack Dwarven and Elven settlements that they encounter out in the fringes and these prisoners are dragged back to settlements like this.
These prisoners learn very quickly that causing trouble creates even more pain, so they learn to keep their head down."
"I'd rather die than submit!" Exclaimed Storm.
"As would I, lad.
But it becomes a different story when it's your child or wife's life that is on the line as well as your own.
I can't blame some people for submitting, even if I don't approve.
All I can do is hopefully free them some day.
It's why I've taken up the Nogitsune's cause to begin with." Explained Gavin.
Gavin turned towards Leyocan.
"Now that I've safely seen you three to your destination.
I'll take my leave. I'd prefer not to linger in the area in case someone recognizes me."
"Thank you for your help, Gavin. We'll be fine from here on out.
All the best in your journey." Replied Leyocan.
The dwarf returned to his ship and prepared to cast off, leaving Storm, Aurora and Leyocan to find their own way.
They wandered through the city, until they came to the upper districts where most of the nobility and other influential humans resided.
Currently they were standing in front of a large two story building that almost resembled some kind of temple.
A large statue of Fortuna, the human Goddess of Luck was placed in front of the entrance.
Several murals had been painted on the walls that depicted that particular Goddess's many legends and exploits.
A large string of people were queuing outside and were awaiting entry.
A large muscular man was blocking the entrance and were gazing at the crowd with an uninterested look.
Leyocan ignored the queue and walked straight to the main entrance, drawing the guard's gaze, who then positioned himself between the entrance and Leyocan while crossing his arms.
"Get to the back of the queue and wait like everyone else!!" Exclaimed the man.
Leyocan gave no response as he pulled out a small token that Onyx had given him before they left.
It indicated that Leyocan was an member of the network, and that they were to receive preferential treatment.
The man eyed the token, before stepping aside.
"Ask by the reception desk and they will guide you. "
He didn't acknowledge them further and returned to his guard duties.
As Storm entered the establishment, he was suprised by what he found inside.
Storm had been inside of temples before.
He even blew up one after a particularly inflammatory sermon.
These kinds of buildings were usually quiet, peaceful and serene.
So he wasn't expecting the rowdy, noisy venue it was.
Numerous tables were set around the vast chamber with a vast variety of games of chance to choose from.
The people were loud, laughing or cheering when luck favored them, or crying in despair when it did not.
Ale flowed like water and numerous servers were walking between the revelers to distribute it.
On an heightened platform stood another Statue of Fortuna, who almost seemed to be watching the revelry going on in her name in favor.
"This.... is not what I was expecting?!" Muttered Storm.
Leyocan laughed.
"Did you really expect serine atmospheres and quiet contemplation in an establishment dedicated to the Goddess of Luck and Revelry?"
"And the Nogitsune run places like this?" Asked Aurora.
"The Nogitsune formed the cult.
A particularly sly Sensei came up with the idea and it's slowly been gaining popularity in many of the larger cities.
'Why steal when people are perfectly willing to give you their hard earned gold?' Was his motto.
The other churches hates establishments like this.
But since the wealthy and the influential are our most loyal patrons, they haven't been able to wipe out these establishments yet.
Just..... don't partake in any of the games.... They'll strip you of everything you own before you realize it." Warned Leyocan.
"So it's a scam then?" Asked Storm.
"We control the odds, a favorite tactic is to let a mark win at first, before suddenly turning things around and taking everything they have.
Fellow Nogitsune gets favorable odds however.
They're not being actively scammed, but you can still end up loosing all your hard earned coin if you're not careful.
We should make our way to the hideout.
The guard said we should go ask at the reception desk?" Explained Leyocan.
He led the way towards the reception desk where a young man with long blond hair in gold robes was waiting.
The sacred symbol of Fortuna, a silver scale with a 4 leafed clover in the one arm, and an upside down horse shoe in the other, was stitched to the front of his robe.
"Welcome to Fortuna's Palace. Would you like to purchase some tokens to partake in the festivities?" Asked the man.
Leyocan revealed the same token that he showed at the front door in response.
The young man looked left and right to ensure no one was looking, before pulling a key out from under the desk.
"Welcome, brother.
You should try the Heartland 67. It was a very good year." Explained the man.
After Leyocan pocketed the key, the man returned to his duties.
"Now what?" Asked Storm.
"Now we look for the wine cellar. " Explained Leyocan.
They spread out and began looking, until Aurora found the stairs leading into the cellar.
As they stopped by the large oak door, Leyocan pulled out the key and unlocked the door.
He then placed the key on a hook beside the door where the staff can find it.
They entered a room filled with racks containing numerous different wines from many different wineries spread across the kingdoms.
"Look for a bottle marked Heartland 67." Explained Leyocan.
They spread out and began looking through the bottles one by one until Storm managed to find it.
He grabbed the bottle and was suprised to find it stuck to the rack.
He pulled harder and heard a 'click' and a trap door opened in the center of the room.
Storm pulled it open and revealed a ladder that decended deep underground.
"You'd better hokd your nose." Explained Leyocan.