"You're a right bescombering man, Harfen." Keystone stated flatly. "A bloke with a less scruples, having been denied a quarter of his promised wages, would likely pummel the chiseler what done it until he felt they were square. Likely afterwards, he'd note the description of the carriage carrying the most expensive lovelies, and pass that along to the remaining classless buggers in the city. I met enough of 'em just last night." 

Keystone's eyes narrowed as he looked over the portly man. He stepped in just a bit closer, and dropped his voice to a harsh whisper, "The both of us would have been better off knowing who we were dealing with." He held gaze with the merchant for a moment, then shifted his voice to a more elevated, almost pleasant tone. "Be seeing you around, Harfen. I'm hitting the road in a while, myself. Take care of that cargo." 

Of course he meant to do none of those things, angry though he was. He had bigger issues than a less-than-scrupulous merchant. Putting a bit of fear into him, however, was different matter. Selfish, and a little childish, true, but it took a trace of weariness from his limbs and was immediately satisfying. He tucked his new wealth into a pocket, and began his day. 

[hr]

At the Xiang Temple, Keystone tried to remember the proper acts of respect and courtesy. Trying to emulate more than get every movement perfectly, he hoped that his attempts would be noted favorably. Holding the interesting position of an outlander, he was versed in their technical skills but not their social customs. Once or twice he asked the monks attending to the needs of the Temple the proper manner to approach and speak with the Grandmaster, but the most he really got could be summed up approximately as "don't be yourself". 

Upon admittance, Keystone sat in front of Grandmaster Shein-Fang of Telflamm, and opted not to speak until the Xiang monk acknowledged his presence. If necessary, a minor throat clear at most. He set his pack to the side and tried to look patient and not at all worn out from his previous night. 

He opened up to the Grandmaster with full detail and total honesty concerning everything that occurred since accepting Reverin's job offer, including the part where he didn't ask too strenuously about the details before accepting. The full truth about Kaylee, total details about the visions he received, and the interesting phenomenon of the great monster's power reduced, so long as the pugilist kept his distance. For the first time, he withheld nothing about his story. Everything. 

"The thing of it is, I need to know what this Kaylee is trying to tell me. What the visions mean. How I help free her from ...this... and how I hope to have any chance against this kind of enemy. It's following me, I'm aware of this now. My skills alone are woeful inferior to the task."

He presented the Time Stop scroll, and laid it before his host. "The Red Wizards seemed very interested in getting their hands on this, Master Shein-Fang. Lots of others, too. Don't know if I can trust a man with it, wanted it that much. Maybe you can use it for yourself, or your Temple. Maybe sell it and feed your people for a season."

Keystone's face betrayed a request before continuing, "I do need help, though, if'n you're willing. I need advice. I need to know what to do next. I could do with a guide - I'm trying to pick up where I left off with Chees<cough> Chi Attacks, Master. Understand, I ain't meaning to bribe you nor make you obligated. If you have any questions of me, I'm feeling particularly honest, sir." 

With a moment of hesitation, "Also, I could stand a place to lay my head for a couple of hours. It's been an interesting night."