"With a siege at the walls, I don't think any cult would last very long within the city, no matter the means." Cyrdic said aloud. The Ostlander was far smarter than his rough nature and powerful physique would claim, but even after all of their experiences with the upperclass and counts, he still did not fully appreciate the sway they could have within their realms. Oleg was shaking his head as soon as Cyrdic finished. "They'll be too busy focusing on the army to worry about conspirators within the walls. You don't know these men like I do, nor the city for that matter. I tell you now your help is of grave importance not only to me but every citizen of Praag stuck within these walls." 

"What do you suggest we can do about it?" Camilla asked, taking a gingerly sip of her wine as Cyrdic dug into a chicken leg, though his wolfish eyes were still intent on the good Merchant as he spoke. "Even after your tall tales, I thought you would refuse out of hand. But you're different, aren't you? Yes, I suppose I cannot show my face to the 'syndicate' anymore, or even leave this house without being under Bornhalds protection. But I can tell you where they frequent."

"I don't feel right joining a cult's activities, even if it is to spy," Cyrdic said, unwavering. 

"I did not suggest that is what you do, though that would most likely be the smartest and most covert option." The fat merchant said, his face nearly as steeled and soldierly as Cyrdic's. "Who the leader is I cannot know. They were masks, even among each other. But there is a very high end establishment called the 'Hussar's Hooves' in the eastern quarter of the city. Every few days, some of the lords and merchants that frequent there leave early. If you were to go there and follow one..." 

"How would we get into such a place to begin with?" asked the Tilean. She had already devoured her meal, though chose not to pursue seconds as Cyrdic was. Camilla dabbed the sides of her mouth with a cloth, trying to regain some of her formal training. Her experiences in the north and east had done just as much to her normal habits as to her health, though thankfully both seemed to be rejuvenating rather quickly. 

"Why, with my seal." Oleg said, reaching into his pocket. He presented a silver symbol in the form of a bear's claw. The merchant tossed it to Cyrdic, though Camilla plucked it out of the air and stuck her tongue out at Cyrdic. The broad shouldered merc eyed her but smiled after a moment. "That will get you in, as long as you look the part. Granted, business has not been as well as it could have been the past year but I am still a man of means. I'll have my tailor suit you up something nice." 

"At our suggestion?" Camilla asked, clearly wanting to guide and have a choice on the kind of dress or suit she would wear. Oleg chuckled and inclined his head. "Of course, my dear. Now, where do you currently reside?" Cyrdic not for the first time was curious on how long he had been in Praag. He had a ksilevite accent, but it was far more conservative than someone like Ivan's. Perhaps city upperclassmen had less of a drawl. 

Camilla blushed at his question, hiding it behind another sip as Cyrdic spoke. "The Drunken Mare. We're bouncers. We...sleep in the stables." He admitted with a sigh, more because it sounded horrid to someone like Oleg rather than Cyrdic truly disliking it himself. For his part, Oleg's eyes widened, and he guffawed. "This simply will not do!" 

"It is fine, sir. It is." Cyrdic replied, holding his hands up to calm down the once again very civilian looking gentleman. Though Oleg would have the last word. "Well if you ever need another place to stay, I insist you come to me first. My upstairs has plenty of rooms! And if you wish to be let in, knock thrice in quick succession and then twice. Bornhald should be here to allow you entry."

"You're placing a lot of trust in us." Cyrdic said, blinking. "Even considering we we saved your lives." 

Oleg smiled sadly. "Let's just say, I am at the end of my rope. If you don't succeed, I might soon need to move...if I live through the siege that is."
[@Penny]