
 I : ' '
------------------------------

:   ,  ,     .  ,   ,    .
:  , ,  .
:   .   ,  -      .    ,    .
:  , ... 
:   ?
:  -   .
:  ,    ?  
(    25,000 ,    ) 
   ,   ,  .       . ,      .
:  ()     ?
:  .        .      ,       .             .  ,      ,     .   ,           .    ,        -  .
:    .


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Act I : The Black Die

o Duchess:  (voice is cracked and old but warm and kind.  Conversely there is the occasional indication of guarded intelligence and malice that shows through the kindness occasionally.  Picture the oracle from "The Matrix" ...her voice is soothing and unnerving at the same time.)  Thank you Mr. Garrett, for allowing me to appraise the artifact.  You do, in fact, hold the Cylix of Jortul.
o Garrett:  Great, then we have an arrangement.
o Duchess:  Not exactly.  Appraising is unfortunately my only interest in this affair.  Like you, I've been employed by someone else.
o Garrett:  Here we go...
o Duchess:  I beg your pardon?
o Garrett:  It's starting to stink in here.
o Duchess:  Perhaps this will clear the air.  (Hands Garrett a money pouch filled with 25,000 gold which appears in inventory)  That is only half your payment, Mr. Garrett.  The other half waits you in St. Trinett's where you'll be delivering the relic to Cardinal Alcandor.
o Garrett:  (coughs) Tell me about the Cardinal.
o Duchess:  Excellent.  Your meeting must remain completely clandestine.  He is expecting your arrival in his private chambers within ten minutes.  He must leave for a previous engagement no later than midnight.  I'm afraid if you fail to arrive on time, there will be no further deal.  And he is adamant that none of the watchdogs know of your approach.  I don't think he wants any of the priests asking questions in the morning.
o Garrett:  I'm on my way.



