Bunter would need to do some serious treasure seeking to cover those costs--quickly. He wasn't going to wait for the Brethren of the Woeful Countenance meeting, just to get permission for his hunt. He wasn't concerned about permission; he only needed more info. Bunter would speak directly to High Elder Walsh.
He arrived at the Walsh manor in a foul mood. It was storming, and the full moon wasn't helping. His genie temperament was raging. He needed his hidden genie powers for this mission, but he had to calm down, become the smooth-talking Bunter the Brethren trusted. Just a switch in personas. Easy.
He caught Larry Walsh (High Elder Walsh to the Brethren) just as he was entering his house.
Bunter: High Elder, I know it's late and you probably want to head into bed, but may I speak with you first?
Walsh: Brother Bunter! What are doing here? Can't this wait until the meeting tomorrow?
Bunter: No sir, it really can't. I'm sorry.
Walsh: Very well. Step inside.
Immediately upon speaking with Walsh, Bunter knew he had it made. They were instant friends. The High Elder may have been Mean Spirited, but he also shared two traits with Bunter: Brave and Perceptive. Bunter just hoped old Walsh wasn't TOO perceptive. Time for some schmoozing.
Walsh: So what is this all about, Brother Bunter?
Bunter: It's about the mission to hunt the sea creature terrorizing Rinn Fada.
Walsh: I see. But we're scheduled to discuss this matter tomorrow.
Bunter: That's the problem, High Elder. If I wait until tomorrow to investigate, I'll miss the best opportunity I have of finding the monster.
Walsh: What do you mean?
Bunter: Well, it's the storm, sir. The hail and the rain. The wind. And the full moon on top of that!
Walsh: Which creates an extremely dangerous situation for a boat on the water tonight.
Bunter: Very true, sir. You are right about that.
Bunter: But the thing is, storms rile up these monsters. They're more likely to appear during fierce weather like this. It's a perfect time for hunting the creature, don't you see?
Walsh: Hmm. You make a good case. However...you are forgetting something, Brother Bunter.
Walsh: The lodge has not voted on assigning this mission to you. There have been concerns expressed regarding your qualifications. It is one thing to be an initiate in training. Quite another to be taking on important tasks for the Brethren.
Bunter: I understand.
Walsh: I'm not sure you do, son. These types of missions make a Brother very visible to the community. Your conduct reflects on the lodge.
Bunter: You're talking about Brother Fitzpatrick and Brother May. I've had a couple of run-ins with those, uh, Brothers. But it was before any of us joined the lodge. I'm not holding a grudge, but I think they might be. Not that I want to be disparaging or anything like that towards two of the Brethren. I'm sure they're as Woeful as the rest of us, maybe more so, but I'm afraid we still don't see eye to eye.
Walsh: Brother May reported that you picked a fight with him and banished him from the household.
Bunter: Well, there were extenuating circumstances, sir. He was not living up to his contract. I'm sure, as an Ambitious man, you know how important discipline is for an endeavor to succeed. Sometimes you must be firm, even if the judgment seems...Mean Spirited.
Walsh: Too true. Too true. Some of these decisions are not easily made.
Bunter: Absolutely! It takes a Brave man to do what is needed.
Walsh (sighing): Ah, yes. Even family members misunderstand at times. Toughness is a burden.
Walsh: And what have you to say about Brother Fitzpatrick's recent allegations regarding your association with women around town?
Bunter: I was afraid he'd bring up that subject. The deal is, Brother Fitzpatrick is a Loner, sir, and a Coward. But I'm sure you're Perceptive enough to know that. ...May I be blunt, High Elder?
Walsh: Of course, of course! Go on.
Bunter: Brother Fitzpatrick exaggerates situations because he's afraid of his own shadow. Haven't you heard his claims that he was in bondage to Christine Meaney? That she even drank his blood?
Walsh: Tsk, tsk. The whole village gossiped about that woman. Such nonsense!
Bunter: Right you are! You do see that Brother Fitz just can't be trusted when it comes to certain subjects--particularly women? They scare him. Now you, sir, a family man with a wife and children! Well, you are a much better judge of such relationships.
Walsh: Everything has a purpose, time and place. Indeed.
Bunter: That's it! All I'm doing is trying to find a nice wife. Establish my household. Be a solid, contributing citizen...like yourself, High Elder. You are a true role model for respectability.
Walsh: I try, but my own son does not seem to think so.
Bunter: Oh, you shouldn't worry about Bo, sir. He's coming along just fine now. He'll remember all you've taught him and make you proud.
Walsh: Well, my boy! We've had our talk. And I think you're just the man for the job! I'm impressed with your discrete Proper behavior and responsible attitude towards those you serve and those you claim as your own.
Bunter: Thank you, High Elder! I won't disappoint. ...Can you give me more info about what the creature's done and where it's been spotted?
Walsh: Wait here while I get the documentation and a key to the shed where I keep a row boat. No need to take anything of value out into a night like this!
Bunter thinks: Well, that took some doing. But I'm all squared away. I'll need to move quickly though. Not a lot of night left for hunting.
Walsh: The main sightings have been out just past the lighthouse, near the boulders. The monster, according to reports, has attacked small vessels, usually after dark. The boats are broken into pieces, the occupants barely escaping with their lives. ...To tell you the truth, lad, I'm not sure how much of this talk is reliable. Those are naturally dangerous waters out there. Only to be expected that accidents will happen.
Bunter: But, in your opinion, it's better to investigate, not only to be sure of the facts, but also to relieve the fears of the village. Very wise, sir.
Walsh: Best we can do in this situation.
Walsh: Good luck, son. Be courageous, but use common sense. I'll be anxious to hear the results of your investigation.
Bunter: As soon as possible, High Elder.
And so it was that Bunter found himself on the cold, dark shore ready to face the unknown in the depths of Rinn Fada's sea. Would he find anything at all? Could this just be pranks done by bored villagers? Or maybe there were smugglers in the area. But who knew? It could very well be a sea creature.
Bunter changed into his djinn form once more and pushed the small boat into the water. Then he began to row towards the lighthouse.
Pranks, smugglers, or monster. Whatever it was, he just hoped it came with gems and coin!
