Chapter 12 : Among Rogues
Deciding not to waste any time, I approach Master Alfons in his office.
A thick beard covers most of his face. When I address him, he barks at me.
Grrr, yes! What do you want?
Greetings. Are you Alfons?
Yes, indeed! Who the hell are you?
I am Aisha. Master Nathan sends me. I'm here for a lesson.
We're in deep shit and Nathan sends me little girls so I hold their hands! I don't have time for that! Get out!
What's wrong, if I may ask?
Don't waste my time!
(Persuade) I just thought that I could help perhaps.
He rolls his eyes.
You probably won't leave us be unless I told you, huh? Okay. We've got trouble with the Dhorn. They took over one of our hideouts in the northern Betancuria last morning. Must have gotten a hint. Caught our people totally by surprise. Killed five of our folks. We also lost a bunch of goods we were meant to export.
That must've been the dead thieves I found...Then it would seem the organization that the informant sought to expose...is Master Nathan's!
Now I've got t osend people to get our goods back and also kill the bastards involved. Vico's already briefed, and Cata will join him as soon as we're done here.
Vico..
That name brought a frown to my face.
You've met him?
Yes, I have.
He's really good. One of our best.
He's an asshole.
What was that?
I said he's an asshole.
Yeah, well. I don't care what you think of him. My problem is that the whole operation will take a lot of time to be properly executed. I'll have to delay other things that were due this week. Cat was supposed to do a burglary job tonight which we need to postpone now. And this might upset some of our friends. Worse, it might make other people believe we are getting weak.
Perhaps I could help.
You?
He roars with laughter.
I've learned a thing or two by now.
This is not one of your little games. If you screw up and get caught, you will die.
If I really screw up I deserve it. But I won't.
Nathan will have my hide if something happens to you.
(Persuade)I won't let anybody catch me.
Sorry girl, I can't allow that.
LP Comment: Failed Persuade check. And that's the only way to convince him. Fuck.
I left his office, frustrated. Does that mean I won't be getting my lesson? I decided to take a short break in the hideout for a while, and perhaps purchase a bit odds and end from their shop. And that's when I met him again.
If that isn't my little birdie. Nice to see you've finally found the way in.
I'm not your little birdie, asshole.
I've missed you, too. Think I could get a smoochie? *He grins.*
Bastard. I drew my short sword.
Easy. Relax. I don't want to hurt you.
One day you will pay for what you did to me.
I never see him move, but suddenly I feel a sharp pain on my cheek. He shows me his knife, the blade covered with my blood.
LP Comment: Aisha took 2 damage.
I gasped and slowly touched the wound with my right hand. He's too fast.
Silly girl! If you want revenge, don't announce it to the world. I could kill you on the spot. And I would if I considered you a threat.
I gave him a hateful glare.
Nathan likes you, did you know that?
I nodded silently.
I guess he likes having a Royal in the gang. But don't let it get in your little head. The whore houses were full of cunts like you before the Dhorn came.
And now you don't know what to do anymore with your prick, right?
*He shrugs.* I've seen noble women do things that would make the cheapest tavern whore blush with shame.
I doubt that. And if so, you probably forced them to do so.
You think so? *He grins meanly.* Anyway, how about you show me there's more about you than a pair of fat tits.
Screw yourself.
I'm being serious. I've got a task for you. Nothing you couldn't handle, I'm sure.
Oh, really?
There's a renegade rogue running loose, overstepping his boundaries. His name's Rick. Got a little gang of cutthroats gathered around him and now takes money from the citizens for passing through *his* territory north of the harbor.
I think I know who that is.
He bribed a few Dhorn to look the other way, which in itself he's kind of talented. However, we cannot have him drag our name in the dirt. I want him dead.
I've met him.
Be careful around him, birdie. He will most likely rob you, or rape you, or both. I have warned you.
Afraid he's more fun than you were?
Come back when you've killed him.
Oh, I will alright. But not for you. I left him alone and chat with the other rogues.
Nice to meet you, Aisha.
He smiles and inclines his head.
Greetings, who are you?
My name is Mando, I run the more delicate affairs within the guild.
Do you have any jobs I could do?
I do have a task, yes. I just wonder if you are up to it.
He strokes his chin to ponder. I thought to myself, perhaps if I perform some tasks, Master Alfons would let me do that important assignment.
Why don't you tell me more?
It's about gathering information. We've got this man who feels a little lonely. You see, it's almost impossible to find company in the city ever since the Dhorn took over. Normally this doesn't concern us, but this man might be of special value. So I need one of the girls to walk over and spend time with him.
Tell me more.
You'll meet this man in a private apartment in the northern part of the city. I'll give you the key. Wait for him there, he'll arrive at 9pm tomorrow evening. Don't miss him, that might make us look bad.
What will he expect me to do?
Probably just talk. Maybe have a glass of wine or two. It's really up to you. See how the evening goes. What I'd like to know is what kind of person this man is. Find out what his thoughts are on whatever you can come up with in conversation without making it look like you're spying on him.
I smiled to myself, this isn't too hard. At least I don't have to do something vile. Just....talk.
I think I can do that!
Excellent! Here's the key. The address is 19, Acorn street in North Betancuria. As I said, be there tomorrow evening at 9pm. Report to me afterwards.
LP Comment: A timed-quest? Unusual.
I agreed and pocket the key. Turning around, I decided to approach the lone figure at the corner of the hall.
This woman might be considered pretty, except for her eyes, which stare at me malevolently.
What is it?
Tarleth said you might have a job available?
*She raises an eyebrow.* You, of all people, ask ME for a job?
I nod, this woman is dangerous. She lets out a cold chuckle.
Well, why not. Lets see if you've got the guts for this. There's a ship docked at the harbor. The captain is somebody by the name of Ters. He's a smuggler from Ilieriena. Problem is, he thinks being a foreigner means that he doesn't have to pay tributes to the guild. He can usually be found in the side room at the Swordfish. He's got black hair, a black beard, and wears a cap. Find him, and hand him this little present from me. A little reminder that we have not forgotten about him.
She holds up a dark leather bag. The Swordfish. Guess I'll just have to sneak in.
I'll do so.
Careful. He may not be too happy to see the bag's content.
A diabolic smile shows on her lips as she opens the bag, producing a kitten's severed head.
Oh.
Cute, isn't she?
She smiles and carresses the dead kitten's ears, then hands me the bag. I took it without protest.
Well, good luck. Come back once you've delivered our little warning.
Aside from sending me on these vile tasks, Jacia also offers a wide arrange of poisons. I'm not very experienced on these things, but the price discourages me from trying out at 400 gold per vial.
The guild shop offers a wide array of thieving gears like traps, armor, and gloves. The most useful of all is the burglar's gloves that enhances my lock picking skills.
LP Comment: +2 lockpick? Hell yes!
Hey there, Aisha, right?
I nod.
Nice to see you here.
Thank you. It's nice to be here.
My name's Paurie. Been in the family for a couple of years now. I supervise some of the family's operations.
Oh. Do you need help?
Might be I do. I'm currently planning a very important mission. I was indeed wondering if you were interested.
Tell me more.
That is. On second thought....
He looks at me skeptically.
Yes?
I was just wondering if you were indeed the right person for this special mission. I need someone with guts...
Why don't you tell me what the mission is about?
It's top secret. But, what I can tell you is that we need somebody to act as a spy. Somebody who doesn't look suspicious.
So?
And in order to do that, you'd have to pretend to be a prostitute.
Oh.
It's just pretending, it's alright...
The target person will most likely check up on whoever we send. So you'd probably have to, well, build a certain reputation first.
What do you mean?
You'd have to spend time with some of the sailors at the harbor. Sleep with them for money.
I won't do that. Sorry.
I understand. That is why I was hesitating to bring up the whole thing.
He smiles as I walk away from him. To hell with that. I'm not whoring myself out. I took a short rest at the guild's bunk beds before making my way back to the Lion's Head to report to Master Nathan.
Oh, it's Caron.
Hi Caron, I've completed another lesson!
Oh, what was it?
Well, I had to sneak through the sewers.
Smelly place, isn't it?
Yes, very.
You should take a bath to get rid of the smell.
So you can watch me again, huh?
Exactly. *He grins.*
In your dreams.
But I'm always dreaming of you.
Have you been to the sewers, too?
Yes, a lot of times. They're very handy for moving around in the city. But you've got to be careful of the rats and the other things that live down there.
Hmm. So there are other passages to different parts of the cities. I have to investigate the sewers more later. If I have the time.
I suppose I should fully explore them some time.
Yeah, you really should. You know, actually, as soon as I've finished rearranging the crates, I'll probably go down myself. Master Nathan has given me a rather important task. I am supposed to track down a group of men who are spying on him. But it is all very confidential.
Hm. Coincidence?
The Dhorn?
They're probably involved in it too, yes. I've gotten a hint that points towards the sewers, so that's where I'll continue with my investigation.
I did overheard two people in the sewers. One was a Dhorn, and they talked about an organization that gave them trouble, and the Dhorn wanted the other man to find out who those people behind that organization were.
Oh, you should tell Master Nathan immediately!
I will, yes.
Good. No wonder he's praising you all the time.
He does?
Yes.
I don't know. Master Nathan is usually rather reserved when he speaks to me.
I think he likes you quite a lot, Aisha.
Really?
Yep. I believe he thinks of you as a daughter or something like that. I hope so anyway! I mean, he's like four times your age, right? If he doesn't keep his fingers off you, you can be sure I'll rap his greedy old knuckles! *He grins.*
I giggled at that jest. Master Nathan, ha ha! Impossible.
See, you're completely safe with me. See you later, Aisha. Keep me updated!
I will.
We both parted as I ascend the stairs to Master Nathan's office.
Master Nathan, I overheard two strange people talk in the sewers. One was a Dhorn.
Go on.
They spoke of an organization that gave them trouble, and that he wanted the other man to find out who those people behind the organization were.
Did you see the face of that other man?
It was pretty dark.
Describe him.
He was hooded. I didn't see the color of his hair. But he had a strong jaw. No beard. And he was of average height. A pretty average person in all. He wore a leather armor and shortsword on his belt.
What about the Dhorn?
He wore a helmet that was hiding his face completely..but he was clad in red armor they wear, so I'm pretty sure it was a Dhorn.
Alright. It's good that you came to me.
I'm happy to help.
I walk away as he nodded. Hopefully they can prevent the threat before the Dhorn's plot succeed. I return to my room to unpack some goods into my armoire. There's that leather outfit I found t the bordello...
Most curious. Let's try it on.
Uh...I think not. I tossed it into one corner of my armoire and left the Bear's Pit. There's some hours to burn before the date at 9pm. I'm itching to try these new lockpicks on that locked chest beneath the dead thieves hideout.
Success! A small pile of gems greeted me when I opened the chest. This could be the breakthrough I'm looking for!
LP Comment: I literally pumped my first when I got this shit.
I scooped the gems carefully and placed them in a small pouch to sell away at a later time. For now, let's explore the sewers.
Hmm. A pull chain behind a portcullis. I can't reach it. I must've been below the city, somewhere in the northern district. I crept onward and heard a strange...wet, squishing sound.
....A giant. Cube. Of greenish ooze. Twice as tall as me greeted me. I nervously sneak away from it and found another ladder leading out of the sewers.
Wonder where this leads?
I emerge through a trapdoor that is so skillfully crafted into the floor that I seriously doubt anybody would have a chance of dinging it without knowing it was there, and where to look. I closed the trapdoor and realized I'm inside the Bear's Pit! Looks like Master Nathan's prepared an exit, just in case. I return to the sewers to find more entrances such as this.
By evening, I've found all entrances leading to each district of the city. This will allow me a faster shortcut, out of sight of the guards when I need to.
LP Comment: Unlocking these sort of give you instant teleports between ladders. You can simply select the district you want to travel previously to, to fast travel over in moments.
There's still time to waste...so let's rob one house before I meet that client...
As the door clicked open, I realized my talents have been developed. I've become much more sharper and ready to further my skills.
This time, Master Alfons should have trouble resisting my charms.
The house provided very little reward. Just a lone gem in a drawer. I pocket it anyway. I glanced at the hour and realize it's time for that little rendezvous.
Here's the place. The key fits perfectly.
Looks like my date isn't here yet. I decide to explore the apartment.
Oh...such a nice bedroom...and a fountain to bathe in.
I couldn't resist. The bath felt great.
The pantry held bottles of spirits, I plundered them all. Feeling satisfied, I picked a black dress and sat on the couch to wait for my date's arrival.
I almost doze to sleep when a cloaked figure came in from outside.
He approaches me, his cowl hiding most of his face.
I must say, it is a pleasant surprise to see you again, M'lady.
Do I know you?
He chuckles softly and pulls back this his hood.
I remember this man! He was the leader of the Dhorn squadron at the Swordfish Tavern! Oh dear gods! A Dhorn!
Colonel Arto Benthur, at your service. May I tell you that you look very lovely tonight, M'lady.
He smiles and reaches out for my hand, places a kiss on the back of it.
I remember you...
You flatter me, M'lady.
He gently caresses my fingers.
I am glad to see that you seem to have found your clothes again.
He smiles once more.
So am I.
We wouldn't want anybody to believe that we're doing something inappropriate in this house, after all. Right?
He winks at me. I don't know what to think. He didn't seem like that sort of man.
I thought you Dhorn would never do something inappropriate.
Well, you certainly look tempting enough, my dear.
He smiles and looks me up and down.
How old are you?
Eighteen.
How lovely. *He glances about.* This is a nice apartment. I quite like the furnishings.
Yes, it's very cozy.
*He smiles.* Did you know that many Dhorn in this city call me Skirt Chaser?
A skirt chaser? You?
I eye him dubiously. He smiles again and nod.
Though I don't think the name is very appropriate. It sounds like I'm chasing after women in order to take them to my bed. Whereas all I'm interested in is taking whores to their graves. I consider that my - admittedly small - contribution to restoring order in this great city.
Uh oh...is he planning to kill me?
Why are you telling me this?
Well, when that fisherman told me of his sweet little daughter, whose betrothed had been killed during the war, and who was all lonely now, longing for the embrace of a soldier who could take care of her, I was naturally thinking that either this daughter of his must a very forgiving person, considering those very soldiers had killed her betrothed, or that she must have a rather erratic character. And there was the possibility that the fisherman had lied to me, of course. *He smiles.*
LP Comment: This is why dating Sherlock Holmes kinda suck.
Either way, it sounded like a good idea to visit you tonight. It doesn't happen very often anymore that a little strumpet offers to meet up with me.
I get ready to dart off...
So, you're probably asking yourself why I'm still talking to you. There actually two reasons for this, my dear. First, I'd like to learn who sent you, and why.
He looks at me expectantly.
But you already know that...
Are you telling me that you're indeed a whore?
Well, no. I'm really looking for a man.
He chuckles softly.
You should make up your mind whether you want a harbor tavern patron or a Dhorn soldier, my dear.
He doesn't seem to believe my story. The look in his eye planted fear in my heart.
One of my men also told me that he thought he had seen you at Castle Betancuria. That night when we beheaded King Hussein and his lady wife.
Oh, dear gods.
You...were there when they were killed?
I was there when the Queen stabbed herself with her dagger, yes. I found it a most regrettable incident. She was said to be a smart woman, with a great fondness for art and literature. I would have liked talking to her. As for the King. *He shrugs.* I only saw his corpse when they put up his head on the castle walls, next to his wife's.
I tried to fight back the tears with discipline...but I cannot. The memories came crashing back. Hearing the Dhorn speak of my parent's death is more than I can bear. I break out in tears. The Dhorn places his arms around my shoulders.
LP Comment: Only fighter types has Discipline as class skill.
It is very difficult to lose people that are very close to you, I know that.
Did you..did you really kill everybody who lived in the castle?
I fear it was necessary, yes. And I also fear my time is short, though it has been most refreshing talking to you. I'm about to meet with the fisherman. Your father. *He winks.*
I prepared to dart off the moment he takes his eyes off me. He knows. Everything. I must warn Master Nathan and the rest!
Fare well, M'lady.
He reaches out for my hand and kisses it again. Then suddenly he lunges at me, faster than I thought would be possible. He puts his hands around my neck and squeezes! I gag and choke, felt myself failing. Then my head hits the ground.
There is only darkness.
