Piotr, Christi and Ratchet sat idly as they allowed Sam to recuperate. The man ate a plate of food in silence. Besides a slight headache he had assured the group that he was perfectly fine. The news of all that happened and the plan to eliminate Kydin had brought on this stillness.
“So we are to kill Kydin then? Sam asked.
Christi and Ratchet sat silent. Piotr sat forward. He clamped his hands together.
“Right now it’s our only option, I don’t see how we can incapacitate Kydin and an entire band of mercenaries.”
Sam eyed Piotr with an icy stare, “I don’t believe that, while it may prove difficult there has to be another way. One that doesn’t involve executing another man. Besides, how do you even hope to best a group infamous for its incredible feats?”
“With the help of the Finders it’s not impossible. If they can rally the town we can succeed,” Piotr retorted.
“Those men aren’t fighters, they’re thieves. We’re all aware of that,” said Ratchet.
“Even with the odds stacked against us, it’s obvious they don’t wish to engage in direct combat. The attack on Sam and I proves that. Had it not been for one of Kydin’s men allowing me to regain my composure we would’ve died. Kydin says one thing and yet one of his men abides by the Fheitgr code of honour. There's a divide there.”
Sam regarded Piotr with a sorrowful expression.
“I’m sorry Piotr but this is all becoming too much. We agreed to defeat one singular man. Now we’re facing a group of trained mercenaries, perhaps it’s time we retreated. The Pioneers will understand I’m sure.”
“We’re not running!” snapped Christi.
“Christi dear, I’m sorry but this has grown out of hand. A retreat is the best course of action right now,” Sam said softly.
“I’ve waited four years for this, and now at the first hurdle you’re quitting? I don’t want apologies. I want what you and Piotr promised me those four years ago” Christi replied flatly
Sam remained silent, he had no answer for the girl. Piotr placed a firm hand on Sam’s shoulder. He met Sam’s gaze.
“Sam I understand your sentiments but Christi’s right, we have a duty here and to what we promised her. You and the Pioneers gave me a chance when I first came to you. I intend to repay that generosity,” said Piotr.
Sam sighed.
“Sometimes I curse your sense of duty.”
“And who instilled that into me?” Piotr chuckled. Sam managed a meek smile reflecting his resignation.
“I taught you too well it seems,” Sam stifled a laugh.
“Thank you my dear friend. I know this isn’t easy for you to stomach but I truly appreciate your cooperation,” said Piotr
“So what then? I’m not a fan of this decision either but sitting around certainly ain’t gonna help us,” Ratchet said.
Rain tapped lightly on the window, a bell tolled in the near distance. The group heard a knock on the door behind them. Before an invitation inside was extended the door opened. Lanky and middle aged, it was the proprietor of this inn. His entire demeanour had changed from the night before. He stood tall with his head held high, a grave expression upon his face. He nodded in Ratchet and Christi’s direction.
“Excuse my intrusion but Miss Adriana has requested your group’s presence at the nearby town hall. There is currently a call for an emergency meeting and Miss Adriana would like for all of you to attend. She will speak with you directly after the meeting’s conclusion.”
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He left as quickly as he entered, no room for a response or decision was allowed.
“No piss assing around, is there?” Ratchet quipped.
“Quite a vulgar way to word it but indeed. The woman doesn’t like to wait around. Well I suppose we’ll be attending,” Piotr said.
“Don’t you think it's a bit hasty to show our faces so soon after that earlier attack?” Sam inquired. Piotr jumped to his feet and brushed his trenchcoat down with his palms.
“If this Miss Adriana truly needs our help then she’ll ensure our safety will she not? Besides, not even Kydin would be so daring to attack us in public. Needless bloodshed will only draw unwanted attention from the Pioneers, he’s reckless not downright idiotic.”
“I suppose you’re correct. Well let’s get to it then,” Sam donned his top hat and smoothened his jacket.
“Never liked gatherings but what can ya do?” Ratchet trudged along behind the two men.
Christi followed quietly. She pondered Adriana’s motives.
Why invite us to attend the town meeting? She wants to talk to us directly after so why not just do so when the meeting concludes? What are you playing at Adriana?
Rain continued to trickle down from the overcast sky above. The sky rumbled, the dull formless beast above threatened further vicious downpour, though for now it stayed its fury. Townsfolk flooded the cramped streets, frantically shutting up their shops and stalls. Clamored tightly to the backs of the townsfolk were raincoats and any item of clothing that included a hood. Christi observed the expressions on the faces of the Barakat population. Fear, anger and confusion.
The once cheery and bustling Barakat was currently nowhere to be found. She felt people glancing in her direction, more so than before. The icy stares and murmur of whispers. However this all ceased once people noticed Piotr, it was incredible really. Everyone stepped to the side to allow Piotr and the group forward.
They entered an open plaza through a tall but thin archway. The plaza offered no respite from the rain, open windows with shutters braced by metal encircled the inside plaza square. These lucky few observed from inside their homes, drinks in hand as they exchanged worried looks while they awaited the meeting’s commencement.
Standing tall in the centre of the square was the Yharnam tree. White and golden crested leaves hung low from its thick and plentiful branches. Christi gasped. It was beautiful, like something out of a storybook. The tree looked so serene even against the grey backdrop of the sky. Situated just in front of the tree’s roots was a stage, small but a stage nonetheless.
Christi spotted the bell tower nearby. A high building with a pointed spire reaching to the sky. The bell ceased. The crowd was restless, everyone eagerly awaited some answer to this sudden call.
“Quite the crowd,” Ratchet said with an air of disbelief.
“These meetings are reserved for only the direst of situations, one that Kydin has created. Fheitgr aren’t often this bold,” Piotr commented.
The group halted just before the stage, front row seats for the show. The crowd silently awaited. Moments later Adriana and two men stepped onstage. Adriana and another portly looking man stood behind a tall man who looked to be in his fifties. A van dyke goatee shaped his rectangular face. Christi was surprised,
Adriana’s not centre stage? She mused in her head. Adriana noticed the group, she flashed a pleasant smile.
“Good afternoon everyone I apologise for the sudden call but as you are aware these meetings are never called for a trivial matter.”
“Who’s that?” Christi whispered to Sam.
“Abraham Samuels, he is currently the elected chancellor of the Barakat town council. First came into office about two years ago.”
Abraham continued with his speech,
“As most of you are already aware, recently ten guardsmen stationed at the Inchydon guardhouse were murdered in cold blood.”
He paused and let it sink in for greater effect.
An experienced public speaker I see, Piotr thought.
“What’s incredibly worrying is that this attack was perpetrated by a large group of Fheitgr warriors led here recently by Kydin, an infamous mercenary.”
Glares were thrown in Christi’s direction.
Yeah I get it, Christi said to herself.
“Now we’ve dealt with Fheitgr before but never to this degree.”
The crowd began to grow rowdy, there were shouts of frustration and discontent.
“I called this meeting as we would like to announce we will be forming a united front to repel this group. We will need everyone's support in the matter. Now I know what you’re thinking, we can't hope to combat nor drive out Fheitgr. Well luckily we’ll have some help. The man to the right of me is the leader of the Finders. He has agreed to aid Barakat in facing this common problem; they too wish to see Barakat free of Fheitgr. Adriana on my left, who you all know as my vice-chancellor, has informed me that Piotr Henlein has pledged his help in this dire time.”
The attention shifted wholy to Piotr, the crowd awaited his response. Adriana smiled at him.
Ah I see what you’re doing, clever. So be it I’ll play along for now, Piotr thought.
He joined the three on stage and faced the crowd. He bowed reverently, inhaled deeply and projected his voice as best he could.
“I promise to drive this rabble away with all my might, it is my solemn duty!”
A chorus of cheers erupted, the plaza was jumping. Piotr shook Abraham’s hand, the portly man's, before finally grasping Adriana’s extended hand.
“You’re as altruistic as ever. I’ve always admired how righteous you Pioneers are, we’ll speak more in house number three on Valence Street. I look forward to working with you,” she said.
“Likewise my good lady, it’s always an honour to aid those in need,” Piotr returned.
A guttural roar echoed around the plaza behind Piotr. Adriana’s face grew pale, and Piotr turned to see the cause. Stood belligerently on the southern rooftop overlooking the plaza with his gaze focused on Piotr was Gorilla. One of the two Fheitgr warriors Piotr had faced earlier in the Inchydon guardhouse.
“Piotr Henlein! I have come for my rematch!” Gorilla shouted.
Yeah, I should’ve killed him, Piotr thought.