Narrator POV:
Above the deep dark tunnels below the earth, laid the over-world. Decorated lusciously with greens and blue, creating the land and oceans of the world. Everywhere sign of primitive civilization -or maybe advanced one might call it in this time and age- laid about. In one specific settlement, not that large but neither small. The dusty smell of the newly harvested wheat could be picked up on the wind together with the foul odor of feces covering the streets of this town.
There where little to no concern for the welfare of its people in this town. As prostitution, slavery and many other things were amiss here.
As a traveler, you would be lucky to avoid any trash or feces that was thrown out from the windows of these houses. Built with either straws, wood or stone.
The settlement had a low health standard even for the worst of towns. There were a few decent housings if any which certain nobles lived in.
These houses did not particularly stand out as all the noble's where not of a high position, to begin with. And then again who would want to live here? If any of higher stature ever amassed any kind of big fortune in this godforsaken town, their first priority would be to move far away from this pigsty.
Yet there were people who appreciated it since this was a town forgotten by king's and god's alike. Shady people, cutthroats, assassin, bandits and numerous more which worked in the dark of night.
Speaking of the people of the night; In a certain bar called “A Hogfly's life,” a suspicious group of six men sat in a corner, away from prying eyes as they conducted their meeting.
“Have you heard? That loner mage Maleck showed up in town!” [Person1]
“What? Are you messing with us? He never leaves his hidden laboratory” [Person2]
“Don't offend me! Who do you think you are talking to?” [Person1]
This man (person1), named Benedict was a broker in information. Even before you had made up your mind of cheating on your wife or husband he already had knowledge about it. A wise and cunning man always using his information to get the upper hand.
Something one would not think looking at his appearances, as brute force seemed to be more his forte. Bulging muscles could be seen through his tight clothes. But this was but a clever deception, as these muscles were only for show and he had no real battle experience.
He saw himself as a quite handsome looking man with his blond flowing hair, much like a god's perfect hair. This might have been true if it were not for his dirty ruff face with a scar down his chin. The scar which only he himself knew how he got, as he spun tall tales of lies every time someone asked about it.
“I'm telling you, I heard it from a friend in the slaver's district. He had come to buy a goblin slave, to help him in his research and moving of newly bought goods. I even got one of my men to tail him, just think of all the riches you could find within his secret lab. I hear rumors that he dabbles in alchemy and we all know what the pinnacle of alchemy is, don't we?” [Benedict]
These words made the group of people’s eye shine with greed, but then one of them said;
“But have there ever been an alchemist able to create gold? I have even heard that the kingdom has banned any research on it” [???]
“Pich, posh! Derek. Even if there is no gold, just think of all that old man’s research. Do you know what any mage or even the mage guild would give for those documents?” [Benedict]
A gulping sound could be heard amongst the member around the table. Derek a young lad which just previously had spoken up asked with a trembling voice.
“How, how much?” [Derek]
Benedict carefully leaned forward over the table as if to tell a secret, as he whispered in a low voice.
“Enough silver and gold for three lifetimes!” [Benedict]
He said with certainty in his voice. The group awed in amazement, and one in particular frantically coughing as he almost choked his beer. Now most of them started to discuss in between one another. Benedict looked around at the arguing group of people which he successfully had snared into his little trap of business. The group excluding Benedict was a small group of 5 members known for their notorious burgling in the town. They called themselves the “Five finger's” or “Finger's” in short, a fitting name for pickpockets and thieves.
The first Finger and the leader referred to only as "Boss" was a slim and small statured person, which never spoke in the open. Cloaked in a hooded mantle with a mask covering their face to hide their appearance, a person with many mysteries surrounding them. Not even their comrades knew of the person's identity. Benedict had a hunch but was unable to go on it at this moment.
The second Finger and second in command was a big man. His muscle hidden by his fat, named Brute. A man you don't want to cross. Brute was of course not his real name since this was Janis Lovegood, not a name a notorious thug could go spreading around. So, he had gone with his nickname, received as he pummeled anyone making fun of his real name. Benedict noted to himself to not get on this man's bad side.
The third Finger was a tall, sleek and skinny man almost blending in with the shadows behind him. His face was as pale as a ghost itself. His name was Enrik Bones nicknamed The White Reaper. Where the nickname had come from was probably the way his soundless pale white figure appears beside his targets bedsides, just before their certain demise.
Enrik which had felt a gaze upon him turned towards Benedict. Which made a chill run down Benedict's spine and he quickly averts his eyes from the man.
The fourth finger was too many people surprise -in a human city like this- donning the legendary beard which all dwarf of the deep mountains has. There had even been rumors that the females of the race also had it. Though Benedict had always thought this notion to be weird. His name was Jenkins Storm-hammer and he indeed was a dwarf with a legendary beard, as it was well groomed and tidy.
Jenkins was a specialist in traps, locks and other such mechanics. He was a well sought out profession to have in a group, especially of burgling kind. Though his love for beer was not light on anyone's pockets. Especially not Benedict's, since he had promised to take the tab for this meeting. As he saw Jenkins starting on his tenth, or was it maybe his eleventh beer? Hulking it down like it was water seemingly unaffected by the booze within.
'My wallet' Benedict cried for himself.
The fifth and final member was a recruit, which name we already knew. It was Derek a young lad fourteen summers old, inspiring to be a royal knight. But as the world is a hard and expensive place, especially for a farmer boy without any noble blood relation. He had to take a detour into the burgling business to amass his fortune. Of course, one of his first task as a royal knight was to apprehend these criminals which he now was working side by side with.
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
Young kids these days should be more quiet about their dreams in life. As the walls have eyes and ears and Benedict knew that the "boss", -trusting no one- was already on to him. Ready to use any means to have him kneeling under his foot, as a royal knight is always good to have under one’s foot. Benedict almost felt sorry for the lad’s future, almost. Derek would probably not reach old age. Though that was not uncommon in this world.
As the group had settled on something having Derek being the most enthusiastically of them all to take the job. Only being silenced by their boss hand which was held up in the air. Then the boss gave Brute a look doing some weird movements with their hands as the big man soon turned to face Benedict.
“Let's talk business and shares!” [Brute]
Indeed, that was what usually came, but Benedict was smarter than that. Knowing that if they came to make a deal now, it could hurt him financially as they might only return with minimal profit. He put on his most brilliant fake smile and talked to the big man in a sweet voice.
“Now, now let's not be like that we are all friends, right~? If there is anything you need for this mission inform me and I will gladly comply. Let's talk business after your success, okay~?” [Benedict]
Brute looked at their boss after getting a slight nod he turned back.
“Okay then first and far most important...” [Brute]
Whatever Brute was about to say next was interrupted by a man approaching from behind Benedict. A hand was laid on Benedict's shoulder startling him as he turned around, to his relief it was one of his own underlings.
“Mat! You startled me.” [Benedict]
“Sorry B, but your message told me to urgently meet you up here or did I misunderstand?” [Mat]
“A! yes, yes now sit down. And give us your report!” [Benedict]
Mat was a plain looking man with a plain face, plain hair of brown color and a plain nose without a bulge nor too small for his face. He didn't even have a scar on his body and if you asked a woman's opinion they would say “so, so”. Not bad, but not good. There was nothing special about this man more than his utterly plain looks. But even that has its benefits.
No one ever bothers to look twice at a man which was below them in looks, strength or riches. Gee, they wouldn't even look his way if he so walked butt naked into a public restaurant. Truly an invisible man, and invisible men Benedict could use.
Mat took a seat next to Benedict, facing the Finger's and cleared his throat.
“Well maybe before that, I'm kind of dry right now!” [Mat]
He said with a slight smile on his face. This prickled one of Benedict’s nerves but before he had the time to say no, Mat had already been offered a jug of beer from Jenkins
“Here ye go, lad.” [Jenkins]
“My deepest thanks dwarf.” [Mat]
And it did not take long before the dwarf had a brand new one in his hands 'god damn it!' Benedict cursed to himself. After gulping down the bear and burping in satisfaction, the boy named Mat started his debriefing.
He had found the mage and his new bought goblin slave, as they hauled their goods on to a wagon and departed. He had followed them through the plains as they went west for about three days and two nights. Then they had entered a forest road on the third night he had been surprised to see the wagon turn in to the densely-packed woods and vanish into thin air. He had waited for a while before he followed suit, as he got closer and entered the woods he had suddenly entered a secret road which had been hidden by an illusion facade.
He had followed the road until its end where a small cliffside had greeted him. At the cliffside, he found the wagon abandoned, as the cargo and passenger had already left. After a while, he had found tracks leading off the road and deeper into the forest and after approximately half a day’s walking, he had found the tracks ending at a cave entrance. Mat had then left to report his findings.
“Did you not enter the cave?” [Brute]
“I'm a tracker, not a cave diver thankyou very much!” [Mat]
“It would have been great to know what was in there though.” [Enrik]
Enrik said with contempt in his voice.
“Well then, you do my work if you’re so good at it!” [Mat]
An uncomfortable tension started to rise at the table as Enrik started to lick one of his knives with his serpent-like tongue. Then Benedict clasped his hands in an audibly clapping sound.
“Now, now... no need for violence. Especially since this one will be your guide there, don't you agree?” [Benedict]
Benedict sneaked a peek at the boss which seemed to agree. Their boss now glaring at Enrik which reluctantly holstered his knife.
“Now since we seem to be in an agreement, why not get ready for the profits ahead? I trust you know what to do Mat?” [Benedict]
He asked as he handed his underling a sack of coins.
“I would like this purse lighter, but not empty. You understand me?” [Benedict]
He asked with a stern yet calm voice.
“But the price for–” [Mat]
“YOU! Understand, me!?” [Benedict]
“Y... Yes” [Mat]
“Now if there is anything you need then ask my associate. And with that, I bid my farewell” [Benedict]
He bowed to the group and left letting Mat sort out the rest of the details with the group. But right before he had exited the door. A big fat female placed herself in between him and the door, her nickname was Big-Burta, the owner of the bar and not someone to mess with especially considering money. She made a gesture with her hand towards Benedict as to say 'give here'. Benedict gulped and looked back at the mountains of beer glasses left by his associates and that damned booze-loving dwarf. With a whining sound, he handed over a bag of coins almost as big as the one which he had previously given Mat.
----------------------------------------
Some hours later at another location Mat stood impatiently waiting beside a Circa wagon, a four-wheeled wagon for goods transportation with a white cover of fabric atop to shelter from wind and rain. It had two open ends in the back and front for easy access. Inside it was stocked with a few goods and food for the travels ahead. There were not that many supplies in the wagon as there was a lot of room for at least ten people to walk around in there, though that would be a little crowded since it was still a small wagon.
The Finger's where late and it annoyed him, he just wanted this job done and over with so he could get back for his payday. The first to arrive which lightened his mood a little was Jenkins the dwarf, gulping his beer and humming a good tune as he walked down the path towards him. A mug in one hand and a big keg over his shoulder.
“’ow ye doin'? *hic*” [Jenkins]
“I could be better; your colleagues are late!” [Mat]
At this moment, a dagger was placed onto his throat.
“Who are you calling late? I'm always on time, are you trying to hurt my reputation?” [Enrik]
Mat tried to gulp to no avail as the dagger was pressed under his Adam's apple.
“Nay Enrik, seize dat. The lad be our guide.” [Jenkins]
Enrik looked at the dwarf with an evil eye.
“I know dwarf! I'm just teaching him some manners, that's all.” [Enrik]
He said with an evil smile. Then he whispered something in Mat's ear so only he could hear, as he slowly removed the dagger. 'Your never safe~' This made Mat grow goosebumps over his whole body as the cold sweat ran down his forehead. Enrik continued in a normal voice;
“And look there is the rest of the group!” [Enrik]
It was as he said their boss, Brute and a pack mule where strolling down the road... no, wait the pack mule was Derek, as he with a rugged breath hauled inhumanly many luggage's for his tender age. And their boss was not walking but instead sat on their second in commands broad, wide shoulder looking down at people they passed, as if he was superior to everyone. When they had finally reached the wagon Brut had assisted their boss on top of the wagons roof cover and then flung Derek into the wagon, luggage and all as if nothing.
“What are you standing around idling fore? Let's get going!” [Brute]
No one had the balls to say anything to the burly beast of a man, as everyone entered the wagon and off they went.
It did not take them long before they were at the towns poor excuse of a gate where two bored guards loomed. The gate was pieced together by wood pieces the same way which the walls around the city where made. It truthfully was a sorry excuse for a defense but it had defended the town from outwardly attacks nonetheless.
One of the guards standing in front, holding a spear. Dressed in chainmail and a hard hat notice their advance and elbows his co-worker in the side to alert him of the wagons arrival. Then both of them turned towards the gate to open it. First, they lifted a big log which laid across, securing that the gate stayed looked from any outside forces. And then they each pushed on one door each to open the gate revealing the outside world.
As soon as the wagon exited the town the gate was closed shut behind them and the sound of the log could be heard placed down inside again to keep the gate shut. The inside and outside of the town where like the sun and the moon. They were greeted by the fresh air of the outside world together with the smell of newly harvest wheat and men's sweat as the harvest season was in its last harvest before winter.
The plains stretched as far as their eyes could see decorated with golden fields of grains were people of all ages together with a scythe or rope were harvesting the grains.
The group leisurely continued the road towards their destination. The forest of Urr.
There was no particular talking on the way as they went. Enrik was sharpening his blades with a sinister look towards the driver which incidentally was Mat. He, on the other hand, was trying his hardest not to mind and instead listen to the tunes of the singing dwarf which was embracing his keg of beer as he from time to time fills his handmade mug.
Derek was sitting in a corner of the wagon pale white in the face. As Jenkins noticed the pale boy he offered him a mug saying:
“Motion sickness? Drink some ale an let ye sorrows be gon'.” [Jenkins]
This the boy did, gulping as much as he could down. But it did not take long before he hung over the railing of the wagon puking. Brute which seemingly looked like he had been sleeping opened one eye.
“I think that only applies to dwarfs.” [Brute]
“ye humans are o so fragile!” [Jenkins]
And then they both snorted and started laughing.
On top of the roof of the wagon sat the boss having a perfect view of their surroundings not only for the scenery but also to have a good vantage point for any surprise attacks.
As their long journey took them farther away from civilization and the sun slowly started setting in the distance, they truly entered the plains where only beasts lived. Soon the moon and stars were the only things lighting their way as the howling of wolfs could be heard in the distance.
“I think this will be good enough place to stop for the night.” [Mat]
As Mat was pulling the reins to stop the horse a hand was put on his shoulder, as another took the reins from him. It was Brute, which now had taken a seat next to him.
“No, we got enough light to continue for a little longer this night, I will take over and you can get some rest in the back.” [Brute]
Mat was tired he did not complain about the arrangement as he took his cloak and placed it down like a pillow. Too tired to be bothered by anything, especially Enrick’s deathly staring, which had already gotten mentally exhausting and old. He then slowly went to sleep. Making sure to have a dagger under his mantel-pillow just in case.