Back in my quarters, I had time for a quick nap before Greer came around to fetch me. It felt like I had just laid down. I splashed some water on my face and fell in behind the old Elf as we slowly made our way to Queen May's rooms. It was pleasant to not have Greer talking. I was getting the feeling he was starting to get used to me being around.
When we arrived, neither the Queen nor Count Pelisir were there. Instead, a small, cloaked figure sat at the table eagerly gulping down a bowl of some thick looking stew and a mug of ale. It was a Gnoll, I could tell that much, and I was assuming it was an Aardgnoll based on what limited knowledge I had.
In between mouthfuls, he, I was guessing, said, “Ah, you must be Mister Bascombe! Have a seat, Sir!” Another mouthful, then “My apologies, good Sir, I'm just coming off the road, all very hush hush, and haven't had a scrap of food today. I'm Mal’friq, by the way.”
I bowed at the waist and said “Your Majesty, my sincerest apologies! Had I …”
He cut me off quickly. “Formalities are not required, Sir! Being the king of 10,000 or so subjects and living in a hole in the ground, I don't feel I deserve much special treatment. Granted, it's an extraordinarily nice hole and I am wealthy beyond your wildest imaginings, but it's the principle of the thing. I'm merely a titular king.”
I had to laugh at that. All of that. I liked this little fellow, king or not. He wasn't five feet tall. Couldn't have weighed more than eighty pounds. And to what he was saying, he certainly didn't act like a king. Nor did he eat like one.
“Your Maj … sorry, how should I address you, Sir?”
Mouth still full, he said “How about Sir, or Mal'friq, yes, Mal'friq, and I shall call you Bascombe and we shall be fabulous friends, good Sir!”
“Very well, Mal'friq, where are the Queen and Count? I was assuming they'd be here.”
“Called away on some matter of state or other. I don't know the specifics. I think you're here to keep me company. We two adversaries in this bidding war.”
I had completely forgotten why we were here. The amber. “And what do you want with the amber, Mal'friq? Why are you here?”
His eyes went wide, “Why, to keep it out of the hands of Mag'stula, my friend! Why else?”
“Well, Sir, Mister Mal'friq, I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if I took you at your word on that. Although a quick read makes me believe you're being honest.”
“Another mind reader?”
“No sir, nothing magical, just studies of mannerisms and body language. I've not a magical bone in my body,” I said smiling, though it was a bit of a sore point. I had so wanted to be a Wizard as a child. Instead I'm an advocate and businessman like my father and his. No adventuring for the Bascombes.
“Well good. I've quite enough of it with my Witches and Sorcerers back home. By the gods, they're a needy sort.”
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He suddenly grew very serious and added, “In all honesty, good Bascombe, if it weren't for them, Mag'stula would have offed me years ago. They're my front line against her magics. Just damned annoying people.”
He looked at me square in the eye. “And don't misread the situation, Bascombe. You've read me well. The truth is though, I have magic-users in my court who covet that included amber as much as Mag'stula does. I have to be careful with them. They don't know my suspicions, but a purge may be in order if my suspicions are accurate. I'm not keen on the idea of creating another Witch Queen.”
“Thank you, Mal'friq. Your candor is much appreciated. And refreshing, I might add.”
He sat up stiff as a board and said “I am a warrior, good Sir, a great one at that. I don't have the time for all the lying and scheming and games of court. Come to me plainly and we're fast friends, if not, at least respectful associates. I'll treat you as you treat me, Mister Bascombe. Are we in agreement?”
I smiled, “Of course, Mal'friq! I would like nothing more,” and we shook hands, satisfied that we had achieved something that might be of great value in our futures.
“Now, I'm sure you've heard, Bascombe, of our talents with the Assassins and all that, eh?” He squinted at me waiting for an answer.
“Yes Sir, of course. The reputation precedes you. I'm glad to be friends, heh.”
“Well one of my missions here is also to be on the lookout for Assassins with the Swalesian delegation. Their reputation precedes them as well.”
I was curious how he'd manage this on his own and asked “When is the rest of your delegation due to arrive?”
He laughed at that, and I didn't see the humor.
He spoke to no one in particular, “Yun’quin, show yourself.” And a shadow moved out from the wall not five feet away from me. I jumped and reached for my dagger as Mal'friq shouted, “HOLD, GOOD SIR!”
I sat back in my chair abruptly, realizing that this Yun'quin fellow was another Aardgnoll like Mal'friq. I guess he had been there the whole time.
“Rest easy Bascombe. Well not too easy, you must still try to be more aware. But you see the skill of our Assassins. I cannot attest to the skill of the Swalesians except to say that the score is one to nil in our favor, so far.”
I didn't catch his meaning. “One to nil, Sir?”
“Yes, Bascombe. One of the Swalesians sent to kill you has been dispatched. He was waiting in your rooms for your return.”
I was speechless and a chill ran down my spine. “Yun'quin here will be guarding you from now on. Don't worry. But they will try again, you can be certain.”
“Thank you. Thank you both. My gods. Their delegation isn't even here yet.” That might be the closest I've ever come to death and I didn't know how to react.
“Don't worry, Bascombe. We've gone over everything in your rooms and secured the window.” Mal'friq spoke reassuringly, “I'll have Queen May assign guards for you once I have a chance to speak with her. Until that time, Yun'quin will be watching you.”
“Thank you again, Sir. It's been a true pleasure making your acquaintance. Sincerely. I do believe I should like to go to my rooms and have a nap before we sup this evening. I'm sure I'll see you then, Sir?”
“Not quite yet, Mister Bascombe. No one knows I'm here except for a few trusted friends. That gives us leverage against the Swalesians and their kill crews.”
“Until our next meeting then, Sir. It's been an honor.”
I turned and went back to my rooms, looking under the bed like a frightened child before putting my head to pillow and dozing off. Despite the concern, I went to sleep as soon as my eyes shut.
image [https://i.imgur.com/B1oG0eP.jpeg]