It was an elite hunting mission.
“You want me to do a hunting request?” I shook my head. “If your assumptions are correct and I need to find Master Krav with haste, what makes you think that I have time to take a hunting request for…” I scanned the document again. “Nether Cats?!? I might be crazy, but I’m not stupid. Those things are…”
“The size of a panther with the ability to enter shadows.” He grinned. “A formidable target for even the most seasoned of rangers.” He held up a finger. “But, my dear Hera wants a coat made out of their hide. The current waiting list is years and while we have the time to wait…” He tapped his fingers on the table. “I could make it worth your time if you were to bring us back a pelt.”
“Worth my time?” I took a deep breath. “How?”
“Well, I understand that attempting such a request would lengthen your stay away from your home…” He looked at Hera. “My love and I were talking about how we might enjoy a change of scenery. You need allies and it is within my authority to move half my coven with us while we discuss the possibility of setting up a house in Hepool.”
“Half?” I swallowed. This was something that I really needed to run by Alessa first, but my only way to contact her was through Starna. “How many are we talking about?”
“Only around two hundred.” Ford grinned at my reaction.
There were around twenty thousand people in Hepool and we had a standing city guard of around a hundred. I wasn’t sure how big of an army Alessa could muster if we got attacked, but having them there would more than triple our immediate defense.
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“There are a couple issues.” I hated how lopsided the deals with this family felt. At some point I was going to figure out what they were building up to, but for now, it was too good to pass up. “First, you’re making a deal with me, not Hepool. I can’t promise that my cousin will grant you any special favors.” I held up my hand as he started to respond. “Second, there is no guarantee that I’ll be able to find a Nether Cat or what condition the hide will be in if I do. All I’ll be able to do is try to spend some extra time while I’m there.”
“Like I said, we can call it a vacation.” Ford held out his hand. “And if someone tries to make trouble for my friend while we’re there, we’ll be glad to help out however the Queen would see fit to use us.”
I took his hand and felt a zing of magic as the deal was sealed by some type of spell. While I could feel that magic had just been used, I wasn’t proficient enough in my new power to be able to tell the specifics. I’d have to have Starna look at it once I got back to the house.
“Well.” The vampire stood up. “I thank you for your time and look forward to a positive report after your fruitful journey.” He turned to the Djinn. “Now my love, I think we should go prepare for our vacation.”
The smile she flashed me had zero malice in it, but it still sent a shiver all the way down to my toes. I’d known from the start that I’d be able to take down the Naledzar I’d just fought, but this pair felt way more dangerous. I was just glad that for the moment they were allies and I wouldn’t have to figure out just how dangerous they were.
I stayed in my seat until they were gone, then got up and made my way to the exit. If what they’d said was true, then Starna’s conversation with the tower hadn’t been favorable. We still had until the morning to meet Vin. My legs were feeling better, so maybe I’d ask Ferrous where a good place to eat was. Maybe try to end our time here on a high note.