Just outside the Duval Estate.

The night was dark as a band of thieves, filchers, and burglars made their way to the fence on the northside of the estate. The only light were the occasional moon beam that peeked through the clouds, and the lights at the entrance of the estate as well as the front door.

The Hombottle Brothers easily stalked from one dark shadow to the next, their band of thieves not far behind them. Unlike the halflings though, they had trouble keeping their forms hidden. If they were still in Daele then they wouldn't have brought them at all. But a mansion on the outskirts of town surrounded by dark forest? It wouldn't matter how bad they were at hiding as long as they kept quiet enough to not alert the Red Cap guards.

The halflings peered wary eyes towards the hobgoblins. The less skilled among their band of cutpurses and burglars have already gotten well acquainted with them. Obvious enough by their missing fingers or hands. The smartest among them knew at least to ditch more valuable goods in the event of a chase, all the better of losing just a digit and not their whole hand!

But the halflings didn't need smart. They just needed enough hands still attached to their arms to make off with enough swag to either set them up for a long while or to buy passage out and to someplace with hopefully less brutal guards, and if some were to get caught while they made off with their loot? Well, that was just the nature of their profession. So the not-so-merry band of thieves wearing a hodgepodge of dark clothes and rags watched and waited quietly in the dark of the woods for the Red Cap guards to pass by.

"Now!" One of the halflings commanded quietly once the guard patrol passed.

The group of twenty or so grunted and groaned as they tried to either climb or squeeze past the bars of the iron fence like the halflings themselves did. The halflings didn't wait for those still stuck at the fence however and moved ahead, their leather clad feet barely making a sound even as they crossed the gravel.

Those still stuck at the fence cried out quietly in the night for aid, not loud enough to bring the whole guard on them. Even they knew that their fates would be worse if they were caught breaking into this place. But their pleas went ignored as the more experienced moved ahead. Some did manage to pry themselves through enough to rejoin the group.

But as the patrol came back around, those still struggling with the fence were forced to either risk getting caught and captured or taking a blow to their pride and future prospects within their gang and leaving.

Not that the Hombottle Brothers cared. That was the way of things in their world, you got smart or you got caught. For some there was no question of which they preferred, especially when it came to the brutal Red Caps.

Those that had made it past the fence moved up to the leafy wall of a hedge. From there they halted within the shadows as they waited for the patrol to pass them by yet again. The patrol casted a glare towards the fence as noises sounded within the woods as the would-be thieves made their quick escapes. The guards growled before moving on though. Beams of light shining this way and that in the search for any possible intruders.

Like the ones that waited with practiced breaths and steady nerves. The Hombottles looked up towards the 2nd story. One of them whispered.

"Alright boys. You'll sneak up 'nd help us up ta tha 3rd window on tha right. From there-"

He stopped when one of the other Hombottles scoffed. He rolled his eyes.

"'Nd wha' is it NOW Doug?"

"Oh nothin'. Just tha' I'll bet my fair share tha' there be more loot in this 'ere 'edge than you might be thinkin'."

The first Hombottle sighed.

"Just because you were right ONCE dinnae mean it'll 'appen again!"

"I were right TWICE! Remember tha' old spinster up at Westfallen Manor? She 'ad a good sized chest buried under her rose bushes!"

"Aye! 'Nd she also 'ad a kennel o' 'ounds ready ta eat you fer yer trouble!"

"But I were still right TWICE!"

The two of the three Hombottles sighed and shook their heads.

"Fine. Ifin you want ta check out tha 'edge then so be it. But WE are takin' tha swag from inside tha manor. 'Nd dinnae think tha' ifin you don't find anythin' tha' you'll get a cut o' ours! Or tha' we'll come runnin' when you get yer arse bit by dogs! Again!"

"Fine! But ifin tha's tha case than wha' I find in tha 'edge is all mine!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"Will you lot be quiet!" One of the other thieves hissed as the rest of the group eye-balled a group of Red Caps looking around as the halflings' voices were getting just a touch too loud in the night.

The Hombottles glared at one another before nodding and splitting up. One going into the dark hedge maze, with a group of six thieves following after in hopes that he was right. The rest quickly darted across the way and pressed themselves against the wall of the estate and waited for a snarling guard to walk by.

The halflings gestured to the other five that remained with them. Three climbed on top of one another that allowed one of the halflings and a couple others to climb up to one of the windows that looked to be unlocked. A quick flex of a knife was enough to prove their suspicions correct and the window was slowly slid up. Allowing entry into the home.

The one Hombottle entered the 2nd floor along with the two others. The rest stayed behind with the last halfling.

"Let them fools take gambles. WE'LL make a pretty penny nickin' tha cutlery 'nd dinner plates!"

With that the last Hombottle stalked around back with the three remaining thieves. Where they stopped and held their breaths as they saw a large army camp right out back! Fires burned and troops marched back and forth even at this late hour! If an alarm was raised they would have an actual army bearing down on them! All the more reason to play it safe, the halfling thought as he gestured for the thieves to duck down low and go at a snail's pace towards where the backdoor was.

-----

Back in the hedge though, the halfling and the thieves muttered to one another as they walked through the erie hedge. One of them asked as they continued in the still and silent dark.

"Shouldn't a hedge be open top?"

"Aye. But tha' just means there 'AS ta be loot hidden around 'ere! So keep yer eyes peeled fer anythin' strange tha' might be a good place fer loot ta buried!" The Hombottle stated as he himself tried to peer through the dark veg.

A rustle of leaves nearby caused one of them to yelp. His voice piercing the quietness of the hedge. They all stopped and held their breaths, waiting for any sounds or hints of guards or hounds coming their way. But they could hear nothing but the eerie and oppressive silence.

Several of the thieves turned a glare towards the one that yelped.

"Fool! The next time you do that we'll leave you here for whatever comes for us!"

The one that yelped nodded, or they thought they nodded. It was so damn dark it was hard to tell where one another even was let alone head movements or even faces.

"Come along lads! Treasure 'nd loot this way!" They heard the Hombottle say.

"Shouldn't we have a torch or something? Even just a scroll of magelight?"

"Oh, and alert everyone around that there are people in the hedge?! And since when can you use a magic scroll?!" One of them hissed.

"I can't! But still, there's something eerie about this place that I don't like. Especially with how dark and quiet it is."

"It's the middle of the night! What did you expect it to be like?! A fucking tavern?!"

"No! But there has to be SOME sounds! Like rats or birds or... something! It's unnatural it is!"

"Tha only thin' I 'ear is you lot talkin'! Now shut it 'nd keep yer eyes peeled!" The Hombottle hissed.

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"Peeled for what?! Can't see my own hand in front of my face let alone signs for treasure!"

"Just keep them peel- WAIT!" The Hombottle said as they neared a place that had actual light!

It was a small clearing, or at least as far as they could see. The only light that they had to see with was a small hole in the thicket that formed a roof over the hedge that had a beam of moonlight pouring in from and a strange green glow from behind something on the far end.

"That must be where tha loot is hidden!" The Hombottle whispered and made his way towards the green light. The four thieves followed close behind as they cast wary glances around the place.

The Hombottle stalked closer to the green light. It came from a rather verdant looking pool that sat behind what appeared to be a shrine or alter of some sorts. The vibrant green glow illuminated a banner that looked like it had some sort of fish on it.

The pool bubbled and spat as the Hombottle got close. Perhaps it sat at the bottom, he thought. Though if it did, they could keep it. He didn't have no tools or gear for sticking his hand in some boiling pool! He retreated back from the pool and turned towards the three thieves with a cocked brow.

"Where's tha rest o' you?"

The three thieves turned and looked at one another before looking around the dimly light area with a sense of panic and fear.

"Alan?! Markus?! Thimb?! Where are you?!"

"Keep yer voice down! They probably got lost in one o' tha side rows is all!" The Hombottle said placatingly. Though even he was starting to get rattled. Something about this place didn't feel right. It was like they were being watched.

"Anyhow! Search around fer treasure! A place like this has ta 'ave somethin'!" He said to keep their minds on the prize.

The three thieves gave one another a nervous glance and looked around the clearing. But they kept close to one another. Even the Hombottle stayed close as they peered under loose rocks that were covered in vibrant greenery that seemed to have overgrown the place.

As they were exploring one of the thieves looked up at the wall of leafy green in front of them. He squinted as he could swear he saw a face in the hedge wall. He stepped closer and moved some of it out of the way and came face to face with what appeared to be a face that had closed eyes, a pointed green nose, and sharp brown teeth.

"What in the Abyss?"

Then the eyes snapped open.

-----

The group on the 2nd floor looked around the dark room and beheld opulent wealth! Fine gold furniture with shimmering fabric and well crafted leather! The Hombottle and the thieves chuckled.

"We got it now lads! Spread out 'nd fill yer pockets!"

So they did. Some pulled out daggers and knives as they cut up the fine fabrics into more portable forms. Others began to scrap off the gold, only to find it was gold painted wood and not whole gold. But they still scrapped off the gold paint anyway, thinking it would still be worth something.

The Hombottle looked around as they took apart furniture with a sly grin. He easily melded into the shadows and stalked over to where a desk sat, and upon it was a ornate jewelry box that was engraved with silver and covered in pearls. He cast a glance back at the others before prying open the box and his eyes went wide at the gems and jewels within!

He quickly shut the box and cast a suspicious eye to the others before greedily pocketing everything within. They were so excited by the prospect of such wealth that they barely noticed the door to the room they were in opening and a finely dressed goblin calmly walked in. His refined voice startling them out of their greedy frenzy.

"A fine night, isn't it gentlemen?"

-----

The Hombottle and the rest of the group crept their way towards the glass doors. Keenly aware of the army not far away that could have them drawn and quartered if they so much as made a peep!

Inch by grueling inch they crawled towards their target. Watching as the Red Caps and other goblins went about even this late at night. No firing drills were had at this hour, but they didn't skip out on practicing their formations, marching, or endurance training.

They kept a close eye especially on the troll like creatures that hobbled around the place. Though it was easy to tell where they were by their trollish stink! The thing that almost blew their cover was some strange gray skinned goblin that seemed to shuffle about the place with its head and eyes downcast as they went every this way and that doing menial chores.

One of their number swallowed a cry as one came within an inch of his face without realizing it! If not for years of practice he might have been the one to blow their cover! But they continued on their way unhindered until eventually they were at the back doors. They peered through the glass and found a few soft lights inside that helped illuminate the kitchen and dining area they could see. As well as the fine glass ware and cutlery that was still laid out.

"Keep an eye out lads." The Hombottle whispered as he pulled a lockpicking kit from a hidden pocket and got to work on the door.

The rest of the group kept low and watched for the guards. But as seconds ticked by they got more and more restless. Especially with several guard patrols coming quite close to where they were with the only thing keeping them from being seen is their dark clothes and the night itself. If but a gleam of moonlight were to shine on their spot they were done for!

"Hurry up!" One of them hissed in a whisper.

"Dinnae rush me!" The Hombottle hissed back, a little too loud for their comfort.

The thieves turned and looked at the army camp, and saw a goblin grunt peering in their direction.

"Hurry!"

The Hombottle continued picking the lock at his own pace even as the grunt picked up his musket and made his way over, his yellow eyes trying to pierce the dark for anything that might be suspicious. Like a group of thieves breaking into the mansion.

Then the thieves heard the sound of angels. The click of the lock being undone! The door was quickly nudged open and the group hurried inside as fast, and quiet, as they could. Just in time for the grunt to make it to where they had been just a second before. He peered around and sniffed before growling and returning to his spot at a warm campfire where some sort of rodent roasted on a stick.

The thieves sighed in relief as they watched him go. Then they turned back to the nice kitchen they found themselves in. Especially at the shining glassware and silver and gold forks, spoons, and knives laid out all nice and tidy for them!

"Well boys? Wha' are you waitin' fer?"

They needed no further incentive and made their way over to tables and cupboards as they pulled small sacks from their belts and began to collect their swag. The Hombottle snuck over to a nice cupboard that held fine drinking glasses and decanters of liquor.

He easily opened them up with barely a creak and grabbed a fine bourbon glass and a decanter of brown liquor. He poured himself a small bit and enjoyed it for a moment as he watched the rest take anything that wasn't nailed down and worth a pretty penny. Plates and bowls made of fine porcelain were gently placed within bags as were whole handfuls of gold and silver cutlery.

Then the Hombottle stopped dead as he saw someone enter the kitchen. Some younger pudgy girl in a night gown wandered in and made for the large metal icebox that emitted some kind of soft blue light. She opened it and produced a plate of food that was some sort of cheese and bread.

Then she went over to a metal box on the wall and put it inside before closing it and pressing something which made it chime and hum! Startling several of the thieves! Causing them to drop several forks and even a plate!

The tired looking girl turned around and looked at them blearily. Her tired eyes went to the bags of swag and immediately went wide with awareness and alarm. One of the thieves held up a hand and took a step closer.

"Now young miss, don't do any-"

She screamed.

----

The group within the hedge ran as fast as they could. But it was hard enough to do when they couldn't see anything in front of them let alone when a mob of goblins was chasing them!

They could hear war drums banging from somewhere within the hedge as well as cries and chants from the goblins that chased them within the leafy green thicket. The group lost sight of the Hombottle they were with when they left the lit area, then again, they lost sight of themselves as they ran away as the hedge itself came alive with dozens if not hundreds of the leaf and vine covered goblins!

One of the thieves felt something hit his face. Something wet and warm. But he didn't dare stop for even a second for fear of suffering the same fate as those he had foolishly came here with! One of their number had gotten swarmed before they even knew what was happening back at the clearing. Which left just two of them and the Hombottle as they ran and ran. Praying that they didn't run into a hedge wall and end up swarmed by the goblins!

Well, one now, the thief thought as he had a good idea of what the warm liquid on his face was. He also had yet to hear where the Hombottle had gotten off to. He could be right next to him, or in front of him. Hells, he could be back at the clearing face down dead in the brush for all he knew!

He panted and thrust his hands in front of him in an effort to feel where the walls were even as he ran and tried not to trip over the vines and brush that he swore wasn't this thick when they entered. Did he take a wrong turn somewhere, he thought. Easy enough to do when you can't see the tip of your own nose, easier still when being chased and not paying attention to which way it was you had come from.

He turned left, then right, then right again, then left. He knew, he just knew, that he was about a step away from running into a hedge wall and getting killed by the goblins! All it would take is one wrong turn and his luck would run out at last!

Then he saw it! The exit! Or at least A exit! But it didn't matter to him! He even welcomed the sight of the guards! Surely they wouldn't be as bad as what's in here! He ran towards the guard's light and called for help!

"Help! Help! Please help me!"

The guard looked up and cast his beam of light on the thief and for just a second, he felt safe. But a second was all it was. His luck finally ran out as the tip of his foot hit a root or vine somewhere below him and he fell forwards onto his face. He quickly looked up and back and, with the guard's light, saw the verdant goblins not far away wielding spears and thorned clubs as they hurried after him!

He tried to stand up but found the floor too slick with something to get a good enough grip. So he crawled and crawled for all that he could. Inching closer and closer to freedom! Probably only to end up in a cell with a missing hand, but it HAD to be better than what green hell this hedge had turned out to be!

He was almost there. So close now! The guard kept his light shined upon him and the thief could swear it was the Holy Goddess herself welcoming him to safety! Then he felt something pierce his back. He turned and stumbled, where he saw the vibrantly verdant face of a leafy goblin illuminated by the guard's light as it glared down upon him with a wooden grin from where he had shoved a sharp thorny spear into his back.

The thief coughed up blood and turned back to the guard and held out a desperate hand.

"H-help."

The Red Cap watched as the thief and trespasser was wrenched back into the darkness of the hedge. He shuddered and made the sign of the cross before quickly getting as far from the hedge as he could.

-----

The group on the 2nd floor looked to where the finely dressed goblin stood and stared at them with a bored expression on his face.

"I suggest you offer your surrender to myself."

Before they could make a move or a sound they heard the cries and shrieks from outside as well as past the goblin further into the house. The goblin continued to look at the assembled thieves.

"You can either submit yourselves to MY custody. Or you can end up like your cohorts."

The group could hear sounds of fighting and stuff breaking going on past the goblin. As well as cries for help from outside. They turned and looked back at the goblin.

"How can we trust you won't just have us hung?"

"You don't. But are you really in a position to argue?" The goblin asked pointedly as the cries for help were silenced and not long after the sounds of fighting ceased as well.

The thieves looked at one another before cursing and dropping their bags of swag and holding their hands up. The goblin nodded.

"Good. Now I believe there might have been a halfling with you?"

"Yeah. Come on out and show yourself!" One of the thieves said.

A long moment of no movement caused the thieves to grow nervous as the goblin cocked a brow. One of the thieves turned to where he last saw the halfling.

"Come out you little fuck!"

When nothing happened he turned and looked at the goblin before hurrying to the dark spot and kicked and hit around. But he felt nothing. The rest of the thieves panicked and did the same, they lifted blankets and opened closet doors and looked under tables for any sign of the Hombottle.

The thieves actually looked a little betrayed.

"That fuckin' peck! This was a setup wasn't it?!"

"Yes. It was. We knew you were coming for some time now." The goblin said as he pulled out and glanced at a pocket watch.

"When I get my hands on his fat little neck I'll-"

"Not have to worry. He'll be dealt with appropriately." The goblin said as a group of Red Caps appeared at the doorway.

The goblin gestured to the thieves.

"Escort these gentlemen to the cellar. They have surrendered themselves."

The Red Caps snorted and glared down at the goblin, but only gestured for the thieves to follow them. Which they did so. They cast wary eyes on the guards and the goblin as they were escorted away. Gerard watched them go before walking over to the open window and peered out. From there he saw the small form of a halfling as he ran through a couple streaks of moonlight. Fleeing away from punishment. Or so he thought, Gerard thought to himself as he latched the window and turned to the room with a sneer.

"May as well have let them steal it with how much it's going to cost to replace everything."

He sighed and left. He'll have the staff take care of it. But he had to inform Morty of what had transpired first.

-----

The last surviving Hombottle rushed through the forest as fast as he could with a limp from the tumble he took on the landing from the 2nd story, casting a glance or two back towards the mansion. Ready to hear or see guards close behind or the sounds of hounds barking after him. But none came. They probably think they got everyone, he thought gleefully as he ran. His pocket stuffed full of jewels and gems! He chuckled in the dark as he hurried back to their base of operations.

A group of dumpsters near the apartment complexes patrolled by the Red Cap was what him and his gang called home for the time being. It was more a front than an actual hideout, the real hideout was within a sealed room within the apartment that they had broken down part of a old wall to. But other than that they were the perfect place to hold up in. After all, who would go looking in the actual trash for thieves, he thought as he went to open a hidden door him and the others had made to make it easier to enter the small hideout.

The other two will probably be waiting inside with their haul too, he thought before a boot slammed against his face. He rolled across the ground, gems, necklaces, and rings spilling from his pockets as he looked up and saw the form of one of Barnaby's men looming over him.

"What tha-"

He didn't finish as a dirk was thrust into his throat. He sputtered and gurgled as he was pushed away and his pockets were pulled out. His loot was taken by the harsh man and he was left to bleed out and die in the alley as the man returned to Barnaby with the payment for dealing with any loose ends that might have escaped from the estate.