“Ah,” Bellem said as he took Cid’s hand, “So good for you to come. Sit, sit. Make yourself comfortable.” The lord moved his hand to an empty regal chair to Cid who calmly took a seat. “And this is your second?”

“Thank you, my lord. This is a warm welcome. And this is my other lieutenant, Kveldulf Einarsen.”

“Ah yes, I heard about your duel with the dread Baeron. I wish I was there to have seen the fight.”

“Having been there I would’ve preferred a calmer evening.”

“I’ll take word for its worth,” Bellem said as he took a seat, crossing his legs and clasping his hands together. “But I think we should get to business before small talk distracts us too much.”

“Good idea,” Cid said calmly.

“As you’ve probably seen our city has been undergoing a bit of a problem regarding a group of highly enthusiastic followers of our faith.”

“We’ve run in a few of them even before we arrived to the city,” said Cid

“They seem to enjoy making a scene wherever they go,” Kveldulf followed.

“Yes, in more ways than one,” Bellem replied. “At first they were no more than a nuisance. But they’ve started to become beyond a mere thorn in one’s side. They’ve become disrupting commerce, scaring away some of the local populace. I’ve heard word from among reputable sources other lords are perceiving this place as a hive of scum and villainy.”

“Not something anyone would want to hear about their home,” said Kveldulf.

“No,” said Bellem, “no it’s not. And I wish for this little band of miscreants to be tended to. By means I neither care to dictate or know. I just want them gone.”

“I see,” Cid said, “I’m surprised you’re wanting us to do something like this and not delegate it to your guards.”

“We considered it,” Bellem said, “but if the people the guards stomping out those many feel are in their interests, it could stir unrest.”

Stolen story; please report.

“And such matters trouble your mind?” Kveldulf asked.

“In winters past such troubles would be crushed by my boot and heel. But things have changed. Players are at work which could work on undo many years of hard work, which I and my forefathers before me have strived to keep for this city since the days before the coming of the Rubicon Empire.”

“And what of the cardinal’s opinion on this matter?” Kveldulf asked.

“Ah, yes, the holy man,” Bellem replied. “He and I haven’t seen eye to eye on many things. But this is one of the few we’re in agreement with.”

“And how are we supposed to avoid crossing swords with the guards?” Kveldulf asked. “I could assume they wouldn’t mind if we went about cracking heads of the local citizenry.”

“I would assume to take the head of the man in charge. Then when he’s gone, the rest will gradual petter out and wither like a leaf before it drops from a branch to crumble.”

“Should we decide to take you up on this … offer, what would be the restitution?”

“Oh of course,” said Bellem, “I think about five thousand denari would tend to the matter nicely. Would you not agree?”

Cid lifted his eyes brows for a brief moment before turning to Kveldulf. “I think this shouldn’t take a long while to consider the matter with my seconds.”

“Bring me the man’s head. That’s all I want and then I will be a much happier man,” Bellem said as he rose to his feet. “But alas, I do have other matters to attend to, but I appreciate you both taking the time to speak with me.”

“Of course,” Cid said, he and Kveldulf both bowing their heads forward. “We’ll be in touch.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what your people are able to do.”

Cid and Kveldulf were silent until they were a short distance away from the keep’s outer walls. “What are your thoughts, Kel?” Cid asked.

“I don’t know where to start,” Kveldulf replied. “But I don’t trust that man at all.”

“I’m almost wanting to apologize to the others for grievous incompetence just from talking to the man.”

“Definitely gives me more confidence Gareth is on the up and up with us.”

“I’m still keeping my eye on him too.”

“Same here. But what do you think of the job?”

“This feels more like hire a group to end a problem, then get rid of the group and wash one’s hands of the whole affair.”

“Then what are we going to do?”

“I think I have an idea now. It’s going to be a little dicey, but there’s enough wiggle room to make it work.”

“Are you worried about Jeanne?”

“Regarding Stefan?”

Kveldulf nodded.

“I can’t say her disposition hasn’t given me a moment of pause, here and there, since this whole mess started. But I trust her enough to do what is needed. Do you?”

“Of course. I just … I can understand these things taking a toll on you after a while.”

“Fair, very fair. But we shouldn’t keep the others waiting,” Cid patting Kveldulf on the shoulder.