Gaxston rounded up the men and women under him that he can trust, capable ones, and most importantly, have a strong sense of justice. Only ten people within his command qualified: Humans, Satyrs, even a Dragonkin and a Lizardfolk, none of the officers.
“I chose you all because I think you will do the right thing, and I trust you will keep this secret. The Watch, our esteemed [Commander] has been bribed so that we wouldn’t investigate the kidnapping of a ‘Numisley Gildin’. I believe that this is unrighteous, given that we enforce the law.”
“Who is Numisley Gildin, sir?” The orange-scaled Dragonkin asked. Unlike the Lizardfolk, they are significantly dragon-like with mostly monochrome hard and thick scales.
“An innocent [Trader] who I believed to be kidnapped by the Jodas Gang. We tolerated a group of criminals with a stupid name for so long. If we believe in true justice, you will be with me in taking the first step against injustice in our city. Are you with me?”
“Yes, sir.” They chorused.
“On paper, I will tell the Watch Commander that we are investigating a thievery case so that we can investigate that matter. I’ll send false reports so we can do our job. No leaks of our true purpose.”
Gaxston knew that lesser cases such as this won’t be interfered with by a Watch Commander, and he would only sign it for approval. Watch Captains and below would manage the investigation. He started assigning them tasks. Each of them will covertly investigate the establishments that the Jodas Gang owned since the Watch isn’t allowed to patrol near these areas: Mugged Mug Tavern, the warehouses in the Graent district, and the Homney Lane where [Beggars] make a living.
After filing the case to the Watch Commander, which he signed cluelessly. Gaxston left the office with a subtle smile on his face.
-
Cultrost had fetched Numisley’s order from yesterday at the enchantery. The staff was different, altered enchantments, and it now resembled a walking staff that a quarterstaff you whack people with. He walked with Graten and four other [Mercenaries] surrounding him so that they could guard against thievery. He kept it close beside him. Cultrost remembered talking with one of the Watch Captains of the city yesternight. This was the first time he had talked to someone with a high position since he let his brother handle the negotiations. He was assured that the Watch Captain help rescue his brother. He had explained that the Watch and possibly the entire leadership has been bribed by a representative of Thousand Roads, one of the Five.
They found one of the Severed Swords fighting with one of Atasaney’s in the area where they had parked their wagons near the bazaar. Some people at the stables were watching them. Redien, an Orcan of the Severed Swords was beating a Satyr on the ground. Two of the [Mercenaries] held Redien back as the Satyr stood up.
“What’s the problem?”
Graten barked as Cultrost was tongue-tied, walking towards the Orcan. At the sight of his [Sword Captain], he regained his composure.
“Captain, this devil scum had insulted our dead comrades.”
“You killed some of ours too. I say we’re even.”
Redien grinds his teeth, trying to stay calm even from Ridi Gadihew, an officer under Atasaney. The Satyr picked up his spear on the ground, gripping it tightly. The atmosphere was tense.
“I see,” Graten spoke up in the tense silence. “I’ll talk to Atasaney about this. But I won't hear of any brawls from now on! What are we, children?”
The [Mercenaries] in the vicinity fell silent. Some of the Severed Swords sniggered, as the rest of the crowd continued doing their business despite the commotion. Graten escorted Redien away as Ridi walked away as if nothing happened. Palden walked towards Cultrost and gave him a significant look.
Palden is now inspecting one of the wagons of their caravan, as Cultrost made sure that no one was around in their immediate vicinity, looking right and left.
“Let’s do it.”
Palden pulled out a knife from his belt and he carefully cut out part of the bonnet of the wagon, making sure that the knife didn’t pierce the canvas fully. Cultrost caught the bundle of tied cloth that fell from that seemingly small space between the cloth of the canvas; normally it would be impossible to fit something through that space. The cut slowly healed itself with Palden’s Feat, and even the expanded space is from one of his Feats.
“So that is where you put them…”
“A lot of tricks you can use with [Compartments of Holding]. I got lucky with this Feat."
Cultrost had no idea where Palden had put the books, and Numisley let him decide where should the [Caravan Master] hid them. Numisley and Cultrost deprived themselves of the knowledge of the locations of the book to maintain utmost secrecy with Numisley’s plan two days ago in hiding the book in a location both of them do not know. It was a necessity with the existence of Feats and truth spells that those who know of the secret books will use to give away its location. Only the three of them knew of this plan.
Cultrost handed Palden the bundle of cloth where the books are hidden, and Palden hid it within his coat.
"A coin for your thoughts?"
"I can't do this alone, Palden. I can't manage this company like my brother. Or anything else. "
Cultrost was upset about his lack of management skills, and Palden can see his frustration. He was speechless when he witnessed the brawl earlier, and he contributed nothing of value when he, Atasaney, and Graten tried to come up with a way to rescue Numisley; at least before the Watch Captain spoke to him.
“No man is one mountain, boy. That’s why we have other people. That’s why we have Roles. A [Warrior] can fight, but only the [Smith] can forge his sword, only a [Woodworker] can make the hilt, and only a [Miner] can mine the metal of the blade. The [Warrior] protects the village they live in.”
Cultrost eagerly listened to the adage as old as the first civilizations, feeling better. Palden put a hand on his shoulder.
“Do what you do best. Your brother will be back. Leave the supplies to me, and keep praying for your brother’s safety.”
-
“You fucking numbskull!”
Atasaney grabbed Ridi's horns, making him tumble to the ground as he threw him. They were at an alley near the wagons. Atasaney was reprimanded by Graten, the head of the [Mercenaries] hired by Numisley.
“We’re not that trustworthy in their eyes, and I am bound by blood to that stinking cripple of a [Shopkeeper]! I can’t kill him without being killed first!”
“I was drunk-”
“Shut up. Just don’t do it again. Don’t antagonize them until we’re finished with this job. Bitch gave us too much coin…”
Atasaney grumbled, cursing the fact his men and women left his company after being rewarded with too much gold. That caused them to spend too much and the other left them with so few of their numbers. Ridi left Atasaney’s sight so that his leader quells his rage, and Ridi soothed the stinging pain of being smacked on the ground. As he walked toward the wagons they are guarding in the city, he saw Cultrost and Palden leaving that one wagon. His eyes focused on Palden holding a curious bundle of tied worn cloth in his hand, and he knew something was up. He hid behind a wall to tail Palden, who climbed on one of the wagons. Palden accidentally dropped the bundle after tripping over a rock, revealing the side of a book before hastily picking it up. To Ridi’s surprise, he cut a small hole in the canvas and put the bundle of cloth inside, which mended itself as it closed. Ridi quietly rushed away from the scene. Atasaney later saw him running towards him as he ate bread outside of the Sitting Wagon, leaning on the wall.
“Commander. I got something to tell you.”
Atasaney stopped chewing on his bread, staring at Ridi with raised eyebrows.
“What is it?”
“The books. That [Wagon Driver] has it hidden within the canvas of the wagons. Feated, most likely.”
Ridi whispered to Atasaney, and the [Commander]’s eyes widened.
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“That means…”
“Yes.”
“What is in that book?”
Ridi had no clue, ever since this mess had begun at the manor that he and his former company hired him to invade it.
“A weapon against [Kings]. Secrets that can make clear even the muddiest waters of Yhrilian politics. But, I’m bound to not steal the book.”
“But-”
“But not you. Or any of my men. Do what needs to be done.”
Atasaney implied, now realizing an exploit in Numisley’s blood-contract Feat. He only implied that Ridi stole the book, not command him directly. The brand did not show itself much to his relief.
“Do this wisely. In the right time.”
-
Graten, Palden, and Atasaney gathered in the shop when Cultrost summoned them when the sun sunk.
“Atasaney, one of your men has been involved in a brawl with one of mine. Your officer lacks tact.”
“We’re [Mercenaries], not some prissy nobles. Besides, he’s new to my group. Cut him some slack.”
“Ridi Gadihew insulted our dead comrades. I will have him tied on a pole if it were up to me!”
Graten stared daggers at Atasaney, who casually leaned on the wall. Graten was annoyed by the carelessness that he exuded at this moment. Cultrost wondered who would win if they came to blows, but that thought was gone in a moment as he slammed his hand on the table, moving the papers on it.
“Stop arguing like children! I got something important to say. I had talked to the Watch Captain of the city personally. Watch Captain Gaxston will investigate, and possibly coordinate with us in our search for Numisley.”
Graten and Atasaney turned to Cultrost in surprise. His hand stung with the pain from slamming the table, but he didn’t mind.
“The Watch itself has been bribed by those who seek the books that we hold. One of the Corporations. Thousand Roads. So that Numisley wouldn’t be rescued. The kidnapping wouldn’t be investigated by the Watch. That is why Watch Captain Gaxston will undertake the investigation himself.”
The room fell silent. It was like someone telling you that a [King] suddenly has a personal vendetta against you, and is now sending men and women to hunt you. Atasaney wiped the sweat off his neck.
“If it’s Thousand Roads…”
“Even if I need to go against an empire, I will rescue my brother. This will be the mission of Gildin Trading until Numisley comes back.”
Cultrost displayed his determination despite Graten’s reservations. But the [Sword Captain] nodded in approval. The thought of Cultrost being an [General] of Libertalia’s battlefields had crossed his mind in a moment. Palden smiled, proud of Cultrost for his effort.
Graten and Atasaney suddenly yelped in pain as a bloody crest appeared on their arms. It was not bleeding profusely, but it was like it pointed them toward the east.
R█le A█t█i█ed: [Le████ - Development Delayed.
-
[Rare Feat - Secret Compartment] developed!
The cellar didn’t allow for sunlight, but he knew it was somewhere around morning or afternoon since he heard the faint voices of people chattering away above Numisley, tied in the chair still. He knew that it is the next day because he had gained a Feat and he had a hunch that it is related to the trick that he did to evade Raudaeiz’s truth Spells.
“Ah, you’re back.”
Numisley grinned at the scowling Raudaeiz. Although he said that he would deal with Numisley later, he had been occupied with managing his assets and sending people to gather information.
“If you can’t tell me one thing about the book, then you are as good as dead.” Raudeiz brandished his knife, an inch away from Numisley’s nose.
“Who are you to tell me what to do?”
Raudaeiz froze, and the hairs on his skin stood on end. His body froze for a second because, in his experience, a presence like that would be trouble. His knees almost bent to the ground as if he was kneeling.
“Do you want revenge?” Numisley asked. Raudaeiz straightened, bewildered by him.
“What?”
“I’m offering you a chance to get back at Aldewin Jaucles, who hurt you and your real mother. The book of mine, in which I do not know where they hid it, has the power to do so. That power is nothing without a foundation, and I intend to build it with wealth and position, far from the obstacles that hinder me on this continent. You will go to Yhril with me if you want to return to Libertalia to smear your family’s name for what they have done for you.”
Raudaeiz slammed the door behind him. It was both an answer and not. That offer was worth more than the chest of gold that Satyr gave him. Did that book had recorded his family’s past? Then he realized who he was; the son of a [Spy] that he worked with long ago, and that book was his.
The tavern is closed, but one Satyr sat in front of the counter, being served by the Human [Bartender]. He poured a bottle of deep red liquor into a mug, with the color of blood and roses.
“Have you gotten the location of the books yet?”
The Satyr turned to Raudaeiz on his chair and sipped a bit of the liquor.
“No. He tricked my truth spells. I sent men to sniff out their location.”
“Truth spells are easy to fool. Criminals like you, know that best.”
Raudaeiz fell silent, as the Satyr’s gaze seemed to bore through his soul. Two men carried a chest of gold coins toward the cellar.
“Did he offer you anything? Got into your head?”
“No.”
“It is foolishness to lie to me, an [Negotiator] of Thousand Roads. He got inside your head, you see? You should’ve gagged his mouth…but then again, how you would get the information in the first place...”
The Satyr leaned on the counter nonchalantly. The [Bartender] offered him a plate of swamp octopus tentacles, battered and fried, and placed it on the counter.
“If you can’t find them, I will interrogate him myself. Excuse me, I got a lot of offers to make in this city.”
The Satyr left the tavern, as his two [Bodyguards] seemingly appeared out of thin air, opening the doors for him.
-
Atasaney stayed in the shop as Graten returned to the caravan to guard them. Cultrost went back to the Sitting Wagon to sleep. Atasaney was shocked that his former employers, at least one of their representatives are in this city right now. He knew he will be dead if they found out that he would fight against them because of Numisley’s contract. He needed to contact them somehow. Within the darkness of the streets, a dozen or more shadowy figures appeared, holding knives, clubs, wands, hatchets, hammers, and even two people with a crossbow. Atasaney’s men and women raised their weapons, and he knew that he will need to prevent them to come to blows so that he wouldn’t miss this chance.
“Stand down! We wish to talk to the representative of Thousand Roads! We are willing to cooperate.”
“Captain-”
Both sides stopped, lowering their weapons warily. Ridi Gadihew turned to Numisley. Two of the hooded figures whispered among themselves. One of them pulled out a stone with a glowing rune attached to it, speaking to it. Atasaney felt the crest of blood slowly etching itself on his hand.
“Come with us.”
One of them came forwards. Atasaney nudged Ridi to the front.
“Ridi.”
“I shall come.”
Ridi now walked with them, disappearing in an alleyway, into the world of criminals. It is unusually dark as if they are walking in shadows. The men that escorted him were the sort that would take purses and backstab people in alleyways in the shadows. Soon, they arrived at a tavern with the sign displayed: Mugged Mug.
A Satyr, dressed stylishly in a suit sat on a chair in an empty tavern, eyes bearing power and cunning. He smiled, glad of this sudden change of events.
“So, you are one of the men and women we employed in that mess in the Overthere Hills, yes?”
“Yes.”
Ridi felt like being crushed in his presence as if a kind of authority was looking down on him.
“Who is this?” A man in the shadows asked. Ridi cannot see his face clearly, as if his vision blurred his face to forgetfulness.
“One of the [Mercenaries] that we hired.” The Satyr answered. “Where is your [Commander]?”
“He can’t steal the book.” Ridi blurted out. “He is bound by a contract-Feat.”
“And he will die if he refuses. I know, these all too well of these things. You are the exception, and I assume that the rest of the goons aren’t in the contract? Very well. I will pay you two thousand coins…in gold, if you steal the book tonight.”
Ridi’s mouth hung for a moment.
“Yes…of course.”
“Raudaeiz. Send your men to the wagons. All of them. Give the books to me. I will wait. Then you will kill Numisley once I get hold of these books.”
In the dead of night, the undercover [Guardsmen] saw several [Thieves] and [Thugs] rushing from the Mugged Mug Tavern. Crowds of criminals swiftly disappeared into alleyways, and the disguised [Guardsmen] were stabbed and beaten. Except for one who survived and now desperately crawling toward Gaxston’s home.