Tiger seemed to be a tough nut to crack. This was saying something because Gale herself considered herself one too. And insane at times too. But the sane kind of insane, mind you. She had always been liked, despite her strangeness. But she never was able to socialize well.

Walking to their place of lodging, it was still wet and rainy and generally pleasant. Gale liked the rain, but her company seemed to think quite the opposite.

“It’s not far,” Gale said.

“Thank goodness, said Tiger, relieved.

It was true they were only a few blocks away from the inn where they were to lodge.

“I have a question,” Tiger stated. “We are running on funds and I cannot go back to my home to acquire more.”

“Then we shall all get jobs.”

“But is Tiger not too young to work?” Maple asked. “How old are you anyway?”

“I am fourteen. I am not legally allowed to get a job.”

“Then maybe you should collect garbage and sell it to the dumpster guys for a profit.”

It was a disgusting job, picking up others’ discarded items. Bottles, boxes, and such were a common sight. And it was also a sad sight. But it was Tiger's only option.

“I will pick up garbage,” Tiger said proudly. “Garbage needs to be rounded up and sentenced. That will be my job.”

Gale couldn’t suppress her chuckle. She wondered if his aunt would be as amused. She appeared serious and icy but occasionally laughed so hard her dentures would fly out of her mouth and across the room and smack her husband between the eyes.

Arriving at the inn, they split up. Tiger with Maple, Gale all by herself. It was still grey out when Gale spotted a diner that looked abnormally busy. Perhaps she could get some good coin there and perhaps pick some pockets while she was at it as well.

She opened the door and a small chime sounded. A waiter waddled up to her and asked “how can I help you this fine grey day?”

“I am looking for work. Is there a chance I could meet with the manager or boss?” Gale responded.

The waiter nodded. “I shall fetch him immediately.” She waddled off and disappeared behind a door.

The chime sounded again. Turning around, Gale saw what looked like a wealthy dragon with a business. Perfect for conning and pickpocketing.

He was young. A year or so older than Gale herself. He had green scales speckled by gold. He looked the color of money, looked the resident of wealth, and he was money.

“How's your day going?” Gale asked.

“Fine. Are you working here?”

“No sir. But I might be soon,” she said. “I think that a businessdrake would understand.”

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“Ah,” he said. “You must want to work your way up. Yes? Well, I suppose I may teach you. If you give my watch back.”

Gale was surprised. “How did thou know?”

“I just know the streets,” he said.

The waiter came back with the boss. The boss had bright blue sky-colored scales. She noticed the wealthy guy and dipped her head. “He is not available at this moment. He might interview you tomorrow,” she said to Gale.

“Sir, do you need a table?” she then said to the wealthy guy.

“Yes,” he responded.

Turning to Gale, he said “And would you like to eat here? I can tell you have an eye for business.”

“I would very much fancy doing so.”

“Then I will show you to your tables,” said the waiter.

After being led to their tables and having their drinks ordered, conversation started.

“What brings you to be wanting to make money on such a grey day?” asked the wealthy dragon.

“Supplies for friends and family, good sir,” Gale replied. “Fancy telling me your name?”

“Ah, that question. Call me Jjorreqe. That is what most call me by.”

Some silence followed. Gale fidgeted with the cutlery that was already at the table. She did not know what to say. She had heard of this dragon’s name before. But only in hushed tones spoken where shadows hide.

“What do you want with me?” Gale said sternly.

Jjorreqe only smiled. “I think you are in need of money and allies. Do you think that the Providence is on favorable terms with all?”

Gale stayed silent.

Jjorreqe continued. “Indeed, we are not. I will only prosper without them. I will only prosper without another controlling my life and choices.”

“That is what they want: control. Correct?” Gale asked

“Verily.”

The waiter arrived at the table waiting for requests for beverages to arise. Getting them, a soda and a water, she left Gale and Jjorreqe to their own devices and their menus.

“So, do you want to employ my expertise?” asked Gale.

“If you please.”

“Then what will you have me do?”

“I ask that you persuade someone to give up some information on another organization. He will likely be at the Skunk cafe on Green street, tomorrow, at noon. Do wo have a deal?”

Debating it, Gale frowned while deep in thought. It took a few minutes. “Agreed,” Gale said. “But how shall I get him to talk? Blackmail? I am a big fan of blackmail.”

Jjorreqe smiled. “I think that perhaps impersonating a friend and doing a favor will suffice.”

And so a plan was set in motion. A plan that would put money in Gale’s purse. Perhaps theft would supplement what the job could not.

The waiter came to take their food orders. Gale ordered a baked chicken leg with oregano on top. Jjorreqe ordered something called “Chekovs Gun Stew” which is completely unnecessary to the plot and looked like mush.

As Jjorreqe ate his mush, Gale started to speak again. “Why are you offering me this job?”

“I’ve seen your skills, and I have seen mine skills, we will be mutually beneficial to each other.”

“I suppose.”

***

The inn that provided them lodging was cheap and so dirty. It smelled of mildew and rotting mice.

Gale couldn’t fall asleep. Tossing and turning, mind turning and buzzing with thoughts of Jjorreqe’s assignment for her. What would happen if she failed? Should she be armed? What if the guy stabbed her?

But, above this all, was a disgust for Truth. He had abandoned them. He was nowhere to be seen. He seemed to only be a horrific little miscreant and a spawn of the devil.

She knew of his back story. She had sympathy. But what was that compared to betrayal? Betrayal when people could get hurt. Robbery was fine. But putting lives on the line? No, not fine in the slightest.

She knew there needed to be payment: punishment. On the other talon, that was not as great in urgency than the king’s death. When King Dlaerious died, it caused the city to plunge into chaos. But she was going to take advantage of said chaos and take Jjorreqe’s plan.