Your laugh as gentle as the first snow
A smile that would melt the heart of a cruel man
My friend who deserved not life's hardships
Rest now and sleep without burden
Debts will not be left unpaid
Not those of kindness nor those of blood
"Unknown Author"
It's soul crushing, really. They did not demand an explanation. The guard never even batted an eye at the bloodied sheet which covered Erma's frigid corpse. Oh they were livid at first, prepared to brain whoever dared cause trouble in their sanctum of liquor and gossip. Both guardsmen have been out for their early morning patrol when they happened to catch the unearthly screech coming from the old tavern. Perhaps they chose to have a small drink to warm themselves up from the unforgiving cold left in the storm's wake the night before. Maybe they had found easy prey in the form of some impoverished transients seeking shelter amidst the rotting crates and garbage. Whatever the reason, they were nearby when Erma gave her mortal wail and had arrived with the speed of garden snails.
The pair's folleys did not lead to me feeling this venomous rancor. No. These were merely the bricks which made up the foundation for my rage. After I bore the golden sun pendant of my station they withdrew their weapons and politely apologized for the disturbance.
"Our apol'gies my lord. We didn't know yous had business going on, honest. But how's about giving us watchmen a holler before ya' go killing folk? None of us wanna see anythin' we shouldn't, my lord. Would you be so kind as to give o'l Matthew and I a few copper for our troubles? We'll make sure no one hears this from our lips." He said with a smile full of rotten teeth. It was as if his very presence exuded the pollution prevalent throughout the city. His words were coal dust and his throat a smoke stack in which they were birthed.
Forgive me father Ashton for I could not reign in my temper.
"GET OUT!"
My words tore themselves out of my dry throat in the form of a bestial roar. My companions were not spared the shock the guardsmen had at my outburst. No, if anything they felt it more.
That was half a bell ago. I spent that time praying in my room while Cassius consoled a despairing Richard. Launda and Erick had gone about the business of procuring a suitable undertaker for both Erma and Mathias with the coin we scavenged from the old warrior's possessions. I heard a slight rap coming from my door. The old, metal hinges gave a small squeak which could be heard in the silence of the room. Cassius had come to fetch me.
"Richard has an offer for us, Nicholas. He wanted you there as well." I followed the young guardsman with a solemn nod.
We walked into the tavern itself. Launda and Erick were back from their excursion into the city and were leaning on the edge of a round table. Richard had for some reason decided to take his normal place behind the bar. The only difference was that he was simply serving himself spirits. Cassius took a seat on a chair next to Erick while I chose to stand with my arms crossed instead. He took a long drink of the amber liquid that filled his glass. The once cheery bartender's eyes were red rimmed and he gave the impression of being ten years older.
"All my life I've lived in this lump of shit we call a city. I thought that I was streetwise enough ta' know how to avoid trouble. I've kept my head down and paid my protection money to ol' Deidric. Even thought of having my daughter marry the brewer's boy next door if he ever grew the stones to ask for my blessing." He gave a tired chuckle. " Just goes to show that nothing here is safe. People will get fucked no matter what they do." The barman refilled his glass.
"Richard, you have my word that I'll find whoever did this to your wife. I just need time." Said Cassius after a minute's pause from his friend.
"Aye, I know you will. Even if you've gotta turn over half the city to do it. But you need help. You're still growing into yourself and I'll hear of your body being found with a knife in its neck behind some alley. No, you need someone experienced in the underground. How would you like to earn enough gold to feed you past winter, Erick?"
"I'd tell you that I'm rather interested indeed. I can keep the kid safe alright. Maybe by the end he'll learn who's toes not to step on. Who knows. Could even drill the idea of subtlety into that thick skull of his." Said the thief with a yellowed grin.
"Good, though I'd feel a lot better if they had an experienced warrior among them." He nodded towards me.
"I'll help to the utmost of my ability, friend. I only ask that you give a prayer to Lathander in return. Pray for our safety during these troubling times." I left unsaid that I would be investigating the murders anyway. My duty demanded that I pass judgment upon the killer. Our investigation could also lead to a few answers regarding Mathias' death.
Richard's glassy gaze finally settled on Launda. "I wouldn't turn down your help as well, lass. I'll pay you just as much as I'm paying that grouch Erick. What do you say?
"Wouldn't have it any other way". She replied with her trademark smirk. "Ain't a chance you're leavin' me outta this adventure. Afterall, someone's gotta keep this gaggle of muppets from tearin' into each other." Her last comment drew a much needed chuckle from us. "So it's settled then! I'll send a missive to my elders back home and then we'll have the choir boy over here lead us in our investigation."
"Wait, why must I be leading? Surely it would be more appropriate for Cassius to be the head of our efforts." I protested.
Cassius held his hands up as if to ward off a blow. "Hold on there, Nicholas. We both know that you're the most experienced one here. I'm sure you've led plenty of investigations similar to this while I've only ever patrolled the streets."
"And he has the shiny pendant." Added Launda helpfully.
"Can't forget the get outta jail free card." Erick added.
I ran a hand through my unkempt, brown hair in exasperation.
"By the light this is the Inquiry of Cothran all over again. Okay well this seems as good a time as any to learn all of our strengths and weaknesses. I'm capable as a healer and my plate armor allows me to shrug off most blows. Unfortunately, my aim is poor when it comes to ranged weapons and I'm a dreadful sneak as well."
"Then why do you carry light hammers if you're unskilled at using them?" Asked Cassius.
"Quantity has a quality of its own my friend. I'll eventually hit my target if I throw enough of them. Hasn't failed me before." I stated with false pride.
Erick surprised all of us by being the next to speak. "As you all know I'm a thief an' pickpocket. Can pick a lock decently quick too. Think of me as a kinda' scout of sorts since I can watch people without being seen an' move around without drawing much attention to myself. Just don't expect me to be fightin' in no life of death scuffles. A cold will put me out for a straight week an' I much prefer dodging over getting into a face-to-face brawl." I made a mental note of his specialities. Personality aside, the vagrant's skill set would allow us to bypass locked doors and gather information without alerting our targets.
Cassius stood eagerly, clutching his sword belt with both hands in a wide stance. "I would say that I'm a decent fighter overall. My throwing arm isn't great but I'm a natural with a longsword and can tackle a drunken brawler in no time flat. I know the laws of the city and can navigate around Middletown fairly quickly.
A little muscle was just what we needed if we found ourselves in some trouble words wouldn't fix. That in addition to his station as a guardsmen made Cassius an invaluable member of our band of hooligans. We could use his authority to question witnesses and search private property.
The last to speak was our resident Druid, Launda. "There isn't much ta' say about me or my skills. I'm more of an aggressive fighter who likes getting up close and personal. I use my spells to make me mobile and difficult to keep pinned. I'm fond of my sling but usually resort to using a bone club or stone dagger at close range. I'm one of them druids who don't like using metal weapons. One last thing though. I am not fond of taking the form of an animal, so don't expect me to use my Wildshape very often.
I hummed and stood with a nod. "Well it seems that's everyone. We have a diverse group with each having a wide assortment of skills. I have no doubt that you will all play important roles in the coming days. I believe that the markets will be the best place to investigate since it was where the owner of the journal had his encounter."
We made our way to the slave markets, making sure to cover my traveling tunic in a dull, grey cloak. Cassius offered to follow from a distance. His guardsman's regalia would surely be noticed by the crowds. The thief had no trouble fitting in however. Erick passed for a lowly laborer and made his way through the plaza, at times passing through the tents themselves. I glanced upwards to a row of tightly packed buildings bordering the market square and caught sight of a small flicker of movement. I had sent Launda to act as our eyes. This way we would not lose any suspects if a chase were to happen. I walked from tent to tent and pretended to browse what this brand of filth called merchandise. Few of the captives met my gaze and those that did glared at me with pure hatred. 'Try it' they seemed to say.
This continued on for another hour or so before I felt Erick's wiry form bump into me. I did not miss the telltale jingle coming from his pockets or how his tunic seemed bulkier than normal.
"I found somethin' interesting while passing by some of the tents. One vendor's got a batch of those poor bastards stashed inside his tent. All of 'em have a blue slip tied around their ankle."
I gave him a questioning look. "Why should that matter? Seems par for the course considering this is a slave market."
"The slips mean that the merchandise has been sold mace-for-brains. Somebody already bought all of this man's stock!" He said in a sharp whisper. "There he is, in the flowery tent with the flags."
I made to thank him but when I turned around he had already melded back into the crowd of shoppers. The thief was an invaluable member of our small band, kleptomania aside. Not that he would ever hear me say it. We needed someone who was familiar with Peccavi's underbelly. I just hoped that he would see this through to the end. I braved the mass of flesh once more and forced my way towards the decorated tents. A great number of them were quite lavish in nature, made up of colorful fabrics and adorned with many patterns of all types. The captives were in chains of course but to my surprise they were not subjected to starvation or disease.
I approached a vendor table to my left manned by a deeply tanned human sporting a pot-belly. He was dressed in the silken attire of those native to the desert continent of Breres. His stock consisted of many humans with a similar complexion as him though most had a stronger build. A good percentage of them were young and male. He smiled as I approached, flashing his tobacco stained teeth.
"Welcome my friend!" He said in a thick accent. "What may you be looking for? Perhaps a laborer to help with your trade? Or perhaps a housekeeper? You'll find everything you're looking for here in Khaalid's Labor Emporium!"
I gave the enthusiastic man a friendly smile of my own and pretended to browse his merchandise. "Yes my friends, I was wondering if you had a man with a strong back to help carry my equipment when I travel."
Khaalid gave me a thoughtful look. "Ah yes, a mercenary! I thought you looked rather rigid. Very military like that walk. Almost mistook you for a guard!"
"R-right, yes. I'm a sellsword based in the Golden Goblets guild in Jedia". I quickly added. I was lucky that Khaalid had no reason to be suspicious of me. I was always such a shite liar.
"Good, good, I have just the man for you!" He led me over to a captive who looked to be around 17 years of age. "This one has been bred from slave stock and raised on hearty foods and labor. He'll carry your belongings without complaint and charge through a hail of arrows for you."
I inspected the youth as if he were a potential recruit. The slave trader was honest about the boy's upbringing for I could see the callouses and muscle gained from a life of labor. I looked past the boy and at the slave trader's tent.
"This boy could surely do but I'd like to take a look at the rest of your stock. I have the coin to pay, I assure you." I said while jingling my coin pouch.
"I apologize, my friend but my stock is already paid for by a generous buyer. In fact I just had these outside brought in from my ship. Believe me, these slaves are the best you'll find anywhere in Peccavi!" He stated while leading me back to his stall.
"Of course, I'm sure they are if they belong to a merchant such as yourself, good sir. But I wonder. Who would have the coin to do such a thing?." Behind Khaalid I saw Erick reappear and motion towards his hands.
I peered down at the merchant's hands and finally noticed that his fingers were festooned with silver rings embedded with jewels of various colors. His voice quickly brought me out of my observations.
"Ah I'm afraid I must protect the privacy of my clients, friend." He laughed nervously while hiding his hands behind his back. "I seem to have forgotten about an appointment I have made with a dear friend of mine, I'm sure you understand. I must be leaving now."
Khaalid then began the long process of packing away his belongings. It seemed that I was much too obvious. I moved into the crowd and hoped that Launda would notice the man's strange behavior and watch him. Finished with my part, I leaned against the wall of a building across from the slave market hoping to remain inconspicuous. Before long I grew restless, convinced that we had gained little on this excursion until a pebble struck my chest. I looked up to see Erick frantically motioning for me to follow. Finally, some real progress.
I bullied my way through the throng of shoppers, earning curses and surprised yelps in equal measure. At the edge of an alley I could see Cassius waiting for me with my mace outstretched. Together, we rushed in pursuit of where I presumed Erick was headed and heard shouting along with grunts of pain. Before us stood Erick with his chest heaving. A dwarf lay at his feet, groaning and covered in grime from the sooty ground.
"What's the situation? Who is this man?" I asked while approaching the prone figure to ensure that none of his wounds were too serious.
"Calm your tits, he's the one we're after. Made a good run with those stubby little legs of his, he did." Remarked Erick before spitting on the floor.
"I can understand that! My question is why you beat him. The man is concussed, Erick!" I scolded while checking for broken bones.
The ruffian did not grace me with an answer and instead chose to keep watch over the entrance of the alley. Launda jumped down from a low roof a few minutes later. Her hair was a mess from her time perched atop the square's tall buildings. I'd have laughed at her feather riddled head had I not been in such a poor mood.
"What the hell happened to the dwarf? He run into a wall a few times?" She said in her lilted accent.
You can blame our resident thief over there. Nearly brained the man in the thirty seconds it took for Cassius and I to arrive." I remarked acidly after Erick helped the injured man up. "It's time for us to walk back."
Our merry band found our way back to the Sailfish Tavern with the unnamed dwarf in tow. The sight brought upon some looks but thankfully Cassius' presence kept any of the guardsmen we passed from stopping us. Upon walking up to the bar's entrance I found that the door had been broken off of its hinges by an axe or some other bladed instrument. I immediately charged through with my mace at the ready and Cassius at my heels only to find a drunken Richard beaten on the ground. His ragged breaths were the only indicator that he still lived.
"What in the shite happend while we were away?" Exclaimed Launda.
Erick stopped supporting the limping dwarf and rushed to the bartender's side. "Come on ya stubborn bastard ya can't die now. You still need ta get revenge for what happened to Erma. Priest, can't you heal him? The man's been beaten half to death!"
Erick gave me some room to do my work. "Question the dwarf! This doesn't feel right."
"It's time to answer us you sorry sack of shite!" Yelled Launda as she slapped our captive across the face to grab his full attention. "Why were you buying those slaves at the market? You don't look like any lord I've ever seen."
"Please...don't hurt me anymore. I'll talk, I swear." He said in a raspy voice. "I've been buying on the behalf of a lord for the past year or so. He has me deliver them to a rundown house on the end of Urchin Row in the Poor Quarter."
"An' who is he? What does he look like? What happens to the slaves after you deliver them?" Said Launda, shooting off question after question.
The dwarf moved to shield his face. "I don't know, I swear! I only know he's a lord cause of how nice he speaks. And he has this presence when you're around him. Makes me afraid just by looking at me. He has bodyguards follow him around too!"
I finished healing Richard enough to be able to move him and then set about donning the rest of my gear. We were in the middle of gathering supplies when we heard the sound of heavy footfalls outside the tavern. Launda and Erick set about dragging Richard towards our rooms while the dwarf took this chance to crawl his way behind the barman's counter. Cassius and I readied our weapons. We were both surprised to see a full guard detail step foot inside the bar. Cassius let out a sigh of relief.
One of the six stepped forward, an older sergeant. "Cassius Clarus and Nicholas Azure, you are hereby under arrest by the order of the city guard. Resist and you will be met with force."
Cassius took a step forward. " What the fuck do you mean under arrest? I'm one of you and this man here is a member of the Lathander's military! What have we done wrong?" He shouted back angrily.
"Calm down and come with us young man. I'm sure it's all just some misunderstanding that can be cleared up quickly." Said the sergeant with his weapon still at the ready. With a motion he had the five other guardsmen fan out into a half circle around us. "I only want to help you, Cassius."
"Sergeant Belmont, you're making a mistake. We came here and found the tavern owner, Richard Cape, beaten half to death! We barely healed him in time!" Exclaimed Cassius.
I placed an arm in front of the young guardsman. "Enough. They aren't here to talk and they aren't here for that. In fact it was you who nearly killed the poor man, wasn't it? I asked the sergeant.
He dropped his false smile. "Alright, have it your way then, men, take them in. No need to be gentle."
Four men dashed forward, two for each of us. The first to reach me attempted a stab with his shortsword which I easily diverted to the side with a well timed strike from my mace before headbutting him in the face with my helm's visor. I then raised my shield to block an opportunistic strike from my second opponent. From the corner of my eye I could see Cassius holding his two foes at bay with fast jabs from his shortsword. A gurgling from behind distracted my opponent, granting me the chance to swing my mace into their neck, killing them quickly. It was followed by my mace smashing down on the first guardsman's head, who was just now getting up. I turned to see Erick repeatedly stabbing into a guardsman's neck on the ground while Launda and sergeant Belmont circled each other. Our companions had come around the side of the building and launched a surprise attack from behind.
Taking the chance, I rammed my shoulder into one of Cassius' foes. The force of being rammed into a wall by a man in plate drove the wind out of her before I slammed the edge of my shield into her brow. I turned to find Cassius standing over the last guard, his sword thrust into their belly. Belmont turned to run but was struck in the side of his knee by a thrown bottle from Erick. Five minutes later we had the man restrained against a chair, bereft of his weapon.
"Won't do you any good to run." He spat. "Whole dock has already gotten word that you're wanted for murder. This certainly won't help them believe otherwise." He said before receiving a bone club to the temple on behalf of Launda.
"He ain't dead but we need to run. Erick, do you have some place where we can lay low for the time being?" Asked Launda.
"Yeah I got a place. Stay close. We're going to be moving into the uglier parts of the port. You need to lose the armor, Cassius, else you'll draw attention to us there. He replied. "No time to waste! Move!
A/N: It's been a long while since I've uploaded but I'm still kicking! Sort of. Have a back issue that I'm dealing with but that shouldn't stop me from uploading. Hopefully soon. Until next time!