Chapter 3

Hollis

"You will never tame the wilds, accept that now boy. The woods are a beast unlike any other and they hunger for you. Learn its ways and it may accept you and, if you are truly lucky, it may even bless you with its wonders. But never mistakes these gifts as your own, you are the servant and it the master."

Hollis reclined in his chair as he slowly rocked back and forth, his eyes closed against the warm light flooding in from the small rectangular window on other side of the room. It was high up on the wall near the ceiling, high enough in fact that one would have to stand on a chair just to peer out of it. You would not see much though; the window was at ground level so most of the day it only gave you a clear view of people's feet. If one were so inclined towards that sort of thing this window would be particularly useful. Luckily, that is not what they were here for as there were two other, more important uses that this basement window served.

The first was the fact that one could stand on a chair in the corner of the room near the window and see down the row of buildings on the other side of the street. Specifically, you could see the door to the Shattered Horn, a tavern that was currently of particular interest to Hollis's current colleagues. This use however was only secondary, as he had in fact discovered the windows' true purpose during the week he had been forced to stay couped up in here. For a few hours towards the end of each day the sun was still high enough that passersby would not break the cascade of light entering the room but was just low enough that someone sitting in the exact spot Hollis currently sat would be bathed in the warm radiance. He smiled as he continued to rock aware of his triumph and the great secret he would protect until his dying breath.

"Why you look so full of yourself?"

Hollis peaked open an eye, Tuser was staring at him with an unhappy expression etched across his face. Though that was not really saying much, Tuser always looked unhappy especially if someone else was in a good mood. Pair that with the half-orcs uneven tusks and he created a rather grumpy portrait.

"Well, my long-faced fellow," Hollis said as he brought his chair down on all fours and leaned in conspiratorially, "I was thinking it might be funny if you met your untimely demise on this particular outing."

Tuser's eyes widened as he bellowed out a laugh, "You hear this, Hollis actually told a funny for once." He clapped a meaty hand on Hollis back as his laugh trailed off into throaty chuckles.

"By the gods," Hollis said horrified, "You actually look worse when you're smiling."

"Both of you cut it," Shetty said as she scowled down at them from her perch by the window, "I swear, if I'd known the two of you were going to be on this assignment, I wouldn't have taken it. Back at the manor I can at least keep to myself, but no bonus in pay is worth being stuck in a room with one of you, much less both."

"Aw, Short Shet doesn't like us Tuser." Hollis said looking at the tower of chairs the gnome had used to gain a view out the small window.

"Breaks a person's heart to not have her lofty approval." Tuser shook his head.

Shetty's face flushed so hard she was nearly purple, "Stop calling me that. I swear I will end you and I won't even give it a second thought."

"You'd be taking one for the team if you did him in Shetty." Tuser said nodding, "Heck maybe they wouldn't even punish you, maybe they'd give you another bonus."

"You think?" Shetty glanced at Hollis as if to consider it for a moment.

Hollis held his hands up in defeat, "Alright, alright. It was wrong to call you that, I'm sorry."

Shetty smiled as some of the redness began to fade from her face, "Well I'm glad you understand. Thank you."

"Yeah," Hollis said as a smile creeped across his, "Little Shet is actually far more accurate."

Shetty looked as though she was about to dive at him when something outside the window caught her eye.

"Dreck is coming," she said scurrying down her makeshift tower to the floor.

"It's about time," Tuser said, "Hopefully we can finish this tonight and start our way back to the manor tomorrow."

"That'd be nice," Shetty agreed as she climbed onto a seat at the table, "Then at least I wouldn't be forced to deal with either of you."

Tuser scowled, "And what would you know of good company Little-"

The door to the basement opened as a tall man in an apron and stained shirt walked in. He looked to each of them for a moment before closing the door and taking a seat.

"I trust," Dreck began, "That the three of you know what you'll be doing tonight?"

The three of them nodded.

"Good," Dreck said nodding, "run me through it then."

"I rent a room," Hollis said, "You've made sure the one across from Lord Brinely is open and you'll make sure it's the one I'm assigned. Once I am in, I wait and listen for your que. After that I'm backup If you need help."

"Ha," Tuser laughed again causing Hollis to grimace at the sight, "If there is trouble you reach me on the sending stone and I'll back all of you up."

"Tuser," Dreck said sternly, "What is your purpose?"

The half-orc grumbled, "I watch from here, if something seems amiss or guards show up from patrol early, I let you guys know."

Dreck nodded and turned to Shetty.

"I mill around the tavern," Shetty said eagerly, "and paint a small red dot on every guards back. I'm not to be seen or noticed as I do it."

"Good," Dreck said, "I know this isn't your normal work, nor are any of you used to working with others. However, tonight's purpose is a show of force. Since his brother was murdered months ago Lord Brinely has been in hiding. It took us this long just to find him, if we botch this it may prove too difficult to do so again. Our master the Lord Duke would be very unhappy with us if that occurred. Any questions?"

"Uh, well you know I'm not one to complain Dreck but…" Tuser began as he glanced toward Hollis, "This one's never been sent outside the city on assignment like us. Why do we get an old greenhorn on something this important?"

Hollis feigned offense, "Old?! I'll have you know I'm only thirty thr-"

Dreck raised a hand to silence them both, "Hollis has been in our masters employ for longer than either of you. He may be new at this side of things, but he has proven highly effective at getting out of bad situations. I trust, in the unlikely event this goes sour, you have an exit planned for us?"

"Why of course," Hollis smiled, "Our first night in town I acquainted myself with the pond in the city square, where I found an outflow that passes under the town. I spent my evening mapping the air pockets and can safely lead us through the submerged passage."

"Clever," Dreck nodded, "We'll pass right under their feet. While they look for us in the town, we'll already be on our way home."

"I don't know," Tuser shook his head, "Doesn't sit right with me, we could just as easily drown."

"Listen," Hollis said, "We may not be friendly towards one another, but I very much wish to prove myself. I made my way safely through the passage and back. I'll lead you through the same route I took."

Shetty grunted, "I don't like it either, but he sounds genuine. Plus, if he's wrong, he dies with us. So at least he'll get his too."

Hollis smiled, "Believe me Shetty, I don't plan on drowning in the dark with any of you."

"Hopefully," Dreck interjected, "It won't come to that. Once I deliver the message, Lord Brinely should listen to reason. If not though, Shetty's handiwork will show we could have easily taken his guards out leaving him helpless. He will suspect that there are more than four of us and think he is outnumbered. Either way, he will be coming with us to the manor. Now, I need to head back before they miss me. You all know what to do, in ten minutes we begin."

Once Dreck had left Tuser sighed, "I swear that stick is so far up his ass it's the reason his eyes are brown."

"Actually," Hollis said, "His eyes are green…"

"Stop your inane chatter, both of you." Shetty dropped from the chair and was rummaging through her pack. The gnome pulled out a small simple dress that looked as though it had been made for a child, "There, this will do."

As she changed into the dress Tuser took up position near the window, he was tall enough he required no aid to see out. Instead, he leaned against Shetty's tower of chairs, his expression becoming more serious than Hollis had seen the last few days.

"Alright Shetty," Tuser said, "You're up."

The gnome gave a mocking curtsey to them before leaving. Hollis approached the window and stood on his tippy toes to peer out.

"Is… Is she skipping?" Hollis said aghast.

"She knows how to play her part." Tuser said, his tone seemed to have changed with his expression, "A happy gnome maiden fluttering about the bar won't seem much out of place. The guards won't suspect much either which should allow her to do her job with ease. If there's any music playing, I betcha she even convinces a few of the off-duty guards to put her on their shoulders and parade around. She's a bundle of energy when she needs to be."

"You really know what you're talking about don't you?" Hollis said surprised.

Tuser glanced at him for a moment but did not reply. Hollis shrugged and took his seat while he waited. Unfortunately, the warm light had retreated and evening was beginning to settle in. For the first time since they had taken residence here an uneasy tension filled the room.

Can I go through with it? Hollis wondered, I got away with it last time but now…

He looked over at Tuser, was that guilt he felt for the half-orc?

No, I can't think of that now. I've spent too long getting to this point and there are still two more after this.

"Are you even listening?"

Hollis looked up, "Always."

"I said," Tuser grunted, "that the patrols are about to switch. Once they leave, it's your turn."

Hollis nodded, "Any advice for an old greenhorn like me?"

Tuser shook his head, "Just do what you're supposed to, and if this all does go south get us out like you said you would."

"Of course, that's why I'm here." Hollis smiled and turned to leave.

"I just kind of say stuff sometimes," Tuser continued, "But you are fun, Coren knows what I would have done to myself if I had been stuck in this room alone with Shetty. I really don't think I'd mind working with you again."

"Well," Hollis said without turning back, "I'm sure we'll have plenty of chances for that in the future."

The Shatter Horn was filled with the sounds of food being prepared, cups clanking, and an array of overlapping conversations. There was even violinist currently belting out a jaunty tune as a small gnome woman danced among the crowd. Hollis smiled as he made his way to the bar.

"Hey chap," Dreck said from behind the counter, his apron and shirt had gained a few more stains since he'd seen him earlier, "Need anything to drink?"

"Hum," Hollis pondered for a moment looking about the room, "I was wanting a place to stay for the night, but you look like you might be at capacity already."

"Hey Borvin," Dreck called over his shoulders, "We got any rooms left?"

A meaty looking man poked his head out of the kitchen, "Uh, probably, if there's any keys left on the board give him one."

"Yessir!" Dreck said as he produced a key from under the counter, "Anything else I can help you with mister?"

"Yes actually." Hollis said, "I'd like a meal brought up to my room if possible. It's a little too loud down here for me."

"Hey Borvin," Dreck called again, "Chap wants meal service."

"How much is he willing to pay?" Borvin yelled from the kitchen not bothering to poke his head out this time.

"He said he'd pay a silver," Dreck lied.

It was silent as Borvin gave the amount a moment of thought, "I suppose that's enough, tell him you'll bring it up when it's ready."

Dreck turned back to Hollis, "Please, enjoy your stay."

Hollis nodded and, with key in hand, made his way up the stairs. He passed the energetic gnome maiden just as she was lifted into the air and onto somebodies' shoulders.

Hollis laughed to himself, She really is good at that…

Another twinge of guilt welled up in his chest as he thought of her smiling happy face but he pushed it deep down where it was easier to ignore. That was not her anyways, that was just the role she played tonight. Upstairs he found his room, two guards flanking the door opposite his.

Hollis paused at his door then looked up and down the hallway, the guards following his eyes.

"Should I be worried…?" Hollis feigned alarm.

"Don't worry citizen. We always pull a few hours here after our shift, helps keep that lot downstairs from getting too rowdy." The guard smiled.

"Yeah," the other guard added, "And the extra pay is nice too."

The three of them shared a laughed and Hollis acted as though it was the cleverest thing he had ever heard.

"Well," he said, "I'll sleep better knowing you fine men are out here."

The guards nodded and Hollis slipped into his room. It was quaint and, if he had planned to stay the night here, would have been passably comfortable. He pulled the sheet from the bed and began twisting it at both ends. Harder and harder he wound it until it became tight and rigid. He looked down at the coiled bed sheet and gave it a sharp tug to test its strength.

That should do nicely, he thought, Now I just have to wait for my dinner.

The knock came not long after.

"Your meal sir." Dreck announced from the hallway.

Hollis stood, "Finally, I thought I was going to starve at this rate."

As he opened the door, he saw that Dreck was already turning away from him and rounding on the guard to the right. The poor man was too surprised to even call out as the serving plate smashed into his head.

"Ah, I'm so sorry sir. The plate slipped out of my fingers," Dreck pleaded as he struck the guard again in the head, this time with his bare fist, "I'll have another prepared for you."

The second guard turned reaching for his sword, "You-"

Hollis rushed from the room and looped the coiled sheet over the guards' head, he pulled it hard against the man's neck.

"-really shouldn't worry yourself," Hollis continued, digging his knee into the man's back, "At this point it'll take too long and frankly, I'd rather just go to bed."

"If you wish sir," Dreck said as he dragged his now unconscious guard into the room, "Let us know if you need anything else. Again, my apologies."

"Of course," Hollis said as his guard went limp, "Now be a good man and leave me be."

He quickly unwrapped the sheet from the guards' neck, he did not want to kill him, but they did need the door guards out of the way for a bit. Dreck was already bounding the first guard as Hollis dragged in the second.

"That went well," Dreck whispered, "Anything from Tuser?"

Hollis shook his head, "Quieter than a church."

"Good," Dreck handed the rope to Hollis, "Bound him then wait in here. I will deliver our masters offer and, if luck is still with us, he'll accept."

Dreck returned to the hallway and quietly slipped into the opposite room.

Hollis took a deep breath, It's now or never.

He exited his room and stared at the closed door. On the other side he could hear voices though he could not make out what was said. Silently he entered the room.

"-our protection for your vote on the council." Dreck was saying as he loomed over a smaller red-faced man, presumedly Lord Brinely.

The smaller man was sitting in a chair near a writing desk, several papers skewed about him. Dreck stood next to him with his hand gripped tightly on the lord's shoulder.

"Was it your lord who had my brother killed as well?" Lord Brinely squeaked out.

Dreck laughed quietly, "No, but he had been awfully close on brokering an arrangement with your brother before the unfortunate incident. He doesn't want your life, only your vote."

Hollis could feel his hands beginning to shake as he approached the two. He reached into his pocket and wrapped his hand around the handle of a small hunting knife.

Slow breaths, Hollis told himself, Just like last time.

He closed the gap and Dreck looked up alarmed, "Has something gone wrong?"

"No," Hollis growled as he pulled Lord Brinley's head back by his hair and stared into his eyes.

"Your brother looked just as frightened when he died." Hollis pulled the small hunting knife against the man's throat as it ripped opened. Brinely sputtered and tried to stand but Hollis shoved him back down and put his face close to his as he stared into the man's eyes. The body grew still and his head rolled to the side, his robes now painted with the red that once filled his face.

Dreck grabbed Hollis, "What the hell was that?"

"Personal," Hollis said looking at the dead lord. "We better go."

Hollis pulled from Dreck's grasp and rushed to the door; Dreck quick behind him.

"This isn't over Hollis." Dreck said as they made their way down the stairs.

"I know," he answered then thought, There's still one more thing I need to do tonight.

Dreck must have signaled to Shetty because as they left the tavern the small gnome was beside them.

"Dreck?" She asked as Hollis turned down the street leading them to the pond.

"Later Shetty." Dreck answered, Hollis could feel the man's eyes on him.

"Are we," Tuser began out of breath as he jogged up, "alright? What happened?"

"It's complicated," Hollis answered, "We'll explain once we're out of town."

The square was empty when they arrived as most people would be at the tavern or in their own homes by now. The four of them entered the water and waded out to where Hollis had found the tunnel.

"Take as deep a breath as you can," Hollis instructed, "the first air pocket is the farthest but after that they're much closer."

They did as instructed and one by one entered the submerged passage. The tunnel was large enough they could easily swim their way down it but they still had to go single file to keep from getting hung up on one another. It had also grown dark enough now that Hollis had to pull out his everburning torch, the dull light would allow Dreck and himself to see where they were going.

He looked back and saw a worried expression painted across Dreck's face. Hollis just smiled and pointed further down the tunnel. He brought his thumb and index fingers together indicating the distance was short. Dreck expression did not change but they continued.

Almost there, he thought, just a little further.

A hand grabbed his foot and Hollis looked back again. Dreck was shaking his head and pointing back the way they had come. Shetty's face was beginning to turn purple and Tuser had her under his atm already turning to swim back.

Sorry Hollis mouthed as he lifted his free hand. Seaweed burst from the cracks in the walls and flooded the tunnel. His three companions began to struggle as the long billow strands wrapped around their arms and legs. The harder they fought the tighter the plants pulled. Hollis watched as bubbles burst from Shetty's mouth and her struggle slowly came to an end.

Dreck was trying to cut himself free but for each one he cut more coiled around him. He eventually found himself restrained against the wall. His death throes were more violent than Shetty's had been but, in the end, he succumbed as well. All that was left was Tuser, his body still as it floated in the corridor facing away. Hollis carefully swam though the seaweed and around the half-orc. Tuser was staring ahead, his mouth half open.

He must have given in, Hollis thought as he reached up to close his companion's eyes.

A thick green hand shot out and grabbed Hollis by the neck. He looked up and saw Tuser's eyes upon him, his face shown with the pain of the betrayal.

Not good, Hollis tried to pry the hand from his neck.

While his pale skin had hid his water genasi heritage, breathing water still required breathing. The vice grip that Tuser had on his throat was currently complicating that. The two struggled against each other until the half orcs body gave a violent shudder. His grip relaxed and Hollis was able to push free sucking in water. Tuser's body shook again, a small stream of bubbles left his mouth before he too grew still. Hollis sat there on the bottom of the tunnel; he was not sure for how long.

If your deaths are the cost of my freedom, he thought, then I pay it gladly.

Eventually he picked himself up and began searching them for useful supplies.

You have to think of it logically, he pated Tuser down to find the paired sending stone, You wouldn't have let me run even if you knew my reasons. You're all just so damn loyal to your master's code. Even if I did try to run you would have tattled. No, this was really the best option. Buys me the most time to get lost before he figures out what happened.

Hollis put his hands on his hips defiantly as he floated into front of the dead half-orc, Now don't look at me like that. What would you have done in my position? Yeah, I'm sure that would have worked, tell the master I killed the brother, the man he spent a lot of time and money on to win to his side. Yep, that would have went over really well I bet.

He floated over to the body and patted him reassuringly on the shoulder, How about you let me do the thinking from now on, Hollis smiled and turned to swim away, I hate to leave you all here but times a wasting. The master's men will find you eventually and I need to be far from here when they do.

When that happened, there would be a trail for them to follow. He would have to make it look like he was trying to hide it but that would not be too hard. All indications would point to Hollis having fled north to the coast; they would probably go searching for him in Niflheim. By then though he would have doubled back and cut west. Once he hit one of the main roads, he would make his way south to Foran, after that he would figure out his next step.

I will eventually have to come back though, he thought as his mind wandered to the small hunting knife tucked away in his pocket, there are still two more.