Big Helende sighed. "Do you have any jobs that need doing?"
"Nothing that can't wait."
Big Helende sighed again. "Come on. Come to Balmora with me. I can explain on the way."
"Wait, shouldn't we get a guild guide if we're going to Balmora?"
"Ah, yes, I never told you. I was expelled from the Mages Guild long ago. Guild guides refuse me service, that's why your next job is to go hire a wizard from the Mages Guild. I'd do it myself otherwise. But don't worry about that yet. Come on."
"The Camonna Tong is what!"
"You heard me. I know. It's bad. We should have seen it coming. They've been far too quiet since you carried out the bloodbath. Oh, don't look so shocked. Everyone in Morrowind knows it was you. Didn't you notice that people seemed to recognize you a little bit more after that? Your reputation skyrocketed. You took out five Camonna Tong in a matter of minutes, and without getting a price on your head. I couldn't have done that. I didn't think anyone could have before you."
"Still. Why wouldn't we think that didn't scare them enough that they started minding their own business?"
"That is what we thought. It just appears we were wrong. We should have known the Camonna Tong wasn't going to give up that easily after fighting so long. But you heard me. The Camonna Tong is moving against us, harder than they ever have. Every Toad and Footpad Sugar-Lips knows of has been killed. Every member below Bandit and not under the protection of a boss has been killed. You're lucky. You've had no reason to go where there are other Thieves without bosses. Pelagiad is the only town with any Operatives or Blackcaps left, and that's only because of Pelagiad Fort. The Camonna Tong doesn't want Imperial attention, not yet."
"Why are we going to Balmora? Why are we leaving Sadrith Mora unprotected?"
"I left Rissinia in charge. He's a good man, even if he is a man. If you'll pardon the pun. Although, I can't really talk. You're the only mer I'd trust in charge. But he is a good person, plenty worth his salt. He'll keep things running, and he can take care of everyone while I'm gone."
"Why me? I'm just a Blackcap."
"N'wah'ni. You know you'd be a Bandit or better if you wanted advancement."
"But I don't."
"I don't know why. There are so many privileges of rank that come once you hit Bandit. You could barter and train with bosses; the lower ranks would respect you far more. I don't know why you insist on remaining a Blackcap."
"Fine. Then I want advancement."
"Okay. Congratulations, you are now Chaos the Bandit."
"Yay."
"Why the sudden change of heart?"
"Well, with this business with the Camonna Tong, I have a feeling rank will come in handy."