Chapter 2.Time to leave.
Tannen and I took turns telling Gravius about our find.We weren't grilled about it,since the state of the body was obvious and several eyewitnesses had placed each of us at where we said we were.Socucious Ergalla informed us as an aside that if we found the murderer a reward would be paid out.Killing the person responsible for the crime would be acceptable too,as it was deemed justifiable under the circumstances.
It seemed that we were being used as executioners.Why the guards weren't being used for the job?Good question,but you see, the Captain wasn't about to place any of his men in jeopardy over a local crime,and it was to be sure that none of his men would volunteer for the work anyway.Lazy bunch,the lot of them.
Tannen was not very well primed for combat,if there was to be any,so I felt that it was going to fall on my shoulders to provide the know-how to go about doing bounty hunter work.My prowess with a bow was second to none and it was a habit/hobby of mine to stay that way.I was also trained on light weapons and moved with ease in light armor.I was ready.
Tannen was not,and proved it as he clumsily tried to thrust a slightly rusted,yet lethal steel dagger into a makeshift practice dummy he had set up in the back courtyard of the Census building.He managed to strike the target,but followed through off balance,nearly tripping himself in the process.
"Damn."was all he could say.He straightened up,wiping his damp hair away from his sweaty brow.
"Watch me"I said.I stabbed the dummy and pulled out with a flourish that was the result of many hours of training.I've never killed anyone in my life,and I was hoping to get Tannen trained enough to at least protect himself.I would provide the back-up if needed.
Tannen kept on with it,and after many tries seemed to get the hang of it.I still didn't think he could handle one-on-one combat,or a fight but I offered encouragement as best I could.After all, the man was just out of prison and here he was,being primed to fight for the very people that had imprisoned him.
Socucious Ergalla came out of the office and looked at us."Ready?",he asked.