Mercurio's introductory chapter will be split into two parts to keep it from getting too long. And hopefully to also build suspense.

Also important note; the new cover picture for the story was taken from the League of Geeks store page on redbubble. I would credit the artist but I haven't been able to find a name attached to it.

A Rat's Tale

Hail Mercurio. Our ears within the royal palace hear of secret plans. Thane seems to think much of his abilities. He hunts for tools of the Rot. The King has laid a trap for him. A bounty will be placed on his head. A bounty which we expect you to claim. Teach him the consequences of meddling with the Rot. Then find those tools for yourself. Nat Fennet, the spymaster, awaits you withing Southbank. Her skills will be of use to you. Good luck. Keep your blade sharp, and your tongue sharper. Remember, destroy this letter.

Festien

Baron Mercurio of Bleakmarsh raised his eyes from the letter, a grin touching his lips. He rose from his desk, crumpling the paper and tossing it into the fireplace where it was quickly consumed. He strode out of his quarters, wrapping a cape around his shoulders as he went, red with gold trim, and fastened with a rose brooch. Finally he buckled on a sword belt; on his hip he wore an elegantly crafted sabre, Rose, behind his back was sheathed a curved dagger, Thorn.

He stepped out of the manor house into the night. Above the doorway, lit by guttering torchlight, was a crimson banner. It bore a black rat balanced with one foot on a small golden sphere, holding out a gold-blooming rose, tail wrapped around the hilt of a golden sword.

Waiting near the stables was an orange and white furred cat with yellow, glowering eyes and a sly grin. He wore a white and purple tunic under a scarlet cape, and a red cap with a purple plume.

"Let's go!" The cat called out, "Time is money, Mercurio."

"Skeeve, if I didn't know you were such a scoundrel I'd think you actually cared about the Order's work." Mercurio chuckled, his voice honey.

"You work for the Order, I fund your little ventures, and I reap a share of the reward. It's called investment." Skeeve mounted his horse, "Well, you read Festien's letter. Let's go find that spymaster."

The pair left Bleakmarsh and rode across the Greenshade Plains, and through Lost Acorn Copse to Emerald Park by the western edge of Southbank. A small tent city had been erected across the plain, perhaps by a traveling circus or some other nomadic group.

Mercurio reined in his horse, "We should camp here for now, blend in among the others. Fennet can wait until the morning."

"Wait! I don't want to stop and rest without knowing where Thane is lurking."

Mercurio shrugged, "The wolf lordling is probably miles away by now. What are you so afraid of?"

"I'd rather not risk you losing your head in your sleep, friend. Keep in mind that I have a stake in your wellbeing now." Skeeve reached into his purse and retrieved a few coins. "Here, use this gold to hire rangers. Send them to scout around Duncastle. That's where he was last seen."

"If it makes you feel safer." Mercurio took the money and dismounted.

There was a ranger camp set up on the outskirts of town. As Mercurio approached he spotted a few rangers milling around, wrapped in their distinctive dark green cloaks. A lanky stoat came out to meet him.

"Help you stranger?" The ranger asked.

"I'd like a message sent to the ranger camp at Duncastle."

"That can be done. So long as you've got the coin for it."

"That won't be a problem." Mercurio smiled, pressing Skeeve's money into the ranger's palm.

The stoat glanced once at the gold, tossing a coin into the air and catching it again before pocketing the money. "And what would you like this message to say?"

"I'm interested in finding someone. The Winter Wolf. He should be somewhere in the forests around Duncastle."

The ranger raised an eyebrow, "Word is he's not too popular with the King right now. Is there anything else you'd like?"

"No, just find him. Report back to me when you get news."

"Very well, I'll find you."

When Mercurio returned to where he'd left Skeeve he found that the trader had set up a handsome pavilion of white silk, red and purple pennants fluttering in the breeze. "Planning to set up shop?"

Skeeve was perched on a crate near the front of the pavilion, flipping through an account book. "There's never a bad time to do business." He shut the book with a snap, "Dealt with the rangers?"

"If anyone can find Thane, they will. And you'll see that we have nothing worry about."

"This is quite a gamble Mercurio. If you're going to make an enemy of the Wolf Clan, maybe even the King, you'd best worry or have someone to worry for you."

Mercurio chuckled, settling on another crate, "Skeeve, by the time I'm done no clan, or the King himself, will stand in my way."

It was early the next morning when Skeeve woke Mercurio. "We have a visitor."

Mercurio grumbled as he rolled to his feet. He stepped outside the pavilion, shrugging into his waistcoat as he went. Outside he found the stoat from the night before. "News from Duncastle?"

"Thane was spotted in Duskflight Canopy, wounded and fleeing from the King's Guard. As per your instructions, he was left alone. That's all I have to report."

"Thank you friend." Mercurio shook the ranger's hand, "You've been a great help."

The ranger nodded and turned to leave. He went a few steps, then glanced back, "You may be interested to know, Thane managed to contact the rangers at Duncastle. Apparently he sent a message to some allies in Sprucevale. That's all I know."

Skeeve scratched at his ear, "Sprucevale? What is Thane up to?"

"Who knows?" Mercurio glanced past Skeeve, in the direction of the town gates, "For now, we may have bigger issues."

Skeeve turned to follow the rat's gaze. A column of King's Guards had appeared on the road. As they filed into the town their leader rode out into the tent city. "The settlement of Southbank is in lockdown by order of the King. We're looking for accomplices of the traitor Thane."

"Great." Mercurio kicked at the ground, "They locked down the settlement and we're stuck out here. It'll be bad if we draw the Guard's attention."

"No matter. Forget that for now. Thane is exposed. Let's claim that bounty!"

"Last night you were terrified of Thane returning to Southbank, now you're out for his blood." Mercurio shrugged, "It really is fascinating what wonders the promise of a little gold will work."

"Please, this isn't so petty as simple greed. We'll gain prestige in the kingdom by claiming the bounty on Thane's head. And I happen to know a few local crooks who will be happy to do our dirty work."

Mercurio considered for a moment. "Very well. You do what you need to. And while you're at it, think of a way inside the town."

Thane staggered along the mountain path, deeper into the Kingsmount Heights. His breath was heavy, his steps faltering. With his sword belt lost he was forced to carry Grimfrost limply by his side. During their one brief rest since fleeing The Whisperers Pika had bandaged the wound in Thane's side. It still burned with pain, and he now bled from a fresh slash across his sword arm-inflicted during a skirmish in the early hours of the morning. They had not stopped running since that attack, and Thane felt sapped of all strength. Worse yet, they had been forced to abandon their horses and most of their supplies back at their camp in the stone circle.

Their one bit of good fortune had come from an encounter with a group of rangers near Duncastle. Thane had entrusted them with a message to Wolf Clan agents in Sprucevale. Based on the scribbled journal that Thane still carried it seemed that town was his best lead to continuing with his investigation.

Sil stumbled a little, still supporting Thane's weight. "So what's our plan now?"

"We have to reach Sprucevale." Thane muttered through gritted teeth. "It's a long walk. And I'll need some time to recover my strength."

"Are you sure you're alright? You're pretty badly hurt. Duncastle's not too far, we could head there, maybe try to find an apothecary."

"I'll be fine, trust me." Thane tried to grin, then grunted as another throb of pain shot through him.

"Don't worry sir!" Pika skipped along the path a little way ahead. With Thane in his current condition she had taken it upon herself to fight off any danger that presented itself. She bore what weapons she'd been able to scavenge from Sir Heimdall's supplies before leaving Southbank; a shining steel sword and a scratched, rusted iron shield coated with chipped blue paint. "As your trusty squire I'm sworn to protect you, no matter wha-"

An arrow sprouted from Pika's throat and she dropped with a squeak. Thane stopped short, eyes wide, Sil cowering by his side.

"Sorry about that!" A voice called out from behind a rocky outcrop a little way up the path, "Was aiming for the tall one."

A short, orange furred cat carrying a bow hopped over the boulders. He was quickly joined by three others-a mean looking weasel, a fox, and a big, one eyed otter. They all wore leather or quilted armour and worn, faded clothing.

The fox howled with laughter, "Did you see her face? Hah! Priceless."

Thane snarled, "You'll pay for that!"

The weasel stepped forward, "Oh? Who's going to make us? You? You don't look fit to fight a kitten, boy." He laughed.

"Who are you?" Sil stammered, "What do you want?"

The weasel shrugged, "Just think of us as messengers, here on behalf of Baron Mercurio of the Rat Clan."

Sil tugged at Thane's arm, "We have to go!"

"Just stay behind me." Thane pushed himself away from the mouse and raised Grimfrost.

The weasel flashed a cocky grin, "I was hoping you'd put up a fight. Get 'im lads!"

Thane moved before the bandits could act, lunging clumsily. The startled weasel barely twisted out of the way in time, and Thane's momentum carried him past his first target and into the midst of the gang. The cat, now face to face with Thane, scrambled to nock another arrow. Thane grabbed at the bow and brought the pommel of his sword down on top of the cat's head with a crack. The cat crumpled into a heap and lay still.

Thane turned, blade slashing at the fox. There was a flash of steel as the bandit drew a rapier, knocking Grimfrost aside. Thane twisted, slamming his elbow into the fox's face, wincing as the blow jarred his injured arm. The otter came at him next, pulling a small battle axe from under his cloak. Thane swept his sword around in a wide arc, blocking the axe as it swung at him. Axe and sword locked together until, with a flick, Grimfrost's hilt slipped from Thane's grasp. The sword spun away, clattered to the ground and skated across the stone before dropping over a cliff. Thane gasped. He quickly backed away, eyes flicking between the stoic otter and the livid fox with his bloodied nose.

"Thane, look out!" Thane heard Sil's warning yell, but too late. An arm wrapped around his neck a second before the weasel plunged a knife into his back, twisting the blade.

"Game over, wolfy."

Thane dropped to his knees. His ears rang. He tasted blood.

"Thane!" Sil dived between Thane and the bandits, sword drawn and clutched in trembling hands. "Get away from him!"

"Aw, brave little mouse." The weasel cackled, knife flickering between his fingers, "You'll be fun."

"Sil...run..." Thane forced out.

"But-"

"Go!" Thane put the last of his strength into raising his voice to a commanding tone.

Sil whimpered, gaze passing from Thane to the bandits and back again. Finally he slowly backed away, then turned and fled.

Thane toppled over, rolling onto his back. His vision started to dim. He heard the weasel speak to the other bandits, "Let him go. We got what we came for." He bent over Thane, his face filling the wolf's sight. "The Winter Wolf...Hah! I'm almost disappointed. But still, you're going to make ri-"

There was a soft thud. The weasel cut off abruptly and looked away, knife raised, as Thane's vision faded faded to black...

The sun was high above the tent city when Skeeve approached the table where Mercurio sat. The rat had been killing time playing dice with some other travelers. Spotting Skeeve, he collected his winnings from the table, "Thank you for your time, gentlemen. Maybe we'll play again some time." He scooped his dice into a cup. With just a flick of the wrist they were a familiar weight tucked away in his sleeve, replaced by an identical set. He set the cup back on the table and pushed himself to his feet.

"Anything?" He asked Skeeve once they were out of earshot.

"Still waiting for news." The trader replied.

"What about the other matter we discussed?" Mercurio glanced at the town gates where a pair of guardsmen patrolled. "If I have to wait any longer I'm likely to stab my way in."

"Don't attack the King's Guard! We'll end up with a bounty too. I, for one, would rather avoid that."

"You have a better idea?"

"While you were out here playing games I managed to get in contact with some serious underworld figures inside the town. They helped me organise some false orders." The cat held up a roll of paper. It was sealed with gold wax, stamped with what looked very much like the royal lion-head seal.

Mercurio grinned, "You never fail to impress me."

The pair approached the town gates. As they got closer they heard pounding footseps and ragged breath. Mercurio turned to see the source of the commotion. "Hm. Interesting..."

He watched as a short mouse pelted past, heading straight for the gates. One of the guards there planted his feet, raising one hand to stop the interloper. "Halt! This settlement is under lockdown, no one goes in or out. Royal orders."

The mouse skidded to a halt, wheezing, "It's...it's an...emergency! Th-thane, the Winter Wolf-he's d-dead!"

The guardsmen glanced at each other. "You saw this?"

The mouse nodded frantically, "He was attacked...by bandits. They said they were sent sent by a-a...Baron Mercurio."

Mercurio gave Skeeve a sidelong look, "Looks like this is our moment." He sidled up to the guards. "That would be me. I claim the bounty on the wolf's head."

The mouse gaped at Mercurio. His hand twitched near the hilt of the shortsword he wore, but he seemed to think better of it, eyes flicking between the rat and the guardsmen.

One of the guards looked back at his companion, who nodded. He turned back to Mercurio, "Thane of the Wolf Clan was an enemy of the kingdom. As such, please accept this reward for his death." The hound produced a small leather bag that clinked as he handed it to Mercurio. "You have the King's thanks."

The other guard shifted his grip on his halberd, eyeing the mouse, "You. I'd like to know what you were doing with a traitor to the crown."

Mercurio smoothly stepped between mouse and hound, "I'm sure the lad was just a clueless bystander who witnessed the attack." He gave the mouse a pointed look, "You can go."

The mouse gulped. He took the hint and turned tail, fleeing back the way he had come.

"If that's all then please return to the tent city. Southbank will remain in lockdown until our investigation here is complete."

"Actually, as luck would have it we were sent here from the capital to pass a message on to your squad." Mercurio waved Skeeve forward. The trader handed the letter he carried to one of the guards.

The hound glanced at the seal before breaking it and unfurling the paper. "Thank you, citizens." He quickly scanned the letter, then turned to his companion, "Wolf Clan agents were spotted leaving the town under cover of darkness. Apparently they were headed for Grimwatch Peak. Spread the word, we're moving out."

The other guard nodded, and they both turned and marched through the gates.

"Worked like a charm." Skeeve grinned.

"Yes, everything seems to be coming up just fine." They entered the bustling town, spotting a few guards begin to assemble as they prepared to leave. "I was hoping for a body, but this works too."

"I'm sure my friends will turn up sooner or later. Probably just celebrating a job well done. Though why bother letting that runty mouse go? Would have been fun to see the King's Guard drag him away."

"For such a talented entrepreneur, you really have no tact. Thane's friend just scored us that bounty, while your 'friends' are nowhere to be found. I could have let the Guard have their way with him, but it wouldn't have been polite."

The pair located the tavern where they were supposed to meet with the spymaster. It was busy inside. Mercurio scanned the crowd but couldn't make out any familiar faces. They found a deserted table in a shady corner.

Skeeve glowered into a mug of ale. "Well, what now?"

Mercurio unfastened his cape, holding the rose brooch between thumb and finger. He closed his eyes, twirling the brooch between his fingers, and started to whistle. Fair Dawn o'er Marsh was an old Rat Clan marching tune, one he was sure someone would only recognise if they were listening for such a signal. The melody carried across the low buzz of voices that filled the tavern.

After only a few notes Mercurio was cut off by a voice from behind him, "Information comes at a cost, Mercurio." A sleek furred, amber eyed fox slid into a chair across the table. She wore a red cloak, hood pulled low over face.

Mercurio opened his eyes slowly, "Nat Fennet."

Skeeve propped his chin on one fist flashing a casual smile. "Would it cost as much as a good drink? I'm sure we could afford it for someone as pretty as you."

Nat gave the trader a long, deadpan stare. She slowly reached out a hand, grasped Skeeve's tankard and slid it towards herself. "Thank you." She turned back to Mercurio, leaving Skeeve to sigh deeply, fingers drumming on the table. "I hear you're hunting wolves."

"You must hear a lot. Heard anything about where a certain Wolf Clan prince was headed before he had an...unfortunate accident?"

The spymaster spread her hands on the tabletop, "According to some sources, Thane was heading to the Winterhorn Mountains near Sprucevale."

"Sprucevale..." Mercurio stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Thane was working with someone there."

"That could complicate things. Give me some time to speak to my contacts. Rest here for a while." She took a long gulp from Skeeve's tankard, then smiled brightly at the scowling cat.