Chapter 4:
Thieves Among Us
2 Years before present day,
The Kingdom of Nentir, Nentir Vale, The City of Fallcrest,
3rd Month of Summer, Mid Afternoon.
Wulf watched in awe of Alessia's nimbleness as she cut the purse from her fifth victim of the day. None of them had been any the wiser as to the fact they had just been robbed in broad daylight on a street packed to bursting point with people.
The last one had been a merchant. A rather fat merchant who looked like he could well afford to be robbed, Wulf thought. As yet he had not tried it himself. He was too nervous of getting caught and the consequences that would follow. If he was honest with himself he felt more comfortable out in the wilds hunting for his next meal than contemplating a life of crime.
Wulf snapped back to attention as he heard a commotion coming from down the street. At first he thought Alessia had been caught stealing. But moments later a small boy wearing a black mask ran through the crowd with the largest purse he had ever seen clasped tightly in his hands. The rather large half-orc that had been robbed came into view. He towered over most in the street.
The warrior, at least Wulf presumed him to be a warrior from his attire. Came crashing and pushing his way through the crowd sending people flying everywhere. Wulf had heard much of these savage brutes. But had never actually seen one. Just as the warrior was gaining on the small lad. Wulf stepped in his way and braced for impact.
The blow knocked Wulf flying and felt like nothing he had ever felt before. He looked across the street and the warrior was bellowing something at him but he was stunned senseless. He felt somewhat stupid for thinking he could stop the warrior. Although that is in fact what he had done.
The only thing was that now all the brute's anger was being directed towards Wulf. Wulf shook his head a few times. Trying to get his senses back. He felt himself being lifted to his feet by the half-orc. One hand on his shirt pulling him up and the other on his throat choking him.
"You bastard son of a whore. You let that thieving little rat get away." The half-orc screamed in his face.
Wulf tried to answer but the grip the brute had on him was causing him to lose consciousness.
Wulf leaned back as far as the half-orc's grip would allow. Then suddenly with all the strength he could muster he flew forward and head butted the half-orc on the nose. The brute's nose exploded in a shower of dark red blood. He howled at the top of his voice and threw Wulf across the street. Scattering people left and right.
Wulf's back connected with the front wall of a five storey house. He crumpled to the floor once again, this time sinking into unconsciousness.
Seconds later Alessia arrived with the six town guardsmen.
"There he is that half-orc brute with the bloody nose. He came rampaging through the crowd and knocked people all over the place. Look what he's done to that man." Alessia cried out, pointing to the half-orc and then to Wulf.
The crowd of people around them grew to a mob of hundreds. All demanding they do something about the savage beast that was lose on the streets of Fallcrest.
The half-orc looked enraged at being accused of causing this.
"I was robbed by that rat boy thieving scum. He got in my way when I went to get my gold back. The half-orc drew his blade and walked toward Wulf. The crowd began screaming at the brute but it made no difference. He was looking for a fight. Before the half-orc had walked five paces. The six guardsmen had him pinned to the floor. They sent messages to the town jail to bring shackles. As this beast was too dangerous to let lose on the streets.
Wulf opened his eyes just as the crowd was dispersing. He winced at the pain in his back as he attempted to stand. Alessia walked over to him.
"I don't know what to do with you, Wulf. I leave you for a few minutes and already you're up to your neck in trouble. That bastard would have cut your throat if I hadn't brought those guardsmen." Alessia said with a grin.
"Well you know me, Lessy. I just never know when to keep out of trouble." Wulf laughed then winced at the pain.
"Anyway I've had a bit of luck. While you've been playing with your oafish friend." Alessia said.
"A bit of luck. I hope that means we'll be eating well tonight." Wulf smiled.
"Very well I hope. If you've finished playing around. It's time to meet our friend the halfling. I've asked around and found out where the Alehouse is."
"Then let's go. Before he comes back." Wulf said brushing himself down.
The pair of rogues made their way through the busy streets of Fallcrest. One thing that was obvious from the short time they had spent here was that the town was expanding rapidly. Every empty space was being built upon. Wherever they looked new houses were springing up around them. It was obvious Fallcrest needed the extra buildings to house its growing population.
The two of them could only wonder where all these people were suddenly coming from. Not knowing what was happening in the rest of the country was a little dismaying. They didn't want to risk going places that were likely plagued by war and perhaps beasts and other unnatural creatures.
They stopped outside the Temple of Sehanine.
"We should go in and leave an offering, Lessy." Wulf said thoughtfully.
"We will later. We can't be late for our meeting." Alessia said.
They carried on to the cliffs that looked down onto the lower part of town. They were about two hundred and fifty feet above the ground below. Alessia suddenly felt very queasy.
"I don't think I like heights, Wulf." Alessia explained and looked more than a little pale.
"I didn't think anything bothered the fearless Lessy Oakwood. Just hold my hand while we walk down the cliffside path. I'll promise to keep hold of you." Wulf laughed.
"You want me to walk down there? On a six foot wide path. If you let go of me, Wulf, I'll come back and haunt you." Alessia replied looking terrified.
Wulf had never seen this side of Alessia before. He almost felt needed for a brief moment. But knew it would be over soon enough. For Alessia the journey down the cliffside felt like it went on forever and she was shaking by the time they got to the bottom. She looked Wulf sternly in the eyes and without saying anything told Wulf never to mention this again. Wulf just shrugged and quietly giggled to himself.
As they made their way through Lower Fallcrest the construction of houses was ever more apparent. Whole sections of the town were being built upon. All the new buildings were five storey high town houses that would house five or more families each. Another oddity that they noticed was the numerous tree houses that could be seen from the road in the wooded areas of the city. Undoubtedly they would be home to the town's Elven and Eladrin population.
Finally they arrived at what seemed like one gigantic construction site. But in the middle of all the chaos stood The Blue Moon Alehouse, a picture of calm and tranquillity with revellers eating and drinking outside in the Alehouse yard.
As they walked in they were immediately struck by the opulence of this fine establishment. Looking around the taproom the majority of customers were Halflings who worked on the river boats. But there were also a few notable differences among the crowd. Mostly humans and dwarfs. They noticed Horatio sat by one of the windows in a quiet part of the Tavern.
They walked over and immediately drew his attention from whatever he had been in thoughtful contemplation of moments earlier.
"Ah, welcome. My good fellows. What a pleasant surprise. I trust the journey down the cliffside didn't put you off. Especially after what you have been through." Horatio said with a guarded smile.
Wulf looked at Alessia and then quickly looked away and thought better of saying anything.
"What we've been through. Whatever do you mean, Horatio?" Alessia asked with an innocent look.
"Please sit down, and order a drink. The food should be ready within the hour. I've taken the liberty of ordering for you. At my expense of course. But you still have me at a disadvantage. You know who I am. But I am yet to know with whom I am sharing my valuable time."
The two of them sat beside each other across from Horatio.
"I am Alessia Oakwood and this is Wulfgrimm Winterheart. We are from the northern Tigerclaw clans." Alessia replied.
"Ah, wonderful. And what brings you so far south in the middle of summer?" Horatio questioned politely.
"We simply grew tired of the village and wanted to make our fortune our own way and not have to answer to those in the village." Wulf explained.
"From what I hear you have already begun work on making your fortune. An admirable start if I do say so myself. But unless we come to some kind of agreement. It will be the last days work of freelancing that you do in this or any other city in the Kingdom of Nentir." Suddenly the airs and graces were all gone and now the halfling was getting down to business and to the heart of the matter.
"We merely obtained a few loose purses." Alessia whispered so that only the three of them could hear.
"But it was unsanctioned by the Guild. That is why I asked you to meet with me. Before you got to work." Horatio said with a slight hint at a warning.
There was no use playing games with the shrewd halfling.
"So what happens to us now?" Wulf questioned.
"Straight to the point, I like that, young Wulfgrimm. Nothing happens, this time. You will meet with my associates later and we will decide where to best place your particular talents. I will say little more in such fine company as these good folk for fear of being misunderstood. I believe what you obtained today will last you for at least a few months if you live frugally. While the Guild decides what talents you possess you will have to find alternative means of employment. This could take as little as a few days or as much as a few months depending on the influx of like minded entrepreneurs and how best to use their skills.
But I do not come to the table empty handed. What I have for you is a proposition. Among my contacts I have three in particular who seek something that they are unable to obtain without outside assistance. Therefore I am on behalf of the Guild and for favors that will come later from those good men I have just mentioned for favors received. Setting up a little expedition into The Moon Hills and The Cloak Wood to a little place known locally as Kobold Hall.
The so called Hall is a centuries old manor house that belonged to a long forgotten baron. It has fallen into ruin and become the lair of those foul vermin, the kobolds, hence the name.
The hills and the woods where once home to all manner of foul beasts. Among them giants, minotaurs, ogres, orcs, goblins and many other of the disgusting races that once preyed on the people of Nentir.
Though there are undoubtedly small pockets of such creatures hiding in the caves and caverns of the region. The biggest threat to travelers at the moment are Kobolds. The nasty little bastards.
The three gentlemen I consider my clients have a particular interest in these Kobolds. Although for different reasons. I believe a well put together expedition would be able to solve all our problems at once. Now I won't pretend it will be an easy task. The pair of you will accompany another newly recruited member of the guild and between the three of you provide much needed assistance to those who will bare the brunt of any combat that might take place.
If we are in agreement that you will take this opportunity to prove your worth and which will determine the kind of employment opportunities you will receive in the future. I will arrange for you to meet the three gentlemen along with the six others who have been tasked with this assignment.
"What are your thoughts? Do you accept my offer or is this perhaps a little too dangerous for you?" Horatio said teasingly.
"I can't speak for Wulf. But I accept. I'd be a fool to turn down such an opportunity as this." Alessia replied.
"I'm willing to risk my neck if the benefits are worth it." Wulf said as he thought over all the possibilities silently in his head.
"The benefits include the gratitude of the Guild. More lucrative contracts in the future and shall we say a hundred gold pieces each upon completion of the task. I can't possibly pay any more as there are six others to consider. So please, no unsightly haggling in public." Horatio explained.
"It all sounds very fair and well thought out, Horatio." Alessia complemented.
"My dear young, Alessia. We have been doing this for decades. It would be a poor show indeed if we could not handle a few pesky Kobolds." Horatio laughed.
"How long before we go?" Wulf asked.
"Within the week if all else goes to plan. We must act quickly if we are to fulfil the wishes of all three of our clients. During that week you may take lawful employment. But no more freelancing. I hope that is understood. The consequences of ignoring this request will be dire indeed. I shudder to think of such an outcome. I really do hope we understand each other." Horatio warned.
"We understand, Horatio." Alessia replied.
"That's very good. I'm most pleased I made myself crystal clear. And another thing while I think about it, young Wulfgrimm. You made a friend today. Who is keen to pay you back for services rendered. That was a foolhardy game you played and you have undoubtedly made a great enemy too in Grothos Broken Tusk."
"Grothos who?" Wulf questioned.
"The half-orc who nearly took your life today. A thorn in the side of this peaceful town. The boy you helped was one of our more skilled young gentlemen. And it would have been a terrible thing if that great savage oaf had caught him.
But you should know that both the lad and his father. Also a member of the Guild are both very grateful to you for your assistance. As foolish as it was. They will show you their appreciation in time. If you decide that a life in the Guild will be to your liking and if you prove useful to the Guild.
"Ah, our food has arrived, splendid." Horatio said with a gesture.
Wulf watched as a procession of halflings brought the meal to the table. It was by any standards a grand banquet of a feast. Horatio had really thought of everything and it must have cost him a small fortune. As well as the food they brought ale and pipeweed. Horatio gestured for them to try it and asked the waitress to bring them a pair of long smoking pipes.
The meal took an hour to finish and the ale kept flowing well into the night. Wulf and Alessia had both had enough after the first half dozen pints. Horatio seemed to be able to drink the stuff like it was water. As the clocks approached midnight, Horatio arranged for the pair to stay in a local flophouse that belonged to the Guild.
There was no point letting them traverse the cliffside path at this time of night and with them both being worse for their intake of alcohol. Horatio said his goodbyes and told them to listen to the messenger they would receive in the morning. He arranged for a young halfling to show them the way to the flophouse.
An hour later the pair of them was cuddled up next to each other gently snoring away. The week ahead of them would determine their place in the Guild and risk their lives but both had considered it a price worth paying.