The Assassins

Episode 12 – Every Rose has its Thorn

The Assassins	Craven - Fighter / Rogue 1st/1st LE (PC) Keldirk - Rogue 1st level NE (PC)
Locale	In the home of Saradock, in the artisans quarter of Del Mord.
Date	7th Readying 582 CY (Common Year)
Time	Evening

The meal had been exquisite, Caruthers had outdone himeself and now the three diners sat back quietly while Caruthers cleared the table. It took the manservant only a few minutes as he worked to an oft practiced routine.

Caruthers	Will there be anything else, sir?
Saradock	No Caruthers, you may retire. Once again you have done an excellent job with the meal.
Caruthers	Thankyou, sir. (inclines his head) Goodnight.

The trio waited in silence for a few minutes to ensure that they were alone, before Keldirk spoke.

Keldirk	Tell me Saradock, how much does Caruthers know about our operation?
Saradock	He knows enough to be dangerous but he rarely leaves this house. Besides, he has been with me for years and I trust him almost as if he were a fellow family member.
Keldirk	Do we need to be careful what we say when we're around him?
Saradock	(pauses) Yes, I think that would be best. The less he knows, the less trouble he could cause both himself and the Family.
Craven	(holding up his wineglass, letting the lantern light glint off the crystal facets) Delightful chianti, Saradock. You must have an extensive cellar?
Keldirk	(nodding) Yes it was rather nice, it went extremely well with the liver and fava beans.
Saradock	(pleased) I'm glad you approve. It is one of my rare pleasures. (thinking) More of an addiction, really I spend an inordinate amount of money on wine.
Keldirk	Well, in that case I'll be over more often.
Craven	Oh wonderful! (sighs) You won't settle for being an arsehole, you have to be an alcoholic arsehole?
Keldirk	Shutup dickhead.
Saradock	Calm down children. Now, let's get down to business. As you know I have another job for you. This one should be a piece of cake. A contract has been taken out on a Sergeant Edward Dunne who patrols the River Quarter. He is quickly becoming something of a living legend to the locals and has been labelled the "Cleaner" by some. His strong stance on crime and direct approach to law enforcement is rubbing several people up the wrong way. His methods have afforded him a great deal of success and senior members of the watch turn a collective blind eye to his often violent methods. For instance, in the past month no fewer than five beggars have been killed, seven thieves have been apprehended and subsequently found guilty and, much to our client's distaste, the streets of the River Quarter are becoming a safe place for ordinary folk. Sergeant Dunne is to be eliminated. I have some background for you which will get you under way. Dunne maintains a villa in the High Quarter which is owned by a man called Lord Shemmonbyrne. Shemmonbyrne is a powerful merchant in Ridgerock and happens to be the father of Dunne's wife, Alicia. I would suggest you do not attempt to take him at his house, Alicia's father has provided much in the way of security. As a further indication of his father-in-law's wealth, Dunne wears plate mail armour, while his colleagues must make do with chain. Given that he should be fairly easy to find.
Keldirk	How long have we got?
Saradock	There is some urgency but the timing has been left up to you. It would be prudent if Sergeant Dunne were to die within seven days.
Craven	(looking to Keldirk) Doesn't sound too difficult.
Saradock	It's not all peaches and cream, I'm afraid. There is one complication which may be of concern. The client wants us to make every effort to steer suspicion away from the Thieves Guild.
Keldirk	Which guild? (rubbing his chin thoughtfully) My understanding is that multiple guilds operate in this city.
Saradock	(nods) That is correct. Put it this way, it would be best if you were to avoid drawing attention to any of the guilds.
Craven	So it is the thieves who hired us?
Saradock	(smiles) Let's say multiple guilds have a vested interest in the demise of Sergeant Dunne.
Keldirk	How much are we getting paid?
Saradock	Some of the funds will be put aside for your training, some will go back to the Olman Islands leaving you fifty golden orbs to divide between yourselves.
Craven	Fifty! (whistles) A tidy sum.
Keldirk	Only ten of that is yours, you realise?
Craven	How do you figure that?
Keldirk	I do all the work.
Craven	(snorting derisively and addressing Saradock) Is there anything else we should know?
Saradock	No. That's about all I have to say except to tell you that I'll be out of town for a few days. If you fulfil the contract before I have returned, tell Caruthers that the shipment has arrived. I will make a point of contacting you upon my return. You both have lodgings at the Silver Gauntlet, if I'm not mistaken?
Craven	Yes, that is correct. (rises and shakes Saradock's hand) Thankyou for the lovely meal, and have a safe journey. (takes his cloak off the coat rack and leaves)
Keldirk	Ditto. (leaves)

The two assassins walked back to the Silver Gauntlet in silence. Keldirk was happier than he had been in days. The contract did much to dull the memory of the Argos fiasco and all but erased the bitter taste left by his unfortunate encounter with the Undertaker. Keldirk's pride was badly bruised and he intended to make Selczeck Gobayuik pay. But first, Sergeant Dunne must die. Keldirk was so deep in thought that he almost didn't realise that Craven had veered off to meet with Slick, the Foreign Quarter information merchant and rumour monger.

Slick	(smiles as he sees the two assassins approach, smoothing his greasy hair into place with both hands) Evenin' boys.
Craven	How's things, Mr Slick?
Slick	Mr Slick?!! Well there's a first. Things are busy, people are getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. You know what it's like?
Craven	Personally - no. We are gentle folk. (smiles)
Slick	Sure you are - and I'm Chevont's love child!
Craven	Have you got anything for me?
Slick	Ahh, the prostitute's name? Yes, as a matter of fact I did manage to find that out. I even know where you can find her - but that'll cost you extra. (smiles)
Keldirk	(looks to Craven) Pay the man, it's cold out here.
Craven	(hands over four silver nobles) That should cover it.
Slick	(tries unsuccessfully to hide his glee - four silver pieces being more than he and his fellows earn in a week) Yeah, it'll do this time. But I hope you realise that barely covers my costs. Next time I'll charge you the full amount. We'll call this an introducto-
Keldirk	Cut the crap, Slick. That's good money we've handed over. If you take us for fools you'll wind up floating face down in the Harp.
Slick	Er - sure thing. The hooker's name is Rose Petal. She lives in a dump down in the Old City, if you want I can get Jock to lead you there.
Keldirk	Just give us the address and we'll go ourselves.
Slick	(laughs heartily - his fetid breath causing the two assassins to recoil) That's a joke. The Old City is a maze, you'd get yourselves lost before you turned two corners. (chuckles) If you want to go in there you're going to need a guide.
Keldirk	Are you bullshitting us? I'm not in a mood for games.
Slick	No bullshit - I'm being serious. (his expression becoming sombre) Even I wouldn't venture down there by myself. Hells - I might find myself in the bloody Hole.
Craven	The Hole - what's that?
Slick	It's the scummiest area in the Old City - guards don't even go there any more. Gangs rule the streets and you take your life in your hands whenever you enter their territory. It's a bad part of town. The last time the Law was there - to quell a riot and capture some gang leaders - the Reds were used. There was well over a hundred deaths that day. It is known around the traps as The Red Day Massacre. Not all the deaths were gang members either; from memory close to thirty law enforcers died in that attack. They won't be going there in a hurry, that's for sure. (laughs disconcertingly)
Keldirk	(fearing the answer) Does Rose Petal live in The Hole?
Slick	(shakes his head) She's not that deep into the slums. But, like I said, I recommend a guide.
Craven	Can't you lead us in there? The fewer people who know our business the better.
Slick	No can do. Jock's the guy I use regularly and he knows how to keep his mouth shut. Part of your costs always go towards non-disclosure.
Craven	Okay, when can we meet this friend of yours?
Slick	Tonight if you want.
Craven	(looks to Keldirk who nods his head) Yes, tonight is good.
Slick	Wait for me in The Warhorse; I'll go arrange it. (waits)
Keldirk	What?
Slick	Jock doesn't come free. It'll cost you one silver.
Keldirk	(looks to Craven) Pay him.
Craven	(hands over the silver coin, giving Keldirk an evil stare)
Slick	(pockets the coin and leaves)
Keldirk	(walking to The Warhorse) What do you want to ask Rose Petal when we meet her? I mean how much should we tell her? There is a chance she didn't see anything. And, if that is the case, we'll have to rely on what information the herbalist can provide.
Craven	We tell her nothing. She answers our questions or she dies. It's as simple as that.
Keldirk	(smiles wickedly) She answers our questions and she dies.
Craven	I guess so. But not until we find out what she saw on the night Argos died.
Keldirk	If anything. (glances up at the mailed horse head hanging above the Tavern door) Let's go wait inside.
Craven	(grabs Keldirk's shoulder roughly, spinning him around) You're buying!

It was just after midnight before Slick called them outside. Standing next to the wily informer was a skinny wretch of indeterminable age. His clothes were ragged and torn and appeared to be unarmed. His face was filthy and the stench almost made Craven gag. What surprised Keldirk was, despite the cold weather, the man was barefoot.

Slick	(looking around to ensure he wouldn't be overheard) This is Jock. Follow him and I advise you to do what he says. In the Old City he may be the difference between life and death. I've got things to do. (leaves)
Jock	(rubbing his grubby hands through his matted beard) Follow me.
Keldirk	(reaches out and grabs Jock's arm)
Jock	(flails his arms wildly) Don't touch me. No body touches me!
Keldirk	Okay, okay. (raises his hands non-threateningly) I just wanted to know if Slick told you where we're going. He didn't tell us the address.
Jock	Of course I know. Just don't touch me. (stands back) Ever!.
Craven	(whispers to Keldirk as Jock begins to walk away) I wouldn't want to touch him anyway; who knows what you'd catch.
Keldirk	(laughs - then, as an afterthought, wipes his hands on his trousers)

The trio walked for several miles through the maze-like streets and alleys of the Old City. The buildings were all in a state of disrepair and the poverty of the place was tangible. The two assassins could smell the depression in the air. There were very few people visible and those that did brave the night air were huddled in large groups around burning fires, trying to keep warm. Jock suggested that they hide their weapons under their cloaks as many people down here would kill to get their hands on quality steel. They rounded corner after corner and soon all the buildings began to look the same. It wasn't long before both assassins were completely lost. Just as Keldirk was about to challenge Jock on his direction sense, the guide pointed to a decrepit building.

Jock	She lives in there. I'll wait here for you. How long will you be?
Craven	We'll be back within the hour.
Keldirk	You'd better be here when we come back.
Jock	(smiles) Or what…?
Keldirk	(fixes his gaze on the slender guide) You'd better hope it doesn't come to that.
Jock	(recoils under Keldirk's penetrating stare) I'll be here.
Craven	(lights and shutters his lantern) Let's go.

They carefully approached the building which was little more than a shack. No light could be seen under the door or through the shutters. Moving silently, they neared the front door.

Keldirk	(motioning to the obviously low quality lock) You or me?
Craven	I'll do it. (tries the handle and finds the door unlocked. He raises his eyes to Keldirk in surprise)
Keldirk	(pulls out two throwing knives)
Craven	(pushes the door open as quietly as he can, allowing Keldirk to step through, before drawing his rapier)
Keldirk	(listening intently - he hears nothing except Craven's sword as it is withdrawn from its sheath and a slow steady drip. He peers into the darkness but the random shafts of moonlight which shine from various holes in the ceiling do more to add confusion than provide any clue to the source of the sound. He stands motionless a while longer when he notices a faint odor, it seems familiar somehow yet he can't quite place it… Blood! He motions for Craven to come inside) Unshutter the lantern.
Craven	(lifts the shutter on the lantern bathing the room in light.)

The assassins' attention was immediately drawn to the gruesome site that filled their vision. Hanging about one foot above the ground on the opposite wall was the body of a naked female. Thin cord was tied around her wrists and fastened to opposite corners of the room. Her ankles were tied together with similar material. Her throat was slit and her head was pushed back making the wound gape, exposing the muscles of her once slender neck. Blood dripped down her torso and legs and dripped into a coagulating pool under her feet. Three feet in front of the corpse sat a small wooden stool. The whole seen looked as though it had been arranged to provide maximum visual impact to anyone who entered the room through the front door, and the shadows created by the blazing lantern only served to enhance the overall effect. What they saw here was the work of an extremely depraved individual.

Keldirk	(runs across the room to the only other door. He bursts through and rolls several feet before coming up in his throwing crouch. He looks around and finds himself in an empty bedroom.) All clear in here.
Craven	(finishes searching the main room for a sign of other occupants, having difficulty averting his gaze from the grizzly scene) We're alone here too, except for our wallflower.
Keldirk	(laughs grimly at Craven's play on words) Yeah, I think our dear Rose has seen better days. (he emerges from the bedroom) Is she dead?
Craven	(looks at Keldirk and raises one eyebrow) Yes, I'd say so. (He reaches up and checks for a heartbeat - finding none but noting that the body was still warm.) She hasn't been dead long. Maybe a few hours.
Keldirk	(shuts the front door) Can we be sure this is Miss Petal?
Craven	(examines the body) Well, there's a tattoo of a Rose on her right breast. I guess that's as good a sign as any. (looks at the throat wound) What have we here? Hey, get a load of this.
Keldirk	(examines the knife wound across the corpses throat) Hmm, nice job. It looks as though the killer sliced her vocal chords first, then went for the jugular. (looks to Craven) A very professional hit, if you know what I mean?
Craven	Who could've done it?
Keldirk	Somebody who knew what they were doing, that's for sure. (checks the body closely for other clues) Craven, look here (points to a series of cuts on the soles of the corpse's feet) I think dear Rose was tortured before she was killed. (he pulls the stool closer, climbs up, and examines the wrists) Hmm, that's odd. She was strung up after she was killed.
Craven	How do you know that?
Keldirk	There isn't enough blood around the wrists. This is pretty fine wire she's hung up with. Somebody must have taken their time doing this. (looks to Craven intently) Almost as if they were trying to illicit some kind of a response in whoever found her.
Craven	Well it worked. (turning his head away) Death is an extremely personal thing; no body deserves to be humiliated like that. Let's get out of here.
Keldirk	Wait. Let's look around.
Craven	I doubt we'll find anything; but I guess it can't hurt. Let's not forget we have Jock waiting for us. I'd hate to have to spend the rest of the night in this place.
Keldirk	Indeed.

Keldirk and Craven searched the small house but found nothing else of interest, except for the curious fact that no valuables had been taken by the killer. During their search the two assassins discussed what this murder might mean.

Keldirk	Any idea who could've done this? (pauses to inspect a small cabinet) Slick was away for an hour - that could've been time to arrange…something. He was the only one who knew we were interested.
Craven	You're assuming this was done for our benefit. No - I doubt it was Slick. It's more likely to be the guy who raped her. Shit, for that matter it could be her pimp or just about anybody!
Keldirk	Whoever did this wasn't just an anybody. Take a close look at that wound, Craven. (indicates the throat) I would be proud of that; it's clean and precise.
Craven	We're not the only people that know how to kill like that. Though I must admit it's not the work of a commoner.
Keldirk	Perhaps there is a rival guild starting up, or something.
Craven	Then why target Rose Petal? (pausing in his search to think) This has to be Family business. Perhaps it's a test.
Keldirk	(thinks) A test set by who?
Craven	I don't know. By the Family…Saradock. Vesper knew everything we knew!
Keldirk	Not the address, he didn't!
Craven	It didn't take us long to find it. Vesper no doubt has more contacts in Del Mord than we do.
Keldirk	Maybe. (shrugs) Let's ask him - when he gets back. (looking around) There's nothing more we can do here now, let's go.
Craven	I'd like to cut her down. It's offensive seeing her strung up like that.
Keldirk	What are you talking about?
Craven	Nobody deserves that (pointing at the corpse) fate.
Keldirk	(snorts) She's nobody. Who gives a crap? You don't hear her whingeing, do you?
Craven	No, but… Forget it. You wouldn't understand.

Craven and Keldirk left Rose Petal's house, extinguishing the lantern then shutting the door behind them. They didn't mention reveal anything to Jock, despite his curiosity. They parted company with Jock when the streets became familiar. In an uncharacteristic show of appreciation, Keldirk paid Jock an additional four copper commons.

Keldirk	That's for hanging around. We're probably going to have need of your services again. But until we do, I'd like you to find out something for me. Someone got to Rose Petal's place before we did. I don't think it was a Old City local so whoever it was would've needed a guide. If you can find out who it was that got to Rose before us or, for that matter, the name of the guy that lead them there let Slick know and I'll see to it you are paid handsomely for your trouble. But remember; you don't know our names or our faces. Understand?
Jock	Yes. I understand. (leaves)
Craven	(looking somewhat surprised at Keldirk) Good thinking.
Keldirk	Someone has to.
Craven	(sarcastically) Modesty becomes you, Keldirk.

As they neared the Silver Gauntlet, a young girl emerged from the shadows of an alley.

Girl	(points to Craven) Are you Mr Craven??
Craven	(looks around, his hands moving to his swords) Who wants to know?
Keldirk	(looking around nervously, searching the shadows)
Girl	I have something for you. (she backs into the shadows of the alley)
Craven	(looks to Keldirk questioningly)
Keldirk	Your call.
Craven	Wait here, I won't be a moment. If I call - come running.
Keldirk	(smiles cruelly) Bet your life on it.
Craven	I am.

As Craven approached the mouth of the alley he hesitated, he had the niggling feeling that something wasn't right. He was about to turn back when he was struck in the back by a crossbow bolt that sent him sprawling. He remained conscious long enough to drag himself to the nearby wall - hoping for cover. The pain was unbearable and in moments the young assassin entered the realm of darkness. The last sound he heard was a shrill whistle - as if to punctuate his entry into the nether realm.

Keldirk	(spins about as he sees Craven fall with a crossbow bolt in his back. Tracing the line of fire to its source, he spies a figure silhouetted against Celene's light on the roof of an opposing building. He draws his knives and targets the unknown assailant just as a whistle pierced the still air. He looks down the street to see the City Watch approaching, then turns back only to find his target gone.) Fuck! (runs to Craven's side and finds him alive but unconscious and loosing blood)
Watchman	Oy! Step aside and drop your knives.
Keldirk	I'm his friend. Somebody tried to kill him. (pointing with his knife to the rooftop) Somebody up there.
Watchman	I don't care if you're his mother! Move aside or you'll find yourself in a similar condition.
Keldirk	(steps back and sheathes his knives) He's badly wounded. He needs help.
Watchman	(motioning to two of his men) You two - circle round those buildings and grab anyone fleeing the scene.
Two Watchmen	(run)
Watchman	(pointing to two more of his men) Pick him up and take him to the station, get Ross to look at him. (motioning to Keldirk) You, come with me.
Keldirk	(frustrated by his inaction) Damn.

Keldirk spent the night in the Foreign Quarter's watch house answering questions while Craven had his wounds tended by Ross, the Watch Physician. It came as no surprise to Keldirk that the mysterious crossbowman was not found by the two Night Watchmen. Craven verified Keldirk's story and by first light they were released - Craven still at death's door.

When they were safely in their room, Keldirk questioned Craven.

Keldirk	So, who was that?
Craven	How the hell should I know? I was shot in the back - I only know what you and the watchman told me.
Keldirk	You were lucky, Craven. That shot just missed your vitals.
Craven	I'm not feeling very lucky at all.
Keldirk	Still, you're lucky to be alive. Now think! Who could've wanted you dead?
Craven	Look, Keldirk, I'm not in the mood to talk. I want to sleep.
Keldirk	This is important and can't wait. Now think! Who have you pissed off in Del Mord?
Craven	(tries to think, then shakes his head) Nobody.
Keldirk	Well, somebody knew your name and had the inclination arrange for your death. If that wound was an inch higher, or an inch lower I'd be talking to a corpse right now. I could understand it if it was me they were after - I tend to make enemies without trying. But it wasn't me they were after. (thinking) I wonder if there is any relation between Rose Petal and your assailant. What do you think?
Craven	(fast asleep)
Keldirk	You're probably right. It's been a long night. But first I think I will set up some precautions. (begins to trap the door and window before going to bed)

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