Episode 16 – The Clock, The Thieves, Lost Life and a Lover
| The Assassins |
Azareth - Wizard 1st Level LE (PC) Creighton - Fighter 1st Level LE (PC) Craven - Fighter / Rogue 1st/1st LE (PC) Keldirk - Rogue 2nd level NE (PC) |
| Locale | Vesper's sitting room, shortly atfer Keldirk, Craven and Creighton had left. |
| Date | 24th Readying 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Mid-Afternoon |
Azareth waited silently in Saradock's lounge until Caruthers had closed the door behind the others and returned to his duties, before turning to his Vesper.
| Azareth | Vesper, I wish to discuss a matter which is of personal importance but does not concern the others. |
| Saradock | Go on. |
| Azareth | (clasps his hands in his lap) As you are aware I have reached the stage in my training where I am able to function without supervision. I have a spellbook of my own and I have been taught the rudimentary methodologies of spell research and creation. While this is true I am, as yet, unable to proceed further on my own. I require certain resources and contacts if I want to learn more. To this end I have made some preliminary investigations and, as I understand, Del Mord has a magic academy which would assist in my endeavours. |
| Saradock | (nods) |
| Azareth | By all accounts this academy contains an extensive library and numerous tutors willing to assist mages with their magical growth. Put simply, Vesper, I wish to become a member. However, membership is not cheap and I will be unable to gain entrance without a sponsor. Would you be willing to become my sponsor and provide the monies required for me to study at this academy? |
| Saradock | Well Azareth, I see you are not one to waste time when asking things of me. That is good. As your Vesper, my responsibilities do not end at organising work but also include managing your professional growth. (smiles) I have taken the liberty of making some preliminary inquiries of my own. As soon as I was informed that one of my new agents was a mage I realised that such things would be necessary. You must understand, though, I have no wish to link you - or your fellows - to me and all such dealings will be arranged through third parties. |
| Azareth | (eyes light up) So I am already a member? |
| Saradock | No, not yet. You will need to make contact with a shipping merchant named Salvor Harding - he has an office in the River Quarter which shouldn't be too difficult to find. Tell him your name and he will provide you with the money and papers you will require for your membership. Salvor is an old friend of mine and you will find him most helpful. |
| Azareth | Does he know anything about the family? |
| Saradock | Heavens no! He owes me a favour, that's all. He is a smart man and knows to keep my involvement in this matter private. The last thing I want is a bunch of nosey mages prying into my business or making nuisances of themselves. Mages have always had an annoying habit of getting under my skin. (smiles) Present company excluded, of course. |
| Azareth | (laughs) Thank you for your foresight and assistance in this matter, Vesper. I must admit I didn't know how you would react. Admission prices are exorbitant and I wasn't sure if you could afford the expense. (leans forward) Vesper, I realise that I am an unproven entity and words are easily said and just as easily forgotten, but I want to assure you that I want nothing more than total success. I am confident that I will be able to function more effectively once I have secured a place in the academy. |
| Saradock | (nods) Of course. (pauses) If there is nothing further? |
| Azareth | (shakes his head in the negative) |
| Saradock | Well, I am a busy man. For any future meetings I would prefer you to schedule them at night and, unless I specifically request otherwise, there is no reason for all four of you to come. Caruthers will show you out. (reaches down and rings the small silver bell) |
| Azareth | As you wish, Vesper. If you wish to contact me I am staying at the Silver Gauntlet with the others for now. If we move I will send word, but until then we can be contacted there. |
| Saradock | (nods) What name are you using? |
| Azareth | The room is held under Azareth. |
| Caruthers | (knocks before opening the door) Sir? |
| Saradock | (to Caruthers) Show young Azareth to the door. |
| Caruthers | (nods and looks to Azareth) If you will follow me. |
Caruthers opened the front door and had Azareth's cloak ready for him when he stepped into the streets of the Artisans Quarter. It was late afternoon and Azareth was hungry and he decided to spend the remainder of the day in the comfortable surrounds of the Bookworm Cafe.
After leaving Saradock's residence, Craven parted company with Keldirk and Creighton and proceeded directly to the Angel's Junction in the River Quarter. He climbed the five steps to the front door, tried the handle but found it locked. He thought for a moment before rapping firmly on the brass gargoyle and angel door-knocker. After a few moments the door opened and a large, dark-skinned man confronted Craven. He was dressed in leather armour with a longsword at his hip.
| Man | (looks Craven up and down) We're closed. Come back after sundown. (makes to close the door) |
| Craven | (places his foot in the door) I am aware of that, I wish to make a... reservation. Perhaps I could come inside and - |
| Man | Hello, Mc Fly! I said we're closed. Besides - we don't take bookings. This isn't a fancy eating hall you dolt - it is a brothel. Now get your foot out of the door before I cut it off. |
| Craven | There is no need to make threats. The woman I wish to see is not ordinarily available and I wish to make sure that I am given the opportunity to avail myself of her talents. |
| Man | (looks confused) I've got no idea what you are talking about mister. But you are starting to make me mad and if that happens you had better watch out! |
| Craven | (leans in closer) Listen here, big Fella, I have had a bad couple of days and I can just as easily release my pent up frustration on you! If you want to make an issue out of this, step outside and I will pop your eyes out with the point of my blade. |
| Man | (his face becoming red) I'm going to love shutting your mouth mister. (draws his sword) |
Just as he was about to step forward, a feminine hand appeared on his shoulder and the lovely face of one of the ladies appeared in the door. Kazza, gently pushed the door guard aside and turned to face Craven, a dazzling smile on her face.
| Kazza | (smiling) Well handsome, you must be very eager to have angered Curzon so. I am assuming your display of bravado was for my benefit? |
| Craven | (smiles) Alas, Kazza, no. I have no wish to injure your pride, but tonight I was hoping to have the pleasure of Madame Fifi's company. No offence intended. |
| Kazza | (lowers her eyes and sighs) None taken. Madame Fifi tends to have that affect on most men. (looks up) I must warn you that she does not usually take clients, so do not be too disappointed if your request is denied. (smiles) We are closed but I think in this case we can make an exception. Please come in and leave your weapons, hidden and otherwise, with Curzon. |
| Craven | Thank you, Kazza. (flashes her a charming smile) |
Craven stepped from the street into the luxuriously appointed brothel; its decor was a dramatic contrast to the comparative squalor of the River Quarter. Curzon stood by the door, a snarl on his face, and waited for Craven to hand him his weapon belt.
Kazza led Craven from the entrance into a small office which was furnished with a well crafted wooden desk, a chair, a leather lounge and a glass covered liquor cabinet containing several decanters of wines and spirits. On the walls were five erotic, yet tasteful, images of men and women in the pursuit of pleasure and the air was scented with a slight perfume which was beginning to make Craven's head swim. Kazza instructed him to make himself comfortable while she went to summon Madame Fifi.
Craven had just poured himself a drink when the door opened and Madame Fifi swept into the room, a glass of clear liquid in her hands. Craven's eyes bulged as he watched Madame Fifi's ample figure saunter toward him, barely hidden by a flimsy lace body suit and gown. She stood a little over six and a half feet, closer to seven in her stiletto heels. She smiled when she saw Craven's reaction but said nothing until she sat on the chair behind the wooden desk, her well manicured fingers moving seductively up and down the neck of her wine glass.
| Madame Fifi | (in a soft, husky voice) How may I help you? |
| Craven | Um - you look wonderful. (smiles and tries to regain his composure) I apologise if this meeting has caused you any inconvenience, but I simply had to know if there was any chance I could have the pleasure of your company tonight. |
| Madame Fifi | You are aware that my services are not readily available? I have many lovely and skilled women in my employ who are more than capable of treating you to a night of ecstasy that you will not soon forget. |
| Craven | (nods) Yes, you have told me this on a previous occasion, and you directed me toward Kazza. (remembering fondly) Yes, I must say she was fine company. But to be honest my lady, I am an arrogant man and feel as though I require the best that money can buy and that - I believe- is you. |
| Madame Fifi | (smiles and remains silent, studying Craven for a long while) I do not come cheaply. There are few men who can afford me on a regular basis and I insist on payment up front. |
| Craven | (nods) |
| Madame Fifi | Now stand up and let me have a good look at you. |
| Craven | (stands, a little self conscious at his growing excitement) |
| Madame Fifi | (twirls her index finger in the air, indicating for Craven to turn around) |
| Craven | (turns around slowly, feeling more than a little embarrassed) |
| Madame Fifi | (waits until Craven is facing her again) Why, I do believe you are blushing. |
| Craven | It is warm in here, Madame Fifi. |
| Madame Fifi | Of course it is. (laughs seductively) What is your name, young man? |
| Craven | Craven. Craven of Karaban. |
| Madame Fifi | (stands and offers her hand to Craven) Well, Craven. I will see you later this evening. Bring with you five golden orbs and make sure you have had a good, hearty dinner. (smiles) |
| Craven | (takes her hand and kisses her fingers) I will count the hours until next we meet. Thank you, Madame, you will not be disappointed. |
| Madame Fifi | Either will you. (licks her blood-red lips as she sits) Curzon will show you out. |
Craven, bowed slightly and left the room. He collected his weapons from Curzon and proceeded back to the Silver Gauntlet. There was a definite spring in his step and he willed that the hours until sunset would pass swiftly. When he arrived back at the tavern Keldirk was waiting for him.
| Keldirk | I got a message from Slade: the boat came in early and we are doing the job tonight. I have told Creighton, already. |
| Craven | Damn! I was hoping to spend the whole night at the Angel's Junction. |
| Keldirk | Stop thinking with your dick; we are here to work, not play. |
| Craven | I know - but I'd kinda like to find a happy medium. All work and no play makes for an arsehole like you! |
| Keldirk | (sticks up his middle finger) |
The hours passed painfully slow but when Craven arrived for his rendezvous with Madame Fifi time slowed appreciably. He spent the better part of three hours in her bed and was devastated when he realised he was due back at the Silver Gauntlet. Craven was more than tired - exhausted, even - and hoped his strength would return before he was put to work, on behalf of the Thieves Guild, later that night. One thing was certain; that was the best five gold orbs Craven had ever spent! A little before midnight, Creighton knocked on Craven and Keldirk's door and was granted entry.
| Creighton | Ready to go? |
| Craven | I am - but Keldirk here is still giving his knives the once over. |
| Creighton | (plops down on Craven's bunk) Well hurry up, would ya? I'm itching for a fight. Especially one where I can act untethered. I haven't killed anybody in weeks. |
| Craven | (looks at Creighton and raises an eyebrow) Are you always this bloodthirsty? |
| Keldirk | (buckling on his second knife-sash) I hope so. |
| Creighton | Bloodthirsty? No, I just enjoy a good fight. One where I can cleave skulls without having to worry about repercussions. |
| Keldirk | Why didn't you take that Babyface chap outside and bash his brains in, then? |
| Creighton | Azareth didn't think it was a good idea to go killing people the first night in town. |
| Craven | I tend to agree with him. |
| Creighton | (to Keldirk) Don't worry, Babyface is a dead man. I don't forgive or forget easily. (smiles grimly) |
| Keldirk | That's the right idea. Craven here is a bit of a pussy, but if you are as good as you think you are then you and I could go places. (remembering the Undertaker) I have a debt to repay of my own, and perhaps we could help each other out? |
| Creighton | Ha! I won't be needing your help to sort out Babyface, that's for sure. But whatever you've got in mind, count me in. Your enemies are my enemies. |
| Keldirk | Heh! You'll regret you said that one day, Creighton. (snaps the last of his many knives into its sheath) There! Let's get out of here. |
| Craven | (opening the door for the others, addresses Creighton) Where's Azareth? |
| Creighton | In his room, studying I believe. |
Craven, Creighton and Keldirk made their way to the warehouse where they were to meet Slade. Craven still basked in remembered pleasure and had a little trouble clearing his mind in preparation for the task at hand. Once Keldirk had made sure that they were not being watched they moved out of the shadows and down an alley to a large wooden building and knocked on the door. It was answered by a cloaked figure holding a loaded crossbow.
| Man | What do you want? |
| Craven | I believe a man named Slade is here to meet us. |
| Man | (nods) What are your names? |
| Craven | Craven, Creighton and Valrorn. |
| Man | (nods) Come inside. Go through that doorway; you're a little early. |
The three assassins entered the darkened building and proceeded to the table in the centre of the main storage area. A dimly lit lantern rested upon the wooden table and a hunched figure stood over a crude map of the docks area in Del Mord. The figure looked up as he heard the three men approach.
| Slade | You're early; good. Once the others get here we'll be heading out straight away. Come and take a look at this. (pointing to the map) Where's the other guy? |
| Keldirk | Who? Vincent? |
| Slade | No, the guy who was with you last time. Argos? |
| Craven | Oh, he met with an unfortunate accident. He was buried a couple of weeks ago. |
| Slade | Shame. He was handy with that crossbow of his - we probably could have used him. Still, that just means you three have to work that much harder. (smiles) |
| Creighton | (looking at the map on the table) What am I looking at? |
| Slade | This is the portion of the docklands in the River Quarter where tonight's business will go down. |
| Keldirk | (looks to Slade) Operating a little out of your territory aren't you? |
| Slade | (smiles) I won't be - you three will! There is a boat that just docked which carries a rather unusual cargo. It arrived a few hours ago and is scheduled to be off-loaded tomorrow morning. Of course, some of my lads will unload it tonight and you three will be there to keep any guards or trouble-makers away. |
| Creighton | What's the cargo? |
| Slade | A waterclock that comes to us all the way from Prymp. It is a (very) expensive piece of equipment which, I'm told, was bought by a Bandit King called Kaelis Koor who operates out of Tusk. Apparently he's retiring from his Tuskan Raiders and plans to build a castle in the Adri. I guess the clock was going to be one of its furnishings. (shrugs) There's other stuff on the boat; but we're only interested in the waterclock. |
| Craven | If memory serves me correctly, these waterclock things are pretty large. How are they going to get it off the docks? It would be hard to keep that kind of activity hidden. |
| Slade | All the arrangements have been made. There will be a horse-drawn cart on the dock and we have eight men on hand to move it from the ship. It's going to be difficult to keep the theft quiet but that's why we've got you. (circles an area on the map, then addresses the assassins) You three will be guarding this area and three other men will protect this area. (circles a second area of the map) Engage any guards or rival thieves that turn up and give the cart and the loading boys a chance to get away. After the cart has left the docks find your own way home. I'll contact you at a later date if all things go well. If you don't hold your end up then there will be no future business arrangements. Understand? |
| Craven | (nods) |
| Keldirk | The River Quarter is crawling with guards these days; ever since that bastard Dunne got himself killed the watch have this city tied up tighter than a fish's arse. Quite frankly, this job sounds like suicide. |
| Slade | (looks to Keldirk) If you don't think you can handle it - go home. |
| Keldirk | Listen arsehole, I'm not some hard-headed thug that stands around and beats up people. That's the kind of thing he does! (indicates Crieghton) My skills are wasted on guard duty. |
| Slade | (snorts derisively) Until you have proven your loyalty to the guild then guard duty is all you'll get. (shrugs) If you do well tonight then I'll see what I can do about making you a full time member. But until then, you do what you're told! |
They were interrupted as four other men entered the warehouse and came into the circle of lantern light. Creighton's hand slid down to grasp the hilt of his sword and Craven stepped back - away from the table his hand resting lightly on his rapier. Keldirk, reached into his tunic and took out a knife before turning to face the newcomers. Slade seemed to know these newcomers and told the assassins to relax.
Slade spoke at some length to one of the four men who, it turned out, had just returned from scouting the docks. He then showed the other three the map and indicated what area they were to guard.
| Slade | (addressing the seven men around the table) Croweye tells me the docks are all clear and that they haven't bothered to post a guard. The district is full of warehouses and shipyards so anybody that approaches is probably up to no good. Anyone who comes too close without giving this signal -(holds up his thumb and two fingers) - dies. (looks into the eyes of each man, searching for a reaction) Croweye will lead you down to the docks and will be hanging around to assess you. Good luck, boys. |
Half an hour later Croweye and the six guards arrived at the docks. The loading area was a flat expanse that contained only a few crates. To the south and north of this area were two large, wooden warehouses and to the east stood the hull of a large galley. Several smaller, partially completed skiff hulls sat nearer the water's edge, ropes and large sheets of canvas scattered around.
Croweye moved to the pier gates - with the skill of one accustomed to life in the shadows - and deftly unlocked the gates with his thieves tools. Once the gates were open, he signalled for the others to get into position before disappearing into the shadows of a nearby alley. The assassins knew that, despite his departure, Croweye would be nearby to monitor their performance.
Keldirk hid behind the shell of a small skiff, squatting down amongst some ropes and a dark brown tarpaulin. Craven blended into the shadows below the level of the docks on the banks of the river while Creighton tucked himself away in an alcove between two warehouses. From their various vantage points they had a good view of the surrounding streets as well as the dock itself. The other three guards hid themselves in various places on the other side of the loading area. Keldirk figured the three men must have some thievery skill as, before long, they were unseen in the darkness.
The night sky was clear and Luna and Celene shone brightly, illuminating the area well but at the same time creating a veritable patchwork of shadows. Before long the cart and horse rambled down the cobbled road, across the loading area to the mouth of the pier. Eight thieves jumped out and ran down the pier to the boat. One man stayed with the cart, a loaded crossbow in his hand.
All seemed to be going well until, without warning, the man on the cart fell to one side, an arrow in his throat. The men on the docks froze; they had not yet unloaded the waterclock and were standing vulnerable and uncertain on the wharf. A few moments passed before ten darkly clad figures emerged from the shadows of the still incomplete galley and entered the loading area. Six of them held short bows and all wore swords at their sides.
| Keldirk | This is ridiculous - ten men! I'll be damned if I make the first move. |
The newcomers fanned out in the loading area. The four swordsmen converged at the head of the pier while the archers remained behind this group; three to each side - each with a clear view down the pier.
| Swordsman #1 | (addressing the thieves on the dock) What the hell do you think your doing? |
| Thief #1 | (looking around nervously) Um, er, nothing. |
| Swordsman #1 | Wrong answer. (nods to his colleagues with bows) Fire! |
| Creighton | (charges from his alcove and engages one group of archers preventing them from loosing their arrows) Arghhhhh! (swings his two longswords in a wide arc, bringing them together in a scissor action - all but severing a startled archer's head) |
| Archer #1 | (dies) |
| Thief #1-8 | (dive for cover) |
| Keldirk | Damn! (stands up and throws two of his knives at the swordsmen - one knife enters Swordsman #1 low in his back, the other embeds itself harmlessly in a crate) |
| Swordsman #1 | (dies) |
| Archers #4-6 | (fire their arrows at the thieves on the dock) |
| Thief #3 | (hit by an arrow - dies) |
| Thief #6 | (hit by an arrow - falls into the water) |
| Craven | (leaps from his position and closes on the other group of archers forcing them into melee) Now you die! (slashes out with his sabre, slicing one opponent's thigh while stabbing another with his rapier, piercing the man's leather armour and felling him) |
| Archer #4 | (dies) |
| Archer #5 | (clutches his thigh and slashes with his shortsword - scoring a shallow cut) |
| Archer #6 | (aims a cut high at Craven's head, but misses) |
| Creighton | (smiles evilly at his two opponents before dropping to one knee and thrusting forward with both blades - skewering each man in the groin) |
| Archer #2,3 | (die horribly) |
| Creighton | (looks down and admires his handiwork) That worked well. (smiles and charges toward the remaining swordsmen fighting Keldirk) |
| Keldirk | (eyes wide as he watches the three men approach, he manages to let fly with two more knives - both hitting the nearest foe - before drawing a shortsword and dagger) |
| Swordsman #2 | (dies) |
| Swordsman #3 | (leaps over his fallen comrade and slices Keldirk's forearm) Yarghh!! |
| Swordsman #4 | (has his blade turned aside by Keldirk) |
| Archer #5 | (to his companion) Circle left, we'll come at him from both sides. (moves around and slashes wildly, missing completely) |
| Archer #6 | (circles left, aims a blow at Craven - slices his cloak but causes no harm) |
| Craven | (smiles at their tactics before charging Archer #6 - impaling him on both swords) Ha! (spins to face Archer #5) Thanks for the opening. Archers don't make good swordsmen. |
| Archer #5 | (blanches - raises his sword and assumes a defensive posture) |
| Craven | If you are a religious man I suggest you make peace with whatever god you hold sacred. |
| Archer #5 | (turns to run) |
| Craven | (lunges forward - severing the man's hamstring with his sabre) |
| Archer #5 | (falls to the ground his sword skittering across the cobblestones) Urghh |
| Craven | (steps forward and runs the prone man through) You could've at least made an effort. |
| Thieves | (continue moving the waterclock to the cart) |
| Creighton | (approaches the two swordsmen who are pressing Keldirk toward the waterline) Hey, fellas. Can I cut in? |
| Swordsman #3 | (turns to face Creighton) |
| Swordsman #4 | (Stabs at Keldirk scoring a shallow cut) |
| Keldirk | Ergh! (begins to concentrate on defence - ignoring attack) |
| Swordsman #3 | (lunges at Creighton, finding a hole in the warriors chainmail) Die fucker! |
| Creighton | Look around - it's you guys who are dying! (slashes wide with one blade and stabbing with the other - missing twice) |
| Swordsman #4 | (continues to press Keldirk but is unable to land a blow) Slippery bugger - stand still! |
| Keldirk | Not likely. (continues to duck and weave) |
| Creighton | (drops one sword and delivers a powerful, two handed blow at Swordsman #3 forcing that man's own blade into his shoulder.) Ha! |
| Swordsman #3 | (drops to one knee, slashes weakly but misses) |
| Creighton | (brings his sword down with considerable force - severing his opponents sword arm) Oops. That has got to hurt! |
| Swordsman #3 | (dies) |
| Keldirk | (sees Creighton's opponent fall) Look behind you, dickhead! |
| Swordsman #4 | (swings at Keldirk - but misses) I'm not gonna fall for that one. |
| Creighton | (stabs Swordsman #4 through his back, killing him instantly) |
| Keldirk | You try to be nice... .(smiles) |
| Creighton | (smiles and picks up his blade) |
| Craven | (checking the area he finds no enemies, he begins to move back into position and signals for the others to do likewise) |
| Keldirk | (retrieves his knives and gives the bodies a cursory search) |
Keldirk and Creighton resumed their position and watched as the six remaining thieves carried the massive crate to the wagon. The wounded thief climbed out of the freezing water and replaced the driver.
Just as the wagon was beginning to roll away, a shrill whistle pierced the silence. Four members of the city watch trotted into the loading area, their swords drawn.
| Watchman #1 | Halt! Stop that wagon! You're under arrest! |
| Creighton | (Watches as the cart speeds off, but realises the guards will cut off its escape) Attack!! |
| Keldirk | (quietly) By Boccob, you're keen. (waits and checks the area for other dangers) |
| Craven | (sees that the guards aren't carrying missile weapons - jumps up and charges into combat) |
| Watchman #1 | (runs at Craven) Surrender! |
| Watchman #2,3 | (move to intercept the cart) |
| Watchman #4 | (moves to intercept Creighton) Lay down your weapons, to fight is to die! |
| Keldirk | (sees the three thugs emerge from the shadows and approach the watchmen) About time you showed up! |
| Thug#1 | (closer to Watchman #1 than Craven, engages in combat) |
| Watchman #1 | (slices Thug #1's throat - then turns to watch Craven) |
| Craven | (noticing the rapid death of Thug #1) Whoa! (slows down) |
| Thug #2,3 | (run to the cart and engage Watchman #2 and Watchman #3) |
| Creighton | (slashes with his right hand) |
| Watchman #4 | (deflects Creighton's first blow, but fails to connect on his counterattack) |
| Creighton | (slashes with his left - glancing off the watchman's helmet) |
| Watchman #2 | (grabs hold of the horse's bridle, bringing the cart to a stop) |
| Watchman #3 | (parries a clumsy attack and stabs Thug #2 with a thrust to the abdomen) |
| Thug #2 | (dies - his intestines spilling to the road) |
| Thug #3 | (attacks clumsily, then sprints away as his companion falls) |
| Craven | (exchanges blows with the watchmen, unable to penetrate his strong defence) |
| Watchman #1 | (blows his whistle again, then launches into a vicious combination of parries and thrusts) |
| Thief #1,2,5 | (jump off the cart and engage Watchman #3) |
| Watchman #2 | (begins to cut the reins in an attempt to prevent the cart moving) |
| Keldirk | (watches as Croweye emerges from the shadows of a building and kills the fleeing thug) Hmm, interesting. I guess failure is not an option. |
| Creighton | (In a fit of bloodlust and fury, attacks Watchman #4 forcing him against a crate) |
| Watchman #4 | (trying valiantly to defend himself) |
| Creighton | (wears his opponents down by sheer force - connects with both blades) |
| Watchman #4 | (falls to the cobblestones - blood gurgling from his lips. Dies) |
| Creighton | (takes quick stock of his surroundings - then runs to attack Watchman #2) |
| Watchman #1 | (works Craven around the loading area before delivering what should have been a killing blow) |
| Craven | (draws upon his duellist training - manages to turn aside the blow at the last instant) Damn - that was close! |
| Watchman #1 | (attacks again - but overextends his reach) |
| Craven | (moves in quickly and plunges his rapier into the man's kidneys) |
| Watchman #1 | (dies) |
| Keldirk | (watches with interest as Croweye melds back into the shadows) I guess I should do something. (moves to within throwing distance of Watchman #3 - waiting for an opportunity to throw) |
| Thief #1 | (lashes out with his dagger - piercing Watchman #3's thigh) |
| Thief #2 | (flicks with his knife - but misses) |
| Thief #5 | (lunges with his dagger - slicing Watchman #3's cheek) |
| Watchman #3 | (feints to his left but lunges to the right - driving his blade through Thief #2) |
| Thief #2 | (dies) |
| Creighton | (draws his opponent away from the cart - slashing like a wildman) |
| Watchman #2 | (barely able to defend against Creighton's wall of steel - withdraws) |
| Craven | (joins the melee with Creighton) |
| Keldirk | (sees his chance and throws two knives at Watchman #3 - one puncturing his arm just above the elbow) |
| Watchman #3 | (drops his sword - his arm useless) |
| Thief #1,5 | (close quickly and stab Watchman #3) |
| Watchman #3 | (dies) |
| Thief #1,5 | (pick up Thief #2 and climb aboard the cart - which starts to move off) |
| Craven | (patiently waits for an opening) |
| Creighton | (continues his all-out assault) |
| Watchman #2 | (defending the onslaught, risks an attack at Creighton - but misses) |
| Craven | (slices Watchman #2's arm) |
| Creighton | (chops into Watchman #2's chest, splintering chainmail and bone) |
| Watchman #2 | (dies) |
| Craven | (wipes his brow) |
| Creighton | Whew! (slaps Craven on the back) Thanks for the help |
| Keldirk | (retrieves one of his knives - sees the cart has disappeared - calls out) Let's get out of here! |
The three weary assassins fled the bloody docks and picked their way home - careful to avoid contact with anyone as their blood stained clothing would surely draw attention.
Azareth had been asleep for several hours when he heard a knock at the door. He shoved his spellbook under his bed then pulled his robe on, and strapped his component belt around his waist.
| Azareth | Who is it? |
| Man | Gregor. I work downstairs. I have a message for you. |
| Azareth | (opens the door, rubbing his eyes wearily) |
| Man #1 | (shoves the door open forcibly, pushing Azareth backward) Stay where you are, mage! Make a sound and you die! |
| Man #2 | (enters the room behind his companion, a loaded heavy crossbow in his hand) |
| Azareth | (nods his head, and holds both his hands up non-threateningly) |
| Man #1 | Good boy, Vincent. Or should I call you Azareth!? (closes on the mage and slaps a pair of manacles around his wrists) Tsk, tsk. It seems you are in a bind doesn't it? It's a shame your friends are otherwise engaged. Hah ha! |
| Man #2 | (chuckles) |
| Man #1 | (moves behind Azareth then clonks him on the head with a sap) |
| Azareth | (falls to the floor, struggling to remain conscious. He twists his head in time to see one of the men slide his spellbook from under the bed before he is again knocked on the head. His vision fades to black) |
| Normal Text | Character's words or descriptive text if part of a paragraph |
| Italic Text | Character's thoughts or actions if surrounded by parenthesis |
| Bold Text | Character is shouting. |