Episode 28 – A Meal Best Served Cold
| The Assassins |
Azareth - Wizard 2nd Level LE (PC) Creighton - Fighter 2nd Level LE (PC) Craven - Fighter / Rogue 1st / 2nd LE (PC) Keldirk - Rogue 3rd level NE (PC) |
| Locale | The River Snag Hostel. |
| Date | 13th Coldeven 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Midday. |
| Keldirk | (enters the room) |
| Craven | So, how did the handover go? |
| Keldirk | Without a hitch. |
| Craven | Did Darvon complain about the missing money? |
| Keldirk | (nods) You could say that. |
| Azareth | (rises from his bed) What about the Orb? Did he say anything when he examined the Orb? |
| Keldirk | He opened the pouch, checked it, said some mumbo jumbo then put it back. He seemed satisfied. |
| Azareth | Mumbo Jumbo? What exactly did he say? |
| Keldirk | The same kind of shit you speak when you cast spells. |
| Azareth | (sits down on his bed, dejected) I maintain we should have kept the orb. |
| Craven | (ignores Azareth) What did he say about the missing money? |
| Keldirk | I told him that he had all of my share and only a fraction of the rest (meets Craven's stare) I told you I wasn't going to lie to him, and I didn't. I told him the truth; that he had all of my money, half of Azareth's and none of yours or Creighton's. I told him that if he has a problem with that to take it up with you three and to leave me out of it. |
| Creighton | Screw him. He's got his Orb back and if he wants the rest of the money he'll have a fight on his hands. If you want my opinion- |
| Keldirk | Not really. |
| Creighton | -he'll be satisfied with his lot and bugger off. |
| Craven | Whatever happens, let's call the matter closed and move on. |
| Creighton | Move on where? What the hell are we doing? |
| Craven | We have a number of things to do. One: We have to evict a certain ghost from The Whistler to further ingratiate ourselves with the Foreign Quarter Thieves Guild. Two: find out who has been asking questions about us in the Foreign Quarter. Three: continue our investigations into the Trill and four: make sure we are in top condition to kill for The Family as required. That's what the hell we are doing! |
| Creighton | Fair enough. What're we gonna tackle first? |
| Azareth | Well, I've been thinking of spending more time at the Academy. And I was thinking that you boys should do the same. |
| Creighton | Have you lost your mind? What would I do in a wizard's academy? |
| Azareth | (rolls his eyes) I didn't mean for you to come with me; rather spend time improving your own skills - say at a Fighter's Guild. And you, Craven, should perhaps spend more time with your fencing instructor and Keldirk- |
| Keldirk | (interjecting) Keldirk will do what Keldirk does. He needs no advice from you. |
| Azareth | Okay Mr Keldirk, you do what you please. (looks to Creighton and Craven, ignoring Keldirk) My point is that we should try to keep our skills up for when the Family requires our services. And working for the Thieves Guild, or chasing ghosts out of taverns is unlikely to assist in our professional growth. |
| Craven | Makes sense. But we shouldn't neglect the Thieves guild, either. I am hoping that our association with them will prove useful in the long run. (looks to Creighton) Hey, what's up big fella? |
| Creighton | (rubbing his temples, his eyes closed) Nothing I can't handle. |
| Azareth | (moves over and examines Creighton's pupils) You're having another one of your headaches, aren't you? I told you to come and see me when you had another one. How often are you getting them now? |
| Creighton | A couple of times a day. |
| Craven | What headaches? |
| Azareth | (looks to Craven) It is a pain behind his blind eye. I didn't know they were occurring with such frequency; it has become a matter of some concern. |
| Keldirk | (unimpressed) If he'd stop drinking so much then perhaps they'd disappear. |
| Azareth | (gives Keldirk a sideways glance) The headaches are not liquor induced, Keldirk. (to Craven) Perhaps we should take him to an apothecary? |
| Craven | What do you think, Creighton? |
| Creighton | I'm fine now. They disappear as fast as they come. It's not a problem. Really. |
A knock at their door interrupted the conversation.
| Creighton | (draws his sword) Who is it? |
| Voice | (coughs) Harry. (coughs) I've got a message for ya. |
| Keldirk | (wryly) He actually moved from his desk; this must be important! |
| Craven | (opens the door) |
| Harry | (hands Craven a piece of parchment) This just came. (coughs a strand of spittle from his whiskered lips) The chap who did brung it said it was real important, like. |
| Craven | (takes the parchment and swings the door closed with his foot, ignoring Harry's outstretched hand) It's from Mickey Moritz. (reads the note out loud) Dear sirs, Your presence is required at my office by first bell this day. Mickhael Amin Moritz. |
| Creighton | What could Mickey possibly want? |
| Keldirk | I'm sure we'll find out when we get there. |
The four assassins buckled on their weapons and armour and made their way to the River Quarter and to Mickey's building. After a short wait in the foyer they were shown into his office.
| Mickey | Take a seat, gentlemen. I would like a progress report. |
| Keldirk | A what? |
| Mickey | A progress report. Are you hard of hearing or just stupid? The Whistler situation - where are we at? |
| Keldirk | (debates whether to gut the skinny lawyer) |
| Azareth | Well, we have determined that the tavern is, in fact, haunted and that the ghost is a very unfriendly fellow who is adverse to any relocation efforts. Our research indicates that on two distinct occasions in Del Mord's history, an exorcism has been undertaken. The first such rite was performed by two senior members of the Pelorian Clergy and the second by a wandering priest of Heironeous. Both attempts were unsuccessful. This indicates that the spirit is powerful and any action taken to eradicate said spirit demands extreme caution. |
| Mickey | (condescendingly) So, you've done nothing. |
| Keldirk | (smiles) You could say that. |
| Craven | (casts Keldirk a disapproving glare) |
| Azareth | We are unsure of how to proceed, we- |
| Creighton | Yeah, if powerful priests can't do the job what hope do we have? |
| Mickey | (shakes his head in disappointment) Don't bore me with the details. I have arranged for renovation crews to begin work within the month and, quite obviously, the ghost will have to be removed or relocated before work begins. Simpkin is a demanding employer and he will be most displeased with your apparent lack of progress. |
| Craven | (sarcastically) We shall double our efforts! |
| Mickey | I hope so, Craven, for your sake. Simpkin is not as forgiving as I am. Now get out and get to work! |
| Craven | You are a very annoying man, Mickey. |
| Mickey | I'm not here to win any popularity contests, I assure you Mr Craven. You are dismissed; shut the door on your way out. |
The four assassins spent the rest of the day in The Warhorse drinking. Mickey had managed to annoy them all and they felt the need to blow off some steam. Over the course of the afternoon they watched three brawls in the alley behind the tavern, but that did little except fuel their desire to vent some much pent up energy. After dinner, Azareth suggested they return to The River Snag Hostel. The mage could tell that Creighton was getting a little too rambunctious and felt that if they remained in the crowded drinking hole much longer trouble would eventuate.
| Azareth | Perhaps we should leave. Craven? (gestures towards Creighton) |
| Craven | (looks at Creighton) |
| Creighton | (flicking peanuts at a table of men) |
| Craven | (quietly to Azareth) I think you're right. (taps Creighton on the shoulder) Come on buddy, we're leaving. |
| Creighton | Aww, we just got here. (looks at Craven's mug) You gonna finish that? |
| Craven | No, you have it. But hurry, we're leaving. |
| Creighton | (drains Craven's ale then slaps Keldirk on the shoulder) Hey, pull my finger! |
As the group began the walk home, Slick emerged from the shadows and waved Keldirk and Craven over.
| Keldirk | (to Azareth and Creighton) You two wait here. |
| Azareth | (nods) |
| Slick | (waits until the two assassins approach) Evenin' boys. |
| Craven | Slick. |
| Keldirk | What do you want? |
| Slick | I've found the person who's been askin' all the questions about you guys. |
| Keldirk | How much to point him out. |
| Slick | It's a her. And I'll tell you for nuthin' if you take care of her for me. |
| Craven | (raises an eyebrow) |
| Keldirk | I'll give you no guarantees, Slick. What we do to her depends on who she is. |
| Slick | Fair call. You ready to see her now? |
| Craven | Why are you so keen to help us out, Slick? |
| Slick | (shrugs) This chick is competition. I don't like competition in my neck of the woods. (smooths back his hair) She is starting her own information network in my territory and if you boys can - um - relocate her I'd be most appreciative. |
| Craven | Relocate, Slick? |
| Slick | Whatever it takes. |
| Keldirk | You want us to kill her, right? |
| Slick | (raises his hands in mock indignation) Whoa, I'm not a man of violence. (lowers his voice) But if an accident were to befall this little bitch I wouldn't lose sleep. (smiles) Like I said, information is a growth industry these days and I want all the action for myself. I did find out who was asking questions about you and if you were to take care of her for me, well, I'd consider the favour fulfilled. It isn't too much to ask - is it? |
| Keldirk | Who is she? |
| Slick | Her name is Tish. And she can be contacted at The Blue Dragon. I can get one of my boys to point her out, if you like. |
| Keldirk | (to Slick) Wait here. (drags Craven to the side and covers his mouth, whispering) Tish is the name of the bitch who captured me and handed me over to Darvon. I'm more than comfortable helping Slick out. (rubs the stub of his severed finger subconsciously) |
| Craven | Okay, let's do it. Creighton's a little drunk and is still recovering from his altercation with Babyface, we'll have to keep him out of it. |
| Keldirk | That's easily done. We can send Azareth home with Creighton then you and I can get her. How hard can it be to grab a girl? |
| Craven | (looks at Keldirk as though he is imbecile) What does being a girl have to do with it? |
| Keldirk | Nothing, I suppose. But I've met her, Craven, and I don't think she'll pose a problem. You and I will be able to cope, I'm sure. |
| Craven | Okay, let's do it. |
Keldirk sent Azareth and Creighton back to Harry's and he and Craven waited nearby for Slick to return with one of his men. Howie Long was a large brute who was not overly burdened with intelligence.
| Howie | (pauses outside the Blue Dragon) Okay, which one of you wants to come in and make her? |
| Craven | (quietly to Keldirk) I'll go, she might recognise you. |
| Keldirk | (nods) Be careful; she might be able to recognise you, too. |
| Howie | (to Craven) I'll make as though I'm looking for a seat while you buy two ales. When you turn around I'll be standing right behind her. Got it? |
| Craven | (without a trace of sarcasm) I think I can manage to remember all that. |
| Howie | Then I'll keep walking and find an empty table. Let's go. |
Craven and Howie walked in and before long Craven had identified Tish. The two remained in the tavern long enough to finish their drinks before they left. They crossed the street to Keldirk.
| Keldirk | See her? |
| Craven | That'll be all, Howie. Here, go buy another beer. (hands over three copper pieces) |
| Howie | (trudges down the street towards the Warhorse trying to whistle a tune - but failing dismally) |
| Keldirk | Describe her. |
| Craven | Small, young, dark hair, nice face, brown eyes. About seventeen, I'd say. |
| Keldirk | Sounds like her. We'll know when she comes out. Was she with anyone? |
| Craven | Two blokes. It looked to me as if she was conducting business. With any luck she'll leave alone. |
| Keldirk | We'll tail her for a bit and jump her when an opportunity presents itself. |
| Craven | (sarcastically) Thorough planning. How long did it take to think that gem up? |
| Keldirk | Don't be a smart arse. Have you got a better idea? |
| Craven | Well, no. |
| Keldirk | So we'll go with my plan. (smiles) If she is with someone or the moment isn't right at least we'll know where she sleeps. From there it'll be easy. |
| Craven | This might sound like a silly question, but what are we going to do with her once we get her? |
| Keldirk | Kill her. |
| Craven | You don't want to question her? |
| Keldirk | What for? I know who hired her and we all agreed that matter was closed. I seriously doubt Darvon would've given her any vital information so following that line of questioning would be pointless. No, this is revenge. Nothing more. |
| Craven | (thinks) Well, we are helping out Slick in the meantime. It's a win-win situation. |
| Keldirk | Unless your name is Tish, of course. (smiles evilly) |
They did not have to wait long before Tish left the tavern. She left in the company of a young man and from they way they held each other it was clear that they were not planning to spend the rest of the night alone. Craven looked at Keldirk who nodded and began following the couple. Keldirk was trained in the art of trailing people while Craven was not. It was therefore Keldirk's task to keep their quarry in sight while Craven merely had to keep track of Keldirk, they had used the technique before and it usually worked quite well.
Tish and her male companion led the two assassins through the streets of the Foreign Quarter to a small building that was on the border of the Foreign and Poor quarter. The structure was small, barely larger than the room that the assassins shared at the River Snag Hostel, Tish fumbled with some keys and soon had the door opened. She and her lover stepped inside and closed the door behind them. After several minutes Craven approached Keldirk who was hidden at the mouth of a nearby alley.
| Craven | (whispering) What now? |
| Keldirk | I say we get her now. |
| Craven | (shakes his head) No, we can afford to wait for a little while. She and her friend looked like they were about to... unwind. Let's give them a chance to wear each other out and then make our move. |
| Keldirk | Good idea, it'll give us a chance to see what kind of guard activity we can expect. Though, given its proximity to the poor quarter I don't expect to see much of the City Watch. |
Craven and Keldirk, waited. They watched and listened for any sign of the City Watch and kept themselves concealed within the shadows of the alley. Given the hour and the poor weather the streets were practically deserted and the light rain made just enough noise to cover any minute sounds they were making. After about half an hour the two assassins crept closer to the small building. Craven moved silently to the front door and bent down to examine the lock on the door while Keldirk moved to the back to see if there were any other exits. After a quick walk around he returned to the font door and indicated to Craven that this was the only way in or out of the building. Craven leant toward the door and cupped his hand over his ear listening for any sounds coming from inside. All he could hear was the faint sound of regular breathing. He nodded and began to work on unlocking the door. Within minutes he had picked the simple lock. He listened again and was pleased to discover his work had not woken anyone inside. He silently drew his blade while pushing open the door.
The dim light from Craven's hand lamp provided the two assassins with enough light to identify the two sleeping forms. Keldirk stealthily approached the sleeping male while Craven moved to stand beside Tish. Keldirk drew his knife and swiftly ended the man's life while Craven brought the hilt of his dagger down on Tish's skull rendering her unconscious.
| Keldirk | (whispering) Is she alive? |
| Craven | (checks Tish's vital signs and nods) She's out cold. (motions for Keldirk to come to his side of the bed) Is it the same girl who waylaid you? |
| Keldirk | (leans in closer and examines Tish's face) That's her. Permit me to send her on her way. |
| Craven | By all means. (stands aside) |
| Keldirk | (ties Tish's hands to the headboard then reaches into his pouch and withdraws the stiff carcass of a rat) |
| Craven | (pinches his nostrils shut) How revolting. Where'd ya get that? Better still, why did you bring that? |
| Keldirk | I don't like it when people rat on me and I consider this poetic justice. Just desserts. (chuckles quietly at his own sick joke as he stuffs the dead rat into Tish's mouth.) |
| Craven | You're sick, Keldirk. I'm going to search the place. |
| Keldirk | (splashes Tish with some water) I'll be with you in a minute. |
| Tish | (wakes up, and begins to struggle for air) |
| Keldirk | (pinches Tish's nostrils shut) Remember me you little bitch! |
| Tish | (continue to struggle for air, her eyes opening wide in recognition and fear) |
| Keldirk | Know this: you die because you let me live. You bring this upon yourself. My vengeance is sweet. (smiles coldly and stares into her eyes) |
| Tish | (struggles slowly lose strength) |
| Keldirk | Yes, death is close. I feel his presence. |
| Tish | (convulses once... twice... thrice, then dies) |
| Keldirk | (wipes his hands on the bed clothes and turns to leave) Hey, Craven, let's go. |
The two assassins left the building and headed back to The River Snag hostel. Craven never said a word but gave Keldirk numerous sidelong glances.
Meanwhile, Azareth and Creighton had crossed the Foreign Quarter-River Quarter boundary and were beginning the long trek up The Strip to The River Snag Hostel when a commotion in an adjoining alley caught their attention. Peering into the near darkness, they could make out the signs of a fierce struggle. A group of men, perhaps four or five, were gathered around an armoured man wielding a mace. The group, armed with mundane weapons of wood and steel, harangued the solitary figure - occasionally leaping forward and smacking him around the torso and head. As Azareth and Creighton neared the fight, it became increasingly obvious that mace-wielder was tiring, his face was cut and bleeding and his mace swings were lessening in both frequency and power. It was all too apparent that, in moments, the lone man would succumb to his attackers.
| Creighton | (still a little drunk, and eager for action) Let's help him. |
| Azareth | Don't be a fool. It's got nothing to do with us. (tries, unsuccessfully, to drag Creighton away) |
| Creighton | (shrugs off Azareth and moves closer to the alley, a hand on his sword) |
The mace wielder was down. The four men had gathered around the fallen figure and were kicking and punching him when Creighton drew his sword.
| Creighton | Let him be! |
| Attacker #1 | (stops his assault and turns to face Creighton) Piss off. This is none of your concern. |
| Creighton | Perhaps you didn't hear me, I said let him be! |
| Attacker#1 | Listen, this man raped Dreff's daughter, we're just evening the score. |
| Creighton | (raises his sword and steps forward) I wouldn't care if he stole your virginity, let him go or you'll answer to me. |
| Azareth | (steps closer and whispers to Creighton) What are you doing? |
| Creighton | (roughly shoves Azareth aside) Get out of my way, Az. (turns back to the attacker) Don't make me hurt you. |
| Attacker #2 | (stands next to Attacker #1) Listen, pal, we aren't doing you any harm. Why don't you- |
| Creighton | One... |
| Attacker #2 | (taps his two fellows on the back) |
| Attacker #3 | (stops kicking the fallen man and turns to face Creighton, a heavy piece of lumber held menacingly in his hand) |
| Creighton | Two... |
| Attacker #4 | (stops punching the fallen man, retrieves a length of pipe, and turns to face Creighton) |
| Creighton | Three. (sways slightly, his head swimming) Good. Now run away like good little girls and I'll let you live. |
| Attacker #1 | (casts a glance over his shoulder at the fallen man) |
| Fallen Man | (unmoving and bleeding badly) |
| Attacker #1 | (more confident now that he and his fellows are presenting a united front) We're not going anywhere. We have a job to do and we aren't going to let some drunken oaf get in our way. Now you run away! |
| Creighton | That's the spirit. (lunges forward, his sword piercing Attacker #1 in the thigh) |
| Attacker #1 | (falls to the cobblestones, unable to support his weight) Arghhh. |
| Attacker #2 | (swings his axe-handle at Creighton, who deflects the blow easily) |
| Attacker #3 | (delivers a glancing blow to Creighton's ribs, the piece of wood breaking against Creighton's armour) Oh shit! |
| Attacker #4 | (swings wildly, but misses) |
| Creighton | (laughs) You might have better luck if you keep your eyes open. (steps forward again and slaps Attacker #4 around the ears with the flat of his blade) |
| Attacker #4 | (falls to the ground, stunned) |
| Azareth | (leans against the wall near the mouth of the alley) Creighton, you are such a show off! |
| Attacker #3 | (tries to sneak past Creighton, in the hopes of getting behind) |
| Creighton | (steps to his side and kicks Attacker #3's feet from under him) Tsk, tsk. No you don't. |
| Attacker #3 | (falls to the ground, his ankle sorely twisted) Darn it, man! You've broken my bloody ankle! |
| Creighton | (kicks Attacker #3 in the jaw) Stop your whining! |
| Attacker #3 | (tries, unsuccessfully, to clear his head) |
| Attacker #2 | (looks at his three fallen comrades then back to Creighton) Oh oh. |
| Creighton | (laughs) Oh, oh indeed. Perhaps next time you'll think twice before ganging up on one man. |
| Azareth | (spies the Night Watch approaching at speed) Creighton! The watch is coming! |
| Attacker #2 | Okay, you win. (drops his broken axe-handle and helps Attacker #1 to his feet) |
| Azareth | (moves over to the fallen man and examines his condition) |
| Creighton | Now that was fun. |
| Fallen Man | (barely conscious) |
| Azareth | It's okay, you're safe now. We've chased your attackers away. |
| Fallen Man | (obviously delirious) Don't let them get it! |
| Azareth | What? Don't let them get what? |
| Fallen Man | They can't get it! They mustn't get it! |
| Azareth | What are you talking about? What is your name? |
| Fallen Man | Name? My name is Draggart. |
| Watchman #1 | What is going on here? |
| Creighton | (sheathes his sword) Nothing. |
| Watchman #1 | (sees Azareth leaning over the fallen man) It doesn't look like nothing. You! Stand aside! |
| Azareth | (starts to rise) |
| Draggart | (grabs Azareth's sleave) Take this. I'll collect it soon. (presses a metallic medallion into Azareth's palm) |
| Azareth | (deftly pockets the medallion and rises) Officer, we were just trying to help. A gang of ruffians was accosting this man and we liberated him from a grisly fate. |
| Watchman #1 | I see. What is your name? |
| Azareth | Azareth and he is Creighton. |
| Watchman #1 | Where are you staying? |
| Azareth | In the River Snag Hostel. |
| Watchman #1 | We'll don't leave town for a few days, Azareth. |
| Azareth | Yes sir. Creighton come on, let's go. |
| Watchman #1 | (signals to his men) Men, help the poor fellow to the apothecary. We'll question him down there. |
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| Italic Text | Character's thoughts or actions if surrounded by parenthesis |
| Bold Text | Character is shouting. |