Episode 47 – A Dangerous Undertaking
| The Assassins |
Azareth - Wizard 4th Level LE (PC) Creighton - Fighter 4th Level LE (PC) Craven - Fighter / Rogue 2nd/3rd LE (CE ???) (PC) Keldirk - Rogue 5th level NE (PC) |
| Locale | Just outside Del Mord |
| Date | 18th Planting, 582 CY (Common Year) |
| Time | Just before sundown. |
After leaving Ixtha's lair the assassins discovered that their small rowboat had either been stolen or had managed to break free of its moorings and drift somewhere downstream. With little recourse the assassins were forced to return to Del Mord on foot to claim their reward. Between them they were able to carry the massive lizard-man's corpse the three or so miles to the Del Mord front gates.
Due to their exertions conversation was kept to a minimum. Keldirk made a conscious effort to keep his mouth shut during the entire trek; he didn't want to inform the others that he'd burned Agarat's ledgers. He figured that information was something they didn't really need to know and he knew that Craven would make a big deal out of it. The last thing Keldirk wanted was to be the recipient of another of Craven's condescending, holier-than-thou lectures.
Before long the gates of Del Mord came into view. Three gate guards hurried out of the guardhouse when they saw the four adventurers approach.
| guard | So, what's this then? (motions to the lizard-man corpse) |
| Craven | (drops the corpse to the ground with a puff of dust) May I present 'The Butcher of Del Docks'. We stumbled, quite accidentally, into its lair. |
| Creighton | (proudly) And this, good fellow, is the result. |
| guard | The Butcher, eh? |
| Craven | The one and only. |
| guard | (calls over another guard) Sergeant, these fellas claim to have killed The Butcher of Del Docks. |
| gate sergeant | (examines the corpse and nods) Well it meets the description, that's for sure. (gives the assassins the once-over) It looks as though you've seen some action, boys. |
| Craven | (nods) It attacked us when we unwittingly ventured into it's lair. We fought back and were lucky enough to kill it. |
| gate sergeant | You found its lair? We've had people searching for that for months. Where'd you find it? |
| Craven | It's in a partially submerged cave beneath the Harp river. |
| gate sergeant | (nods) What're your names? |
| Craven | I'm Craven. That's Valrorn, Azareth and the big guy at the back is Creighton. |
| gate sergeant | Are you aware that there's a standing reward for the Butcher? |
| Craven | I've heard whispers, yes. (smiles) |
| gate sergeant | (turns to a guard) Jaxon, take the body inside and send word to Investigator Koons that we require his presence at the gatehouse. |
| Jaxon | Sir. (leaves) |
| gate sergeant | Once we've verified that thing is the Butcher, I'll send word to you. Where can we reach you? |
| Craven | The River Snag Hostel, in the River Quarter. |
The assassins headed directly back to Harry's and spent the rest of the day in much needed recovery. The wounds that Creighton and Craven received at the hands of the Butcher hurt tremendously and Azareth spent several hours cleansing and treating their injuries. The mage was concerned that their wounds were poisoned and, as a precaution, he applied a specially crafted herbal concoction.
The following day a messenger arrived and said that Inspector Koons had confirmed that the giant lizard-man was the Butcher of Del Docks and that the four adventurers would be appropriately compensated. The assassins were shocked to hear that a State Dinner would be held in their honour and that the Prelate himself would present the reward.
| Creighton | (splutters) A State Dinner! |
| Azareth | A formal presentation will not be required, good man. |
| messenger | (taken aback) But a State Dinner is a great honour, sirs. I beg you to reconsider. Inspector Koons is most anxious to meet you and the Prelate would like the opportunity to thank you on behalf of the citizens of Del Mord. |
| Creighton | (shocked) Did you say the Prelate? |
| Craven | (quietens Creighton with a glance) Sorry but we cannot attend. Please inform your superiors that we most humbly decline the generous offer. |
| messenger | (shakes his head in disbelief) I will do as you say. |
| Craven | Very good. We don't want any fuss, you see. |
| Azareth | We're simple, humble adventurers. We desire neither applause nor recognition. |
| messenger | How odd. |
| Keldirk | All we want is the money. |
Later that day the messenger returned and handed them a credit note for a sum of two hundred gold pieces as reward for the service they had done the city. The messenger also handed over a framed letter of thanks from the Prelate himself, much to Keldirk's amusement.
Over dinner the assassins decided to eliminate Selczek Gobayuik, Keldirk pushed for quick action and they agreed to make the hit in two night's time. They also agreed to buy the map to the Crypt of Finn Thrommel from Shayne, Macca and Calahan, Creighton's friends at the Green Dragon.
By the morning the assassins were feeling much better. Craven and Creighton's wounds were on the mend and Keldirk's broken nose had stopped throbbing. That night Creighton ambled off to the Green Dragon with Keldirk who had insisted on being involved in the negotiations. Azareth dressed into his finery and spent the night at the Bookworm Cafe. Craven paid a quick visit to the Del Mord Baths then visited to the Angel's Junction. He was feeling a little troubled and figured that a night in the arms of a comely, young professional would help ease his mind.
Craven skipped up the stairs to the 'Junction and winked at the two bouncers standing guard either side of the doorway.
| Bouncer | Any weapons, bud? |
| Craven | (flamboyantly withdraws a stiletto from his boot and unbuckles his weapons belt) Here you go, good chap. |
| Bouncer | (takes the weapons) Is that all you got? |
| Craven | Indeed. |
| Bouncer | Okay. Step inside and Bluey here will conduct a brief search. You can collect your weapons on your way out. What's yer name, bud? |
| Craven | Craven. |
| Bouncer | (nods) |
Before long Craven found himself sipping a drink in the luxurious surrounds of Madam Fifi's parlour. The ladies flitted and flirted about him incessantly before they were ushered away by Kazza, the diminutive prostitute with whom he was acquainted.
| Kazza | (kisses Craven lightly on the cheek) Craven, how good it is to see you. It's been too long. |
| Craven | (smiles) Too long, indeed. |
| Kazza | How can we be of service, this evening? |
| Craven | I'm feeling bold. Would Madam Fifi be available, perchance? |
| Kazza | I'm afraid not. She has travelled to Tusk to visit her sister at the Silver Garter. She won't be back for a few days. Perhaps another lady has caught your eye? |
| Craven | (sips on his wine) I will leave the decision in your more than capable hands. |
| Kazza | Leave it to me. |
The following morning Craven woke slowly and opened his eyes. His head felt as though it was packed with straw and his memories of the night before somewhat vague. He looked up at the unfamiliar ceiling and tried to piece together the events of the previous night. It took him a few heartbeats to realise that he was in the Angel's Junction. The bed next to him was empty - but the sheets were stained with blood! He tried to push through the fog in his brain, but he couldn't remember anything. Sluggishly he sat upright and checked himself for wounds. Finding none he swung his legs onto the floor and with his head held in his hands tried to clear the haze in his head.
His efforts were interrupted when the door to the room was thrown open and two burly men stepped in followed by a badly bruised and battered prostitute. Dimly Craven recognised one of the men as the bouncer from the steps the previous night. The woman pushed forward and pointed at Craven accusingly.
| prostitute | Him! He's the one. |
The two bouncers launched into action before Craven could react. One came at the dazed swordsman and cannoned a clenched fist into the side of the young duellist's head while the other reached across the bed and pinned Craven's arms to his side. The addle-brained assassin offered no resistance as they lifted him off the bed and carried him roughly out of the room, past the injured prostitute.
| prostitute | I hope they cut your balls off you bastard. (spits at Craven) |
| Craven | (confused) What's happening? |
He was as much dragged as led through the early morning streets and taken directly to one of the River Quarter watch houses. One bouncer held him upright while the other approached the desk sergeant.
| desk sergeant | (indicates Craven) Good morning. |
| bouncer | Good morning, Sergeant. |
| desk sergeant | (indicates Craven) What's he done? |
| bouncer | He beat the shit out of one of the girls at the Junction, that's what. She says he tried to bite her throat out. |
| desk sergeant | Is the girl dead? |
| bouncer | (shakes his head) No, but it'll be a while before she can work again. The bruises are gonna take some time to heal. |
| desk sergeant | Assault and battery, then. (nods) We'll take him from here. Thanks boys. |
The bouncer holding Craven threw him to the floor and kicked him solidly in the chest, forcing the wind out of the young swordsman's lungs and almost breaking one of his ribs. Craven rolled into a ball and tried to sleep. He was only dimly aware of his surroundings as four city watchmen dragged him to a cell. His mind still swam in a fog of confused images and half-remembered events. Before long he drifted into unconsciousness.
It was several hours before he woke. The soft light through the tiny barred window told him that night had fallen. His head felt clearer and his memory of the events leading up to his incarceration slowly returned. He remembered in flashes the return of the rage and how the prostitute's screams had sounded like music. He recalled with alarming clarity how inviting her neck looked when he closed and how sweet it was to once again hear that familiar voice inside his head.
Come to me. Come to me.
Keldirk loitered outside the Del Mord City Morgue and waited for The Undertaker to make an appearance. The half-orc undertaker and his mute assistant left the morgue soon after sunset and headed directly to The Pit, a fight house in the Foreign Quarter. After the pair had gone inside Keldirk asked one of the bouncers when the fights were scheduled to conclude before returning to The River Snag Hostel.
Keldirk, Creighton and Azareth sat in their room for several hours, formulated their plan and waited for Craven to return. An hour before midnight Keldirk rose from his bed and swore.
| Keldirk | (angrily) Where the hell is Craven? |
| Creighton | (buckling on his armour, shrugs) |
| Azareth | Your guess is as good as mine. |
| Keldirk | (growls) Well we're not waiting any longer. The fights are due to finish in less than an hour. Let's go! |
| Azareth | (shakes his head) This is foolish. We can't go up against The Undertaker without Craven. It makes no sense attacking him from a weakened position. |
| Keldirk | We've already waited long enough. Any longer and Selczek and his cronies might come after us. They already know where to find us and there's no way in hell I'm going to get stuck on the defensive. Craven knew the hit was tonight and if he isn't here then its just another example of his incompetent leadership and will further serve to highlight his failure. |
| Creighton | Perhaps Keldirk's right. Why don't we go Az? The Undertaker is just one guy - the three of us should be able to handle him. |
| Azareth | I'm not so sure. |
| Keldirk | Well I am. And so is Creighton. You're outvoted, mage. Simple as that! |
| Creighton | (nods) |
| Azareth | There's nothing I can say to convince you to wait? |
| Keldirk | No. |
| Azareth | (looks to Creighton questioningly) |
| Creighton | (smiles) I'm itching for some action, what can I say? |
| Azareth | It seems you leave me with little choice in the matter. I'll go, but I want you both to know that I strongly disagree with this course of action. |
| Keldirk | (snarls) Protest noted, mage. The Undertaker will be coming home anytime soon and we want to be in position before that. Now, let's get out of here. |
The three assassins proceeded to The Undertaker's abode, moved into position in the front door alcove and donned their leather facemasks. With Creighton and Keldirk pressed hard up against the doors, Azareth cast a concealing illusion duplicating the facia of front doors one and half feet ahead of their actual position.
| Creighton | (whispers to Keldirk as the shimmering illusion springs to life) It's not going to work. |
| Keldirk | Of course it is. Shutup. |
| Creighton | It's shimmering too much. I feel like we're all hiding behind a blade of grass. |
| Keldirk | I said shutup. The mage knows what he's doing. (glances at Azareth) He better know what he's doing |
| Azareth | (staring straight ahead, concentrating on the illusion) |
| Keldirk | (whispers to Creighton) Get your weapon ready, you idiot. |
| Creighton | (draws his longsword) |
| Keldirk | (rolls his eyes) You plan to use a longsword? |
| Creighton | Yup. |
| Keldirk | Well make sure you keep it on this side of the illusion. |
| Creighton | I'm not an idiot. |
| Keldirk | (looks unconvinced) |
Selczek, his assistant Ungar and two local trollops left The Pit a little past midnight. The fights in the arena were surprisingly bloody this evening and, for once, Selczek didn't feel as though he had been cheated out of his coin. Deaths were uncommon in The Pit but the Pit Master had recently 'recruited' a seemingly indefatigable ogre with a penchant for breaking opponent's limbs over its knee. With a lady on each arm, the Guildmaster of the Embalmers and Gravediggers Guild returned to his morgue in the River Quarter in a festive, almost charitable mood.
| Ungar | (using sign-language) The blonde woman is pretty. |
| Selczek | If you're lucky I will pass her on once I'm finished. |
| brunette | (trips in her heels) Are we there yet? |
| blonde | Yeah, I need to pee. |
| Selczek | Nearly, my petal, nearly. |
The foursome rounded the corner and approached Selczek's home. The Undertaker unhooked himself from the ladies and retrieved a key from his belt pouch. As he stepped up to the front door he began to sense that something was amiss. There was a smell in the air, the smell of sweat and steel...
It was then that Creighton and Keldirk lunged forward, their deadly blades slicing through the air.
Keldirk's blade struck Selczek's mute assistant in the throat killing him instantly. The young assassin immediately withdrew his sword and pushed the man away with a deft kick to the midriff.
The half-orc undertaker managed to jump back in time to avoid a killing blow, but Creighton still opened a vicious gash in The Undertaker's chest.
His illusion forgotten, Azareth cast a second spell sending one magical bolt of energy into each woman. In an almost perfect mirror image the two harlots collapsed dead or unconscious to the cobbles.
The Undertaker tore his scimitar from its scabbard, the blade outlined in a dull, blue radiance. He swept his cloak off and moved into a position where he could see both antagonists.
| Selczek | (snarling) Come on, then. Wanna dance? |
| Creighton | Gladly. |
Creighton charged in and crashed his longsword into The Undertaker's magical blade again and again. Showers of sparks lit up the night and the clang of steel on steel echoed throughout the deserted streets. Keldirk slid around the periphery of the combat and sought to break through the half-orc's defences.
Azareth moved out of the alcove as the melee swirled further down the street. He sent a volley of magical missiles into Selczek's torso before two town guards jogged around a nearby corner, their weapons bared.
| guard | Stop! Drop your weapons! |
| Keldirk | (notices the approaching watchmen before flashing a quick glance at Azareth) Take care of them! |
Azareth stepped back into the alcove and cast a second illusion, this time bringing into existence three phantasmal warriors that ran from the alcove to intercept the oncoming guards. Maintaining three separate figures required all of Azareth's concentration and he found himself beginning to sweat even before the first exchange. One guard had the foresight to issue three shrill calls on his signal whistle and the assassins knew that time was short.
Selczek smiled when he spied the guards' approach. He figured that help would soon be on its way and all he had to do until then was survive. The half-orc parried Creighton's brutal attacks and stepped around in large circles to keep Keldirk at a distance.
Creighton was frustrated. His opponent was overtly defensive and was sufficiently skilled to keep Creighton's attacks at bay. He realised that Keldirk was trying to keep his distance from Selczek's deadly blade but he knew that without Keldirk's active participation he was never going to break through The Undertaker's defence.
| Creighton | (catches Keldirk's eye) Close! I need you to get close. |
Keldirk stepped into the melee with little hesitation. He knew that Creighton was more experienced in matters of combat and trusted that Creighton's reasoning was sound. Warily Keldirk thrust and parried, his efforts annoying Selczek more than causing any real harm.
Keldirk's distraction opened holes in Selczek's defence that Creighton immediately used to his advantage. The burly warrior feinted to the left then stepped forward and cut deeply into The Undertaker's ribs with his backswing. Selczek screamed in pain and launched into a savage counter-attack. He feinted at Creighton then, with surprising speed and agility, changed direction and sliced at Keldirk's head. Keldirk saw the move just in time and rocked back on his heels. That move saved his life. Selczek's blade cut into Keldirk's scalp and severed the strap of his facemask.
Selczek pressed his attack on Keldirk before the young assassin could regain his balance. Keldirk swore as his leather facemask dropped to the ground.
| Selczek | (recognises Keldirk) You! I know you! |
Keldirk could hardly see. The blood from his head wound flowed into his eyes and threatened to blind him. He sensed more than saw Selczek's next attack and immediately tumbled away to his left, narrowly avoiding decapitation.
Creighton heard the guard blow another three whistles and decided to risk all. He clenched his jaw in fearsome resolve and brought his sword around in a great sweep, the blade slicing into Selczek's shoulder - all but severing the half-orc's arm.
Selczek yelled in pain and turned, dazed and confused, to face Creighton. The half-orc was unsteady. His off-hand hung limply at his side and blood flowed freely from the grievous wound. He cursed Creighton with his eyes as he sought a means of escape.
Keldirk rose to his haunches fifteen feet away and immediately wiped the blood from his eyes. He noticed Selczek step away from Creighton and immediately flung three knives in The Undertaker's direction. Two of the knives struck home.
Selczek dropped to one knee, and raised his magical blade feebly before him. With contempt Creighton slapped Selczek's blade aside then calmly slid his three-foot blade into the Undertaker's chest.
| Keldirk | (sees The Undertaker fall) Stab him again. And don't forget his sword. |
Creighton slid his longsword brutally across The Undertaker's neck, the blade sliding through the soft flesh with ease.
| Keldirk | Come on! Let's get out of here. |
| Creighton | What about him? (points at Azareth then looks at the guards) |
| Keldirk | I know a place to hide. Mage, follow me. Now! |
Keldirk, Azareth and Creighton fled the scene. The guards stood back as their illusionary opponents ceased their attack. The diversion, and Keldirk's intimate knowledge of the maze-like network of alleys, was enough to grant the three assassins sufficient head start to escape the guard's pursuit.
Early the next morning a jail guard unlocked the door to Craven's cell and nudged the young prisoner awake.
| guard | Wake up! |
| Craven | (opens his eyes and blinks at the bright sunlight) Wha? |
| guard | You're free. |
| Craven | I am? |
| guard | I wouldn't argue if I were you. Come on, get on yer feet. I haven't got all day. |
| Craven | (rises from his straw pallet and follows the guard out of the cell) |
| guard | Who is she, your wife? |
| Craven | (confused) Who is who? |
| guard | The woman who bailed you out, that's who. |
| Craven | My wife? (thinks) No, I'm not married. |
| guard | (laughs) Well she's a stunner. If you knew what was good for you you'd propose before lunch. |
| Craven | (chuckles along humourlessly, wondering) |
The guard led Craven to the front room where the desk sergeant returned Craven's personal belongings.
| desk sergeant | I don't want to see your face in here again, understand me boy? |
| Craven | Sure. |
| desk sergeant | There's nothing lower than a man who beats on women. |
| Craven | I agree with you. I... I don't know what came over me. |
| desk sergeant | (unimpressed) See that it doesn't happen again! |
| Craven | So I'm free to go? |
| desk sergeant | (nods and begins to scribble on some paper) The charges have been dropped. It seems like you were born under a lucky star, boy. (passes over a sheet of parchment and indicates a quill) Sign here. |
| Craven | (reads the document and points at a paragraph) What's this about a fine? |
| desk sergeant | Don't worry about that, it's already been paid. |
| Craven | Paid? By whom? |
| Madam Fifi | By me. |
| Craven | (spins around) Madam Fifi! |
| Madam Fifi | Sign the document and let's be on our way. This place has an unsavoury feel about it. |
After Craven signed the document Madam Fifi took him by the arm and led him into the street, directly into a waiting carriage. On the seat opposite, in a neat bundle, lay Craven's clothes and weapons.
| Madam Fifi | (taps on the roof with her cane) Driver, number ten Hollyhock Street, Old City. |
| Craven | (stunned) |
| Madam Fifi | Close your mouth Craven, you look like a simpleton. |
| Craven | Why? Why did you bail me out of there? |
| Madam Fifi | Because it needed doing. You are unwell and you need help. |
| Craven | (nods dumbly) I'm sorry for what I did to your girl. |
| Madam Fifi | Forget about last night. Fyonna wasn't seriously hurt; more shocked than anything. |
| Craven | (genuinely relieved) I'm glad. I'd never want to hurt a woman. I don't know what came over me. (shakes his head sadly) |
| Madam Fifi | When was the last time you visited Natasha? |
| Craven | (looks up) Natasha? |
| Madam Fifi | I think it is about time you paid her a second visit. |
| Craven | (shields his eyes as the carriage turns a corner and sunlight streams in through the window) |
| Madam Fifi | (leans across and closes the curtain) |
The carriage rolled on through the narrow streets of Del Mord. The rhythmic sound of the wheels on the cobblestones echoed the beating of Craven's heart as they neared their destination. The more Craven thought about Madam Fifi's words, the more he realised what a fool he had been. Even after his visit with Maritai, Craven knew that the voice was still there - calling him.
| Craven | You're taking me to her, aren't you? |
| Madam Fifi | (softly) Yes. |
| Craven | (nods solemnly and runs his hands through his hair) |
| Madam Fifi | Don't be afraid. I've sent others to Natasha and she has taken good care of them. And she will take good care of you. |
| Craven | You know her, then? |
| Madam Fifi | Only by name; we've never met. |
| Craven | Why me? |
| Madam Fifi | Because you're the type of man she desires. You're strong, handsome, skilled at arms and a master in the art of lovemaking. |
The carriage rolled to a stop and Madam Fifi opened the door.
| Madam Fifi | Edna is expecting you, Craven. Trust me, my dear, you are doing the right thing. Your struggle has gone on long enough. Go now and find peace. |
| Craven | (takes Madam Fifi's hand and kisses it gently) Thankyou. |
Craven stepped out of the carriage and closed the door behind him. He stood and watched as the carriage rolled away before turning to knock on the old woman's front door.
He was going back to Crossroads and suddenly everything felt right.
| 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. |