Under the tree

16FirTree

Red stirred, he was barely aware of his surroundings or how he received this thumping headache. A quick glance around revealed nothing and memory was foggy from the past – well however long it has been until now. Closing his eyes and putting his head between his knees he tried to remember what happened, the last things he remembered was the apples spill before the bridge then the short tunnel under the bridge seeming to go on for ages. He tried to reverse the wagon to no success enchanted as it was with its nine wheels or otherwise. Eight supporting the weight of the wagon and another where the two reigns attached to and acted as a way to street the wagon as it traveled along the roads meant that it couldn’t turn in tight circles and moving it backwards wasn’t an easy ordeal.

Sighing he went to stand but found himself with straight legs but unable to stand. Moving around he became acutely aware of him drifting in nothingness. Drawing his wand Merry, a length of rich cherry wood, he one of the stored spells and created a ball of light that shon like the sun. Immediately he could tell that he was stored in some immense extra-dimensional space and it appeared to go on forever. Well, he was stuck here for now and what made matters more confusing was the magical items that he was transporting to the Supreme high magus were floating around him. He could almost rule out the old wizard as he had bo interest in the magical items and instead only in the obtaining and learning of knowledge.

As he pondered where he was a blinding light appeared from somewhere in front of him and a colossal hand reached in and neatly plucked a floating item out of the space before disappearing. He felt around for his other items he kept on himself to aid in his travelling and came across an unfamiliar bag on his hip. Opening it slowly, curiousity getting the best of him he found two waterskins one filled with water the other with what smelt like wine. There was also several hard little loafs of bread that were about palm sized. As he wondered what the purpose was another memory pierced his mind sharply and painfully.

As he moved through the tunnel and breached the other side a wall of canvas enveloped him and the wagon, throwing him and it into darkness. Spinning for what felt like ages he blacked out when his mind couldn’t take the spinning any more.

He knew this item, though he was only aware of a few that remained, and he owned one in hid wagon. The loaded knapsack, an item that can. Hold untold amounts of goods but only a limited amount of time. Depending on the amount of items it will then rupture all of them forward in a number of weeks, days or even hours depending on how loaded it is. Looking at the food and drink he had in the provided bag he believed he had about two days of supplies in there. Who ever was responsible knew their stuff but they best be prepared when he gets out, everyone knows Red doesn’t go down easily in a fight.

Grant Weathermane

16GrWm

As Grant sat down and delved into his roasted meat sandwich he dreaded when his break would end. He had already pushed out the last few minutes of his lunch before going out and was dreading going back to patrolling the south district and nearby shops in the market districts.

“Grant, we have a young halfling out here who claims we have a situation in the southern district. She’s been waiting a while for you, you’re up” his captain said sternly from the door.

“No worries captain Harrix, I’ll get onto it once I finish up here” Grant replied as he leisurely took a bite out of his roll. His captain sighed and could be hear calling out for Dane down the hall. “Good“, thought Grant, “Dane will be able to deal with it and I’ll get to finish my lunch“

Grant was so engrossed in avoiding work that he didn’t hear the first call for the rest of the guard to report to and deal with the fighting in the north of the markets. Once he had avoided work for as long as he could be left the mess room and head out to a bustling hallway.

“Whats going on?” He called but several people ignored him and pushed past.

“Get out the way you waste of space. Real Market Watch coming through” one guard said as he pushed through and past Grant, gritting his teeth fought back a response. It wasn’t the first time someone had said something about his attitude or dedication to the Guard and it in wouldn’t be the last so he let it slide. Walking to the entrance room to the building he approached the front desk, a woman named Karen manned it today. They got on well.

“Good to see you avoided the commotion Grant. A lot of the Market watch have head off to try and stop the street fights to the north of the Market district. Reports coming back from runners or those returning is that it’s a fruitless endeavour we are almost getting as many injured men as the gangs are.” She said as she cut off an offending section of a finger nail with a small knife. “Let them sort it out I say, more dead thugs means less paperwork we have to do when we can’t question them.

Nodding Grant agreed. Glad he dodged that bullet, “there was a halfling who said there was trouble down in the southern district, what happened to her?” He asked going to avoid more work with a leisurely stroll into the area of the city where the rich employ their own guard.

“Dunno. She took off after Dane questioned her. One less thing to deal with now. I can’t have anything holding me back after work today. I’ve got a date” Karen said with a toothy grin.

“tell me about it tomorrow. Will be more interesting than work I can already tell that.” He laughed as he started to walk back to the mess room before stopping. “You said the halfling spoke to Dane yeah? Where is my little brother?” He smirked, he would do anything for his little brother but his dedication to work was exhausting to be around.

“I think he went off with the captain to the fighting..” Karen said before stopping mid sentence as a man was carried in with an arm missing. “Nasty business this, I hope this won’t hold me back” she said.

The warmth drained from Grant. Hoe could the street gang fighting be this bad. They are normally just a handful of kids who pick pockets or occasionally break into shops. Fighting and serious injury is rarely seen if ever. A stone fell into his gut. Dane. His little Brother was probably on the front lines looking at trying to break it up.

With that Grant was off, grabbing a short sword from the weapon rack to add to the dagger at his hip he made haste for the north. The normally charming remarks from Karen grating on him as he ran out “let the market guys deal with it Grant, its not your job!’

As he dashed through the streets more and more injured people and smashed stalls were revealed. As he followed the train of guard returning from the front lines he constantly scanned for his brother, nothing, a good sign surely as he isnt injured. Relief started to relax his mild panic but the seriousness of the wounds on people was distressing.

Then he started to find the dead. Bodies cut nearly in half with such savagery and brutality he had not seen before. The sandy ground was red and tacky from the blood and everywhere he looked a new body or dying person lay. As he got to the fighting itself he saw the captain fighting several thugs at once, his longsword flashing in the light as it parried and wounded, not killed, thugs. As they fell injured and incapacitated guards ran up and bound them.

“Captain!,” He called as he ran to join him, drawing his blades.

“Grant, good, reinforcements are coming. They are organised Grant. Some guy called Carter is behind it or so we have worked out. His men number in the hundreds and he is fighting all gang members who have territory in this area. We are sustaining casualties, mainly injuries though,” he continued, Grants relief was visible to all near by, even when parrying an attack and knocking out a man with his elbow.

“And Dane sir?” He asked, hope in his voice as he stepped forward and knocked out the last man attacking them. A meaty hand clasper his shoulder.

“I’m sorry Grant. Dane didnt make it. He lies over by the warehouse, we had to retreat when we were ambushed, he held them off whilst we escaped with some civilians…” Grant looked towards where his captain was pointing, rage, white hot and burning surged through his body as the words from his commander vanished as he stepped forward, one foot at a time, towards the heat of the battle where his brother lay against a broken door.

---

Reports from that day speak of a great push to regain the market, of courage and planning that went of perfectly. What they leave out is how one man fought more savagely than all the gangs combined, never killing just leaving the gang members unable to fight as he moved across the streets like a fissure of wrath and rage, only stopping to pick up the body of a young Sergeant, his brother, and return him to his people.

Broken Bonds

16BrBo

Dee stepped merrily into the house that she had been living in with her friend Carter for the past few months having finally made enough money to upgrade from staying in a local inn. It had been a number of years since they had left Carters family residence and everything she had known to start things brand new, from scratch with a skillset not accustomed to life on the streets. She had to learn quickly and had even discovered a bit of magic coursing through her veins. Using her magic, her charm and her natural talents as a halfling she made a name for herself as part of Carters crew in retrieving or locating objects and people for the right price but always at the behest of Carter.

As she past the kitchen old habits kicked in and she found herself tiding up bottles, plates and utensils that had been left across the table from when the other members of the crew had come to discuss the next job they had. She had been out helping a groom found his lost ring from when he had been guarding a caravan in a nearby marsh. The pay had been good but the marsh was not a safe place for the ill prepared, lucky for her no one expected her natural talent for this type of work, herself included.

“Carter?” she called as she walked up stairs to where the bedrooms and where they kept their plans in private she found Carter snoring in his room with his Fiancé, Gwen. Closing the door to give them more privacy she walked forward towards her room but stopped when she passed the room where they conducted most of their planning due to the thickness of its windowless walls and loose boards on the walls and floor to hide things in quickly should the need arise. the door was open which was something that they had agreed to not do, secrecy in their clients private matters was the highest priority for her. Entering to make sure that the room hadn’t been broken into she found a series of papers and plans on the table, it looked like the Crew had been planning late into the night. Tiding up the papers she noticed that several of the papers referred to streets and buildings between the market and the docks. Looking further into it she noticed several names she didn’t recognise as well as detailed movement of people or groups. Her guess was that, like the rest of their work, these people were thieves or people of interest that they were needing to apprehend and hand into the Market Watch to be returned to their rightful owner. But there was a nagging, a tug at the corner of her mind that told her that there was a large number of weapons listed amongst the documents for planning and the more she looked the more the numbers of names listed, the areas that they were listed and a few key names of people who own stalls in the market. This looked like something that wasn’t normal for their little crew and it gave her a bad feeling. Backing away from the table with the ill-boding plans she left room, checking that no one was in the hall way before she stepped through and closed the door.

“Morning Dee, didn’t here you come in. What are you doing?” Carter asked with a yawn as he leant against the door frame to his room.

“Just came in Carter, just closing this door as it was left open. Don’t want to risk someone walking in.” Dee said with a smile, and imitating his yawn to hide her true feelings on her face. Carter just smiled before walking downstairs towards the kitchen “I cleaned up, there should be some salted meat and bread on the table!” she called out.

Carter smiled “What would we do without you Dee?” he said before walking down to investigate what was for breakfast. Dee practically ran to her room and started to pack her back with her valuables. Something was wrong and that little voice that kept her safe in the past was telling her that she had to get out and so she packed and made plans.

“So Dee, we’ve got a job. Our largest yet and I need you to do something for us that only you can do. Without you the job will fail and our client will not be reunited with their father.”

Dee bit her lip before turning around with smile painted on her face “No worries Carter, what do you need me to do?”

“I need you to have a little chat to the Market Watch.” Carter grinned as he took a bit out of the fresh bread that she had brought back the crew.

A few hours later, all belongings stuffed inside a backpack Dee was standing in front of the Market Watch guard post, a large building in the middle of the the mark district. “Just this last job and walk away, we owe him that much” she thought to herself as she pushed through the doors, with a little more effort due to her size. Walking up to the front desk she stood on a stood that was to the side and cleared her throat. “I am here to report a theft, well its about to happen in a manor, the Youngbanks manor, Lord Ruther Youngbanks’s house” she said putting as much effort as she could into her face remaining concerned and, no effort required, worry and fear showing in her looks. She was quickly shown a seat and asked to wait for someone to come get her.

Minutes ticked by and she began to worry, Carter needed the Market Watch sent in the other side of the city so that he could complete the job – what ever it was – and she was out of time. Panic began to set in as she knew she was out of time and as she began to fidget and sweat more a hand gripped her should and she looked up into a guardsman’s face who was kneeling next to her.

“Are you ok miss?” A kind human man asked smiling as he took a seat next to her. “I am Sergeant Dane Weathermane, you are probably waiting for my big brother Grant to come and speak to you but he is a bit preoccupied at the moment, is this something I can help with? he said, his smile calming her nerves somewhat.

“I have to r-r-rreport that there is going to be a robbery at the Youngbanks residence in the southern district. I overheard a few men at the bar saying that they were going to storm the place looking for some treasure that the family had stashed away and so I came here straight away. You have to take as many men as you can and get there, it sounded like it was one of them street gangs” she blurted out, her nerves returning to give her lies a tingle of real urgency and nerves.

“Okay okay little miss, I believe your name is Dee is that correct?” Dane asked, Dee’s face dropped and went blank. Her real name being exposed was not part of the plan. “I have heard that we have worked with you before, you collect a lot of bounties and make quite a few people happy by reuniting them with their kids, parents or lost things.” Dane smiled, he was actually genuine.

The door burst open and two Market watch guardsmen ran through the door, weapons drawn and their armour already smeared with blood. “There is trouble in the south, by the docks. We are requesting all available able body men and women to come help break up multiple fights between street gangs. From the looks of it a someone has rallied multiple gangs together and they are all fighting for the one guy they call the Gent.

Dee’s heart sank, The Gent is what her crew was called due to the nature and how Carter worked and treated people – fairly, if not ruthlessly at points, much like a gentleman. Carter was behind this.

“I’m sorry Dee there are people that could need help. Someone will come help you with your report and we will see if we can be of assistance to the Youngbanks” Dane said as he stood and received a tunic and sword that he strapped on.

“Please don’t go. I.. I really.. ” Dee didn’t want this genuine kind man to get involved. She had a bad feeling about all of it. “really think that someone, you!, yes you should look into the Youngbanks”

Dane sighed but smiled “The Youngbanks residence has been vacant for years, ever since their son disappeared and the family was thrown into ruin. If wealth still lies within their walls I doubt that it has gone this long without being discovered. When I return I will investigate it personally” Dane said with a smile.

As he stood and walked out tears came to Dee’s eyes and she got up and walked out of the building. She was never going back to Carter, it all made sense now. His ambition had outgrown doing what was right and he was revealing his hand, he wanted the city like his parents ahd but he wanted to take it with violence instead of schemes alone.

As she left she shed her moss green cloak and let it sink into the mud. She would not be called Dee any more, she would change herself, become self reliant and it would start with a new name and a new place to stay. She, Discordia, would disappear. Dis. Dis had a nice ring to it.

Carter

16Carter

As he strode through the halls of his manor house he could not help but admire what he was able to achieve through his planning and grit. Not born of the streets but from one of the merchant elite families he was destined for this role – however he decided that he did not like decided that he wouldn’t be a puppet for his parents game and he left. The memories of that day still haunted him, not in a bad way of course but it was one of the last times he felt like he had a true friend.

“Lord Carter, sir” a voice, one of the leaders of the gangs he managed rang from the door.

“Come in, tell me your news” he replied politely indicating to a chair in his waiting room.

The man tiptoed in, there was a reason Carter was the only merchant elite amongst those who ruled the streets and it fitted his nickname, The Gent. Sitting down he took of his hat and waited as Carter sat down opposite him.

“A report sir, Reds Wagon was found on bridge street, Red was no where to be found and his wagon was unguarded.” The man began, pausing to lick his lips and gulp nervously.

“Excellent news, what magic items, goods and other loot was returned. I cant emphasise enough how this will change the battles on the streets. With magical items and equipment we will rule without the need of bloodshed and even have a united front when we take the southern district and role Merchants Glen.” He said excitedly clasping the mans hand. His smile faded when the gang leader shed a tear and trembled.

“Sir, we found the wagon empty. It looked like someone else hit it before us. They must have been good as we lost a few of our guys to the traps and guardians of the wagon. Got to give it to Red, he knows his craft I don’t think we would have had got… there…” the man paused as he felt Carter drop his hand.

“Someone else got there before me. I don’t see how that’s possible as there isn’t a single crew out there that is bigger or more well kitted than us, it took us months to plan this heist. There is no one else out there who could have done this.. ” Carter sighed and stood up, walking to a window that overlooks the street and the dock, his dock. “Well, get your boys out there and bring in anyone who is suspicious. I will find my wagon”

“Yes sir, I will get my gang out there.” The man said standing and bowing his head.

“No, not just your gang. All of them.” said Carter, turning around and smiling “Don’t fail me on this”

The man practically tripped over himself as he ran out the door, he would not fail Carter in this.

The great food bazar

15GmFoSt

Despite the bitter cold that had set down across the Merchants Glen the exotic smells from the great food bazar had Grant’s mouth watering as he made his way back from the warehouse which was, so far, a dead-end in the wagon heist case. As he walked past the brightly decorated stalls he could not keep his eyes from wandering from the platters of meat that had been roasted, barbequed, fried or seared over a fire. Every stall a different cascade of flavours, colours, smells and sounds for his senses and the more he walked the more aware of his hunger he became.

“Grant, captain Grant!” a voice called from one such stall, this one selling a mixture of meat, vegetable and a wide variety of spices wrapped in a wheat dough that was wrapped into a log before being fried in a pan with butter, a lot of butter.

“Yousef, what can I assist you with?” Grant asked as he approached the man. Most people knew him and the reason he patrolled the streets alone, he was a one man force and even the street gangs feared him.

“I wanted to thank you for finding where my stolen spices had gotten to. Without you finding them I would not have been able to make this batch of bon-goblins” Yousef smiled and to emphasise his point he clacked the metal tongs together twice. “If its ok with you I’d like you to have the first of the batch” he said with a smile, reaching onto the plate with the bon-goblins and picking one of the golden fried parcels.

“I really can’t, not while on duty Youssef” Grant said raising his hands and backing away trying to dismiss the offer.

“You can’t always be on duty. Besides I can hear your tummy growling my friend. Go, take it. It’s the least I can do for Merchants Glen’s best watch captain.” he said with a knowing smile as he raised a single eyebrow. Youssef was a good man, honest and hard working. Grant didn’t doubt his character but didn’t want to be seen playing favourites or anything with one of market stall owners.

Sighing Grant stepped forward “Just one Youssef, I can’t take more than one” he said extending his hand.

*Clack clack* the metal tongs went as Youssef practically shook with giddy excitement “I have just the one” he said with more glee than what was appropriate as he swooped his hand down and plucked a single fat bon-goblin and placed it in Grants open hand.

Carefully taking a bit as the parcel was still hot Grant watched as Youssef looked onward with great interest. The wrapping was crunchy and rich yet light and airy, as the hot innards of the parcel entered his mouth the sweetness of the meat mixed with the blend of bitter and tangy spices while the extreme aromatics and chilli overtook his senses. The spices, sweet meat and the mix of vegetables created something that was truly delicious.

“This is great Youssef, you have outdone yourself” Grant said as he was finally able to swallow the hot mouthful he had taken. The man in front of him beamed with pride and bowed low, nearly setting his beard in the hot pan.

“Your praise is truly humbling. Are you sure you don’t want another?” he asked, clacking tongs already diving towards another parcel.

“No, no. The one will do. Next time I am off duty I will come get more” Grant promised, yet unsure if or when he would be actually off duty. Smiling and waving as he walked off he inhaled the last of the savoury spiced meal before moving to the next. It wasn’t long until Grant stumbled upon one the stalls he actually normally sought out. This one specialised in rolls, slightly stale just to be clear, that were laden with roast meats, a few vegetables and then smothered in a thick, rich gravy that seemed to soak into the bread to make it meal in its own right.

“The usual Grant” A pretty young woman asked, smiling as she finished with another customer, there were always customers here.

“Good afternoon Whitney, no thanks. Already had a bit to eat so will pass today..” he had barely got the words out of his mouth before Sparrow roused from his hood and all but jumped on the table. Several people around him looked with a mix of awe and fear at the odd scaled bird that he held in his hands. “Quit it Sparrow, damnit you choose the worst times to wake up from your nap” he exclaimed as he tried to grab an control the little creature.

“Good afternoon to you too Sparrow. Mean Grant doesn’t want any today so I am sorry little one” Whitney said in mock apology.

“Alright alright the usual!” Grant called as tiny little claws started to scratch his skip as Sparrow desperately tried to get to the food.

Within a minute or so Sparrow had half a role clutched in the claws on his short wings and was eagerly hunting for his favourite bits before he picked the bread apart piece by piece.

“Such an odd creature” Whitney mused leaning on the bench as the last of the customers left.

“Tell me about it, he seems to be having a rough day to. I think he is slipping” Grant mused as he bit into the roll, his stomach urging him to reconsider any more rich, dense food.

“That’s not like Sparrow. Nothing gets past his smell or his keen eyes. Maybe you just need to see it from his perspective?” Whitney said with a giggle as Sparrow finished his part of the roll and looked hungrily at Grants portion. Not wanting to end up with other cuts and scratches he resigned his roll to the bird-thing, to it and his stomach’s delight.

“Yeah well, it must be the cold. He always goes a bit sluggish and off his game when it’s cold.” Grant said with a sigh. Thanking Whitney he scooped up his companion and walked the last few blocks towards the Watch tower, where he and the other city guards spent most of their time when not out on patrol or responding to an incident.

As he walked through the door to his room he pondered what Whitney could have meant as he sat down to a mountain of unorganised notes and resigned himself to his fate.

Body for hire

15Kane

*thud* the meaty fist smashed into his bottom rib, the battered bone fracturing not for the first time in his life. Grunting he shot out his knee into the mans gut forcing the wind out of his lungs, taking this moment to bring the back of his fist across the man’s face as he gasped for breath. Not wanting to leave this opportunity unanswered he pushed forward with vicious kicks and punches, constantly aiming for the soft parts of the much larger man. Nearby other people were brawling, he watched as a man got stabbed in the eye with a short blade, grimacing he knew he had to wrap this up quickly as the multiple places he had been punched were starting to ache, bruises would definitely be there tomorrow. His broken rib was starting to throb nearly unbearably as he kept punching, nearly, he had a surprisingly high pain tolerance for someone his size. Launching another strike wide towards his opponents rib he faked the blow before bringing his elbow into the mans exposed jaw. The crunch of his elbow shattering jaw brought a smile to his lips especially when he saw the mans eyes flutter as he passed out.

Grabbing the bag he had dropped in the fight he began to run as quickly as his injuries allowed him to. As he passed people who, like him, who were not only fighting for their lives but for the stolen loot they carried,  he did not even spare them a a second thought to him as he ran past them.

“Each man to themselves Kane, that’s what we all agreed upon. Take the goods back to Carter and get paid enough to drink for a week.” He thought as he ran past the last of the assailants, having to jump onto barrels and crates to avoid the last few brawls. He soon realised his folly when he started to have to duck under ropes that held up clothes to dry above the street and the occasional sign for a building. As he jumped down and turned the corner he turned his head to make sure no one was pursuing him, he grinned like a madman as he saw, more or less, a empty street with no sign of someone chasing him. He turned the corner just in time for the sound of whirling cord swinging through the air before a taught weighted length of braided leather wrapped itself around his neck and three weighted sacks smacked him in the face. As he flailed and tried to break free if the bolas he could feel his consciousness fading as black boots stepped in front of his eyes and a glinting dagger came in not view.

“well, I can’t say it’s been a good run…” he thought to himself as he slipped into darkness.

Cold. Freezing. Cold, Freezing and wet! He brain exploded into thought as ice cold water splashed over his face and upper torso. Coughing and spluttering he looked around the warehouse he was sitting in. Large wooden rafters supported the massive ceiling, the warehouse was full of cows, pigs and sheep. The noise and smell over road his senses and dazed him.

“awake finally” a soft voice said from beside him, a small girl with leather armour and a green cloak stood next to him – a halfling, he was sure of it. “So here’s how it’s going to be. I’ll ask a question and you’ll tell me the answer and if I like what I hear then I’ll let you go and you can take your loot with you. I don’t like what I hear and you don’t leave and I keep your stuff. To make sure I like what I hear…” She trailed off as she finished drawing symbols on her temple and forehead with a white paint like substance. She placed down the smooth wooden length, a wand if Kane had ever seen one, she chanted before a flash of light and three glowing orbs circled her head.

Now Kane wasn’t someone to spook easily, never had shied from a fight before but there was one thing he truly feared, magic.

“now, and easy one. Your name?” The halfling asked as she picked up her wanted again, the orbs of light shifting colour slightly.

“Kane, I don’t have a last name. Nuffin fancy, just Kane” he mumbled.

The halfling nodded, “what are the items you stole?” She asked grabbing and opening the bag that he had fought hard for.

“Just shiny junk, I thought they would be worth a few silver” he lied, he only knew that Carter paid heavily for them and that they were extremely valuable and that man prized loyalty and secrecy above all else.

The halfling smirked “now what would Carter want with shiny junk, never mind that these are Astral Quarts and have been known to tear out the souls of people randomly” her smile was like a predator spying its prey. She grabbed a single silvery chunk of stone out which looked like any ordinary rock except this appeared to be made out of liquid silver.

Kane practically couldn’t get away from the halfling or the stone fast enough. He thrashed and flailed so much that the chair he was tied to tipped and fell onto its side. “Ok, I don’t know what it is. Just that he is paying fifty golf per stone. I want nuffin’ to do with it or you’re mind reading magic. Just let me go and I swear you don’t have to worry about me every again. I set on me life!” He shrieked as panic at in.

The halfling stood one foot onto the chair leg and smirked. “On one condition. You take me to Carters drop off point for these stones.” She said while smiling like a crocodile.

“deal” Kane said. As he said it the halfling clicked her fingers and the lights and white paint disappeared instantly.

“well, daylights wasting” she said as she cut his bonds up.

Sighing with relief Kane stood on shaking legs “what do you want with Carter anyway? Going against him is a deathwish.” He asked.

“Carter stole from me” she said, all Mirth gone from her face.

“what did he take miss, err” Kane asked rubbing his head where the bolas smacked his skull.

“Dis. Call me Dis,” she replied as she out the wand and a few other items into a bag with a face on it, a bag of holding Kane knew it to be, “Carter stole my life from me.” She said before standing in front of him, her pose, confidence and pure presence making him want to do as she asked.

“ok, stay a bit back and I’ll take you there boss” he said without thinking as he left the warehouse and tried to get his bearings.

“If you can help me stop Carter getting any more of these stones I can make sure you get paid more than a few handfuls of gold Kane.” Dis said as she stood behind him, her green hooded cloak pulled high.

“yes boss” he said, a smile coming to his face at the prospect of gold. “Well, out with one boss in with a new one. As long as the gold and grog’s good I’m easy” he thought as he walked into the street the prospect of a warm meal and good ale driving his steps forward.

Bowerbird

15BoBi

She stared hungrily at the plates of food piled high with roast meats, beads, cheeses, vegetables and fruits. As each portion of food was carefully cut and divided to those at the table the aromas of all the different foods mixed together into a swirling, intoxicating mix of euphoria that made her lightheaded and start to drool.

As the first of the food was cut into she could almost taste it, the sweet white meat was rich in flavour and dripping fats and a rich brown gravy. The potatoes are crispy and golden and the pumpkin was soft, creamy and slightly blackened in the outside which she knew only would increase the Natural sweetness. Well, she thought she knew.

As the feast was devoured the little halfling girl stood against the wall and waited to be called to clear the plates, hoping that there would be food left on the plates for her to taste some of the heavenly meal.

“well that was delicious Erin, simply wonderful” the lord of the house practically belched out after wiping the plate clean with a finger and slurping it down.

“Indeed Ruther, although I do believe I hate to much!” Erin cackled placing her knife and fork down on the table next yo the almost licked clean plate. “What about you Cartherius? Are you full my dear, you’ve hardly touched your plate”

Their son, Cartherius, shifted his gravy sodden food around the plate, a few bites in and having watched his parent’s gusto for consumption was enough to turn most people off their meal. “I.. I’m not hungry tonight. I had enough with the feast we had at lunch time” he replied carefully as he put his silver knife and fork down next to his plate.

His father, Lord Ruther, squinted his eyes, and looked narrowly at his son. “Very well. Maid, come clean this up and give the scraps to the hogs. I need them fattened up for the next feast where we will host Lord Austin and his family.” Ruther commanded, clapping his hands for full effect.

The quaint halfling girl scampered towards the table, a little cart for storing the plates and cutlery and a small bucket to scrape the scraps into, of which there wasn’t many. As she moved between place to place at the table the moved deftly and quietly as becoming to her race. When she retrieved Cartherius’s plate and scraps he smiled at her “Thank you Dee” he spoke to to her, softly with a warm smile. This caused his mother to cackle and his father to bellow forth with laughter.

“My boy, you do not need to thank the maid. It’s her duty to clean up for us. It’s just her lot in life. Your mother and I worked hard to get all of this, we could not just simply live off your grandfathers inheritance, no we had to do more..” he began. Cartherius tuned out as he watched the halfling girl, pretty despite her unkept appearance and position as house made, deftly and quickly clear the table and make off out of the room.

Dee scurried through the halls and down the stairs, careful not to tip and break a plate, cup or saucer as that would come out of her pay, and placed the crockery and cutlery in a basin ready to be filled with warm water from the hearth so that the grease would come off more easily. After pouring the water she ran off with the small bucket of scraps to the pigs where she would sit with the gentle giants that she had befriended.

As she fed the scraps to the pigs she would take choice bits of meat, or food that wasn’t evidently chewed on and would quickly wolf them down as to not be seen. She sighed with resignation to her fate as she cleaned off one greasy finger.

“I guess this is what Lord Ruther said. Just my lot in life. Though how I want more. I don’t want to wash plates and serve food for ever. I never want to have to sort through scraps so I can enjoy a feast.” Dee quickly spoke to the pigs, giving them a scratch behind their great big floppy ears. After a while she returned back inside to finish cleaning the dishes.

Some time passed and the seasons changed. The young halfling had grown into a young woman and had taken up the mantle of head maid who would look after the household, not just a scullery maid. During this time the relationship between Father, Mother and Son had deteriorated and her and Cartherius had grown to be close, almost friends.

“I can’t wait to get out of here. I am sick of fathers business and tired of mothers scheming. She wants me to marry Lord Austin’s daughter, Mary.” Cartherius spoke in hushed voices feeding the chickens casually with the maid.

“Well how I’ve seen it you’ve got two plans. One, marry Mary and make your father and mother proud and their business an wealth will flourish and so will yours. I mean that doesn’t sound bad. Mary is plain, but she isn’t half as daft as she looks yeah?” Dee said casually as she reached in and retrieve two eggs.

“Eurgh, hard pass. She’s as mean as father and schemes worse than mother. If I marry her my life will be over and I won’t ever be able to leave this city with all its shitty manors, it’s pompous oaths and those who look down upon all that aren’t who they invite over to dinner.” This, coupled with the look on his face that looked like he just ate a lemon whole, caused her to laugh. “What’s the other option?” Cartherius asked grinning.

“Well option two is much better. You become the maid and I will marry Mary.” she said, tapping her nose and giving her friend a wink. “That way I become filthy rich and your parents will throw you out for sinking so low as to become someone’s house maid.” Dee said, nodding as sagely as she could muster hiding her humour.

Cartherius laughed, hard, to the point he fell through the roof of the coop he was sitting on and the sound of smashing eggs and a very angry chicken could be heard. Her laugher joined his as she helped him out of the splintered wood and scattered straw. “Hey, you hate them just as much as I. Remember how they made sport out of killing those pigs you were so fond of? What barbarians.” Cartherius muttered as he dusted himself off.

She did remember and had not forgiven. She held no small amount of contempt for that family. “well then there is only option one then. Shall I prepare your suit now milord?” she teased as they walked back towards the house. Cartherius was quite in deep thought.

“There may be a third option. I will have to think on it though” he mentioned before entering the house first to go get changed as she head down to her room. She had dishes to wash.

During the following week the mood shifted in the house, Catherius was more courteous and polite to his parents who seemed to be overly receptive to his change of heart and attitude. It wasn’t until later that week that she found out that he had agreed to marry Mary.

Dee was confused but happy for her friend, she only wanted what was best for him and she was sure that what ever his plan was would end well for him. Not that he would ever admit it but he was more savvy and more cunning than both his parents combined. Late one night she woke to find Cartherius in her chamber.

“Shh Dee” he said squatting just inside the doorway rummaging through a sack.

“What are you doing?” Dee asked stretching and getting out of bed, her head level with his only for the time being whilst he knelt on the floor.

“Option three, well four but that’s not important.” he grinned as he reached into the sack again, the sound of metal clinking coming from within.

“What are you planning… The noises from that sack don’t sound like the makings of a smart plan.” Dee asked with morbid curiosity. Cartherius reached out grabbing her hands softly.

“I found out their plans, this last week I was plying them with information. They plan to overthrow the other merchant families, completely shut out their suppliers and run them out, dry. I also found out something Dee.. They have forced a deal to be brokered with the city, maids and house staff will become property of the estate all they need is the vote from the Austin’s and with my marriage with their family they brokered that arrangement. I’m so sorry Dee, when I found that out I couldn’t go ahead with the marriage, even if it was the plan to bankrupt both families and leave them in in the streets! ha!” he excitedly said as he grabbed a large pouch and held it to Dee. “They wont like what I have done, and they will blame you, well definitely me, but they wont be kind to you. This will give you a new life, a life you deserve.”

“This is too soon. What do you expect…” Dee was cut off by shouting, angry shouting.

Cartherius grimaced and closed the sack tight. “Quick. Out the back through the chicken pens.” he spoke in a hushed whisper before turning around “get some clothes on and grab what you can. I will meet you by the chickens.

“C. What. Don’t know.” Dee said.

“Trust me.” he said before running up the stairs.

In a matter of moments Dee had shoved everything she had cared about into a knapsack and was rushing up the stairs and out the back door, Cartherius just in front of him as they darted from barn or coop to the next. As they made it to the back of the fence where it opened up to the alleyway behind the manor they pushed the board carefully to the side and slipped through. They could hear the call for the city watch resonating through the buildings now.

“Cartherius, what do we do, where do we go.” She asked.

“Don’t fret Discordia, Dee. I haven’t led you terribly astray before have I?” He teased grinning as she put her hands on her hips and gave him the ‘you’re kidding me’ look. He grinned and slipped a ring of his finger before giving it to her. “For safe keeping, in case we get separated you can find me with that” he said. The heavy chunky bronze ring bore many cats eye motifs carved, or moulded, into the surface. Tucking it into a vest pocket of her tunic they stood and walked towards the entrance to the alley.

“I have some friends out by the market. We can stay there for a while.” He said as they started to walk casually down the ally. As he walked he pulled two cloaks from his sack, one moss green and small enough for a child, or halfling, the other was a faun brown and gilded on the edges. As he draped the cloak over Discordia’s shoulders and pulled his own cloak around his shoulders they strode down the road like nothing was the matter.

“Carth..” she began.

“That name must die in that alley Dee. A new life a new name. After this I can’t go back.” he turned his head towards her, his eyes cold and serious like steel glinting in a dark room.

“Well what do I call you then?” She said in a huff.

“Carter.” he said. “Call me Carter”