Private Tales A Devil Deal

[Liam Silvern]

It had taken some time but Joseph and his hires had eventually gotten away from the strange elf woman at the tavern. An odd event that warranted a private room for their discussion. After changing locations Joseph revealed the nature of the job to Liam and Simin Omid. It seemed he had a deal with a group of bandits to get fabrics for a cheaper price. They would rob, bloodlessly, a caravan carrying the goods from the city they were made in and then he would buy it off of them for cheaper than it was going to cost him. It worked out well twice before the bandits decided they wanted more.

The bandits went from no or little bloodshed in their robbery to slaughtering a majority of the third caravan. Joseph ended their deal over it, but the bandits didn't care. They began to hit every caravan carrying fabrics after learning their routes. It had caused prices to shoot up. What was worse was the threat of a shortage from traders beginning to avoid Elbion began to surface. Joseph could not have that and since he knew their location decided to eliminate the problem. A bonus was also offered if any evidence of his original deal with them was recovered and destroyed. The pair's job however was to completely eliminate the bandit threat.

They had to cross the waters to the southeast to get to the bandit's hideout in the hills. It was something Liam did not particularly enjoy. The entire time he was completely withdrawn and nervous. He didn't get better until his feet were on solid ground again and the waters were a thin strip on the horizon. He had purchased a solid bow and combat arrows before they had left the city as well. With it just being the two of them he had a feeling it was going to be needed. All he could afford however was nine arrows so he was going to need to make them count. Hopefully he could pick up more off the bandits later.

As they headed through the arid grassland around Elbion, Liam had been rather quiet. He was never much of one for talk. It didn't help that the nature of the job didn't go over well with him. He had already committed himself to it however so there was no turning back. Too much for the future was riding on it. As they walked the well worn road, he finally said, "We need to plan the attack. What kind of approach are you comfortable with?"

 

[Simin Omid]

They had taken a side room in order to get down to business. The elf had been a surprise, but the details of their job were a bit more surprising for Simin. Bandits that had got an idea in their head to make their own way in the world by harming others. It set their view on the job, content to be removing the blotches from society before they became something more serious. The man had informed them of the location, and they secured passage across the water.

The komodi kept well away from the edge of the boat, plainly nervous about being on the water. They were wearing a lot of clothing, all of which would retain water and drag them under if they slipped in on accident. They didn't bother to make conversation until they touched land once more, to agitated by the water to do anything more than fret and worry.

Once they began through the grasslands, Simin spared a glance to the mercenary beside her every so often. He was quiet, but so were a majority of them. A rough life of violence and near death experiences tended to make one thoughtful. To their surprise, Malachite spoke first, asking about tactics. A glance to the sky had Simin caught in thought for a moment.

He was wearing a sword along with a ranged weapon. Simin had not learned how to handle any weapon like a bow just yet, so they would have to close the distance and hope the human was decent with his shots.

"This one likes silence. The dark would be a friend to us since Thorn uses knives." Simin offered, a hand darting into the folds of the clothing and producing a small plain dagger. "You are a good shot with the bow? Would you be able to shoot around this one?" They asked, eyes bright with curiosity. For the dark task ahead of them, they seemed rather cheery still. The dagger was put back from where it came, the clothes settling in place to hide everything that laid below.

 

[Liam Silvern]

As the komodi answered his question and produced a dagger, Liam frowned slightly. Not much in the way of versatility. It made him think of assassins or hit men rather than a sellsword. Just two of them, only a single bow, and one of them was limited to dagger range. It was not looking like their chances were all that good. He would need to find a way to victory if he wanted to return to his wife alive and safe.

Liam remained silent for a bit instead of answering Simin Omid. Eventually he was done thinking. "Not a marksman or dedicated archer. Passable at it and good enough to carry a bow. Better with my blades."

Liam headed off the road a short ways and then stopped walking. He kneeled down and pulled out the map provided to them by Joseph. The general location of the bandit hideout was marked on it but not the precise one. First he needed to address the exact location, or likely ones, and then adapt his idea to it. After a bit of studying he saw only one good location for a camp that can hide people and supplies. He tapped it with his finger so his companion could see what he was about to talk about.

"Here. This is where they will be." Liam said in a somewhat stoic way. "We hit them in the dark of night after drinking and sleep has taken most of them. Look outs won't be disciplined so easy to get in range of and kill. Also likely around fires so easy to see. I will shoot them while you are sneaking up. We take them out quick and quiet then enter. Slit sleeping throats for as long as we can. If they get alerted before we thin their numbers we die."

Liam looked at Simin. "Acceptable for you?"

 

[Simin Omid]

That he wasn't a dedicated archer made things a bit harder, and seemed to dampen the komodi's mood. The small frown that formed showing their drop in confidence.

"Oh." Was all the more reply Simin gave at Liam revealing to be better with blades. They would have to be silent and unseen to return from this trip. Their tail flicked about, nervous energy moving from the rest of their form to express itself elsewhere.

When he cut off the road and presented a map, the komodi sat beside him and followed the trail of his eyes. Maps weren't something they dealt with often, landmarks and descriptions more so than black inked lines and such. Simin stared at the paper for a time as he pointed to a spot and laid out their plan. It all sounded good and well, and in an oddly cheery tone added a small note.

"Take a rag with you to cover their mouths. Makes them sound like they are sleep talking this one has been told." Simin offered a small bit of wrapped cloth from one of the folds.

"Thorn agrees with your plan and-." The aha moment of their face lighting up at a sudden idea. "Get some small pebbles or rocks to throw. Noise draws attention, makes people look."

 

[Liam Silvern]

The komodi giving feedback and making suggestions was a good sign to Liam. It meant they were thinking and could get creative. Too many hands for hire couldn't or wouldn't do either. The mention of the cloth did confirm his earlier suspicion on them being some kind of assassin or hit man. The idea on the pebbles was good though. It could help them get in.

"Approach and throw then I will shoot." Liam responded to his new partner. "Shouldn't be more than two look outs. Three if they are careful, which would get... tricky. More than that and we shift plans."

Liam rolled up the map as he let his words cling in the air. If there was more than three guards they would be facing more than they could hope to kill even by a night assault. They would need to go in after the main group left and lay some kind of trap. Likely poison wine and water. Did they even have any poison on them that could be used? It would need to be something that was not immediate nor take days. It needed to be just long enough they all drank so it could take effect.

But that was the backup plan and would require preparation. Well it would if they didn't have any poison on them. Liam looked to Simin Omid and said, "Do you have poisons on you? Need some in case there is more look outs."

 

[Simin Omid]

Simin nodded at the throw and shoot plan. But the talk of possibly having more than two lookouts bothered them. Their face screwed up in thought for a moment at trying to think how best to distract someone away from a post. Their whole body rocked back and forth as they thought, not making a sound.

"If there is more than two, we could wait until they change. This one isn't against a day of watching unless you would rather hurry?" Simin offered since preparing with only two of them would garner better chances of success. The mention of poison's however had the komodi digging through pockets before finding the sleeping pills they had.

"Not poison. These don't knock out, but makes one tired and sleep harder." Simin informed their compatriot as they pulled the small green pills out. It was a surprising amount, the small komodi's hand full of them, and more yet in their pocket. Live bounties brought more money, and meant less blood that Simin had to spill.

The pharmacist that had sold them to Simin seemed confused at first when they had been asked for, but a small lie about their grandmother needing them was all the more it took to clear any suspicions. The continued purchase and stockpiling of them however had made the pharmacist a tad concerned, but again, a few more small lies about others using Simin to buy things since most komodi were frowned upon made the person shrug and accept the lie.

 

[Liam Silvern]

Asking the komodi about poison proved to be valuable. They did not have any poison but they did have something perhaps more useful. Sleeping pills would work just as well. The deeper their sleep the more room they had for error. It could be used in a similar fashion as well to poison. It was a victory for him because of it.

Liam's companion was worried about there being more than two look outs however. He could understand it. The two had limited options and very little preparations readied. It would be best not to risk things if they could help it. He gave them a quick noise of agreement then began to make the minor adjustments to the second plan if their first failed.

After a moment Liam finally spoke his thoughts. "Tonight is scouting then. If two then we engage. If three then we adjust. Agreeable?"

Liam waited for a response from Simin Omid . They were still a good distance away from the hideout location. Hours left yet to walk would provide them with more time to ponder over their roles and approaches. He had a feeling once inside the bandits' den they would find themselves separated. Not a good thing but each had their own objectives even for such a straightforward job. His was to survive and repay his debt. What could this komodi's be?

 

[Simin Omid]

Their companion seemed pleased with the pills. A tool that Simin had never thought to use en masse. Considering it was just the two of them though, thinking outside the normal style of working would benefit them enormously. If the camp was large, using this tactic would allow them some leeway in case of missteps.

A few small tweaks to their plan had Simin thinking for a brief moment before giving a nod of agreement to the idea of moving in with two guards.

Judging from what Simin had seen from the map, they still had a little ways to go. Potential for further ideas in their travel given time to think. Especially when they weren't focused on trying to come up with idea's. Simin couldn't stand for people to be hurt, or for others to disrupt families. Everyone deserved peace. Even if some had to give up peace of mind to secure it.

Simin looked over their partner, unsure of their motivation. If it was money, they wouldn't be so concerned with making sure they both were alright in the end. The line of thinking suggested someone either untested, or one of the few that actually cared about others, even in this line of work. Simin tilted their head a bit, examining the other mercenary. A look could not reveal intentions of the mind, but questions could.

"This one feels bad for the merchants, and their families." Simin said quietly, unsure of how the words would be received.

 

[Liam Silvern]

"It happens." Liam said with a seeming apathy to his words. "Deals with thugs and thieves rarely work out. Every trader knows this and those who don't pay for it."

Those words were something Liam had learned from his own father. His family had been making and selling jewelry to the wealthy commoners and nobles of Vel Anir for generations. In all that time they had managed to avoid making devil deals with criminals. Others around them were not so lucky. When greedy ruled pacts, vows, and deals meant nothing. If more coin could be made by an immoral method then it would be pursued. It had happened to Joseph and the others in his trade of Elbion and the surrounding area. While it was the two of them being sent out right now the end of the bandits was inevitable. No one escaped justice for long. Especially when lives and coin was on the line.

Liam headed back for the road after putting the map away. It would be easier traveling there. No doubt the both of them were use to the activity given their history and the komodi's heritage, but it never hurt to conserve your energy. It was one of the most important rules to travel. He remained silent and stoic as he continued on. They would need to get off the road eventually and he wanted to reach that point before the sun exhausted them.

Simin Omid

 

[Simin Omid]

Simin blinked at the words, apathy an unexpected sound from them. The last part of his words however had the komodo thinking on possible's. Where they from their own experiences, or a lesson learned from watching in proximity? If they worked with this person once more, they might have a chance to learn further, but as it was, Simin very much doubted the opportunity would present itself.

The map was put away, and both of them began their trek towards their goal. Simin did not bother to keep their eyes on the road ahead, instead taking in the sights and landmarks around them. The view would change by nightfall, but small details like a crooked tree, or certain plants were always valuable when trying to recall a location. The komodo offered up no talk, but was no where near as silent as the other.

Small and hushed sounds of awe while watching birds flying. Mouth agape while silently wondering what it felt like to fly in the sky above so freely. Their eyes never stopped looking around them, and the slight smile always about their features.

 

[Liam Silvern]

The travel was mostly quiet. Only the noises of nature and little sounds of awe from Simin Omid could be heard. While Liam's companion was joyful and curious as they walked he was stoic and apathetic. A specter or a stone. It was hard to say which could describe him more. He was taking in the details as well to help find their way back in the dark but also was watching for the signs they were approaching the right area. The road did not pass through the arid hills that the hideout was located at. The idea was having some distance away would provide enough vision to help avoid ambush. Seemed it was wrong. It also meant he needed to watch for the right time for them to exit the well worn path.

A few hours past and the heat had increased. It was winter so thankfully it was not as intense as it could be. But too much time out in the sun at any time was harmful. Liam was aware of that fact. So when a little cluster of trees a short distance off the road came into view he motioned for the komodi to follow and headed for them.

They were short trees compared to what Liam had spent most of his time around back in Vel Anir but still managed to keep the lower limbs over their heads. A small stream ran through them and headed north towards Elbion. Its source was likely the hills that had begun to come into view. It also meant they were approaching the hills the hideout was at. The birth spring of the cool waters was where they needed to go next.

Liam had drank from his waterskin a few times along the way up until now. The chance for fresh water was too good to pass up. He walked over to the stream while pulling off his hand wear. A few scoops with his bare hand saw his thirst left and his head cooled. Standing up he said, "Break here to eat and refill our skins then we follow the stream back to the hills." He pointed towards the rising ground further southeast of them.

 

[Simin Omid]

The birds held their attention for a while until the heat began to steadily rise, and the regret of layers was soon upon Simin's mind. It wasn't nearly as heated as it could be considering it was still winter, but it was enough for the komodo to wonder just how warm this summer was going to be. It seemed as though Malachite knew where they were going, and when he cut into a copse beside the road.

A small stream was also present and both took the chance to cool a bit. Simin stayed downstream of their companion as they dipped fingers into the water to cool off a bit. It was the most they could do without washing the paint off of their skin. They gave a brief nod before drinking from the water skin and refilling it.

A bit of trail ration was produced from the folds of the clothing, and a questioning look directed to their companion. Another parcel of rations being produced and held out to the other mercenary. They may have been assigned to get rid of bandits, but that didn't mean they couldn't be civil with each other.

 

[Liam Silvern]

After refilling his waterskin, Liam waved off the offer of food. He had his own and didn't know if his companion could be trusted yet. It was better to be cautious. The bandits could have planted a spy or lookout in case Joseph turned on them. It was highly unlikely but still possible. For now it was better to just avoid any possible attempts to harm him in a subtle way if he could.

Pulling out his own ration, Liam began to eat the bland and tasteless dried bread that was the staple of every traveler's long term journeys. Eating he began to think of more strategies in his head for what was ahead. They were going to strike at night or after the bandits left. The goal would be to cut as many throats silently as possible before an alarm went off. Drugging would help with that if they could pull it off. But what would they do if none of this happened? Smoke and fire could work on a cave. But where could they find the materials for it?

Liam wasn't liking things. They needed more prep time but didn't have it. It reminded him too much of his soldier days. Not enough details yet expected to charge forward anyways. This situation was similar to that. Although now he wasn't a soldier. It was good. He had more control of his circumstances now at least.

Finishing off his hardtack, Liam got himself ready for continuing on. He said while doing so, "Get ready. Time to move into the hills and find these bandits before dark."

Simin Omid

 

[Simin Omid]

The offer of food was waved off, and Simin did not think anything of the refusal. Pocketing the other ration, they finished eating and refilled the skin once more. It wasn't entirely a sure thing about where another water source would be once night fell, and if they were to be putting sleeping pills in their water. There would be nothing readily available for them in that camp to refill later.

Night was the best possible for these two it seemed to the komodi. Limited numbers and having to use knives for the majority of the business needed cover, and nothing worked better than night. If the the man that hired them had given them a bit longer to prepare, they might have had more chance. But life was full of surprises.

Eyes darted to Malachite as he spoke, receiving a brief nod as food was finished and water refilled one last time. Gear was checked, and once prepared, moved towards the road while waiting for him to lead the way. It was time for the work to begin.

 

[Liam Silvern]

For a bit Liam watched as Simin Omid got ready and then began to head towards the road. Didn't he make it clear already they were heading into the hills not the road? The bandits would be watching the road and make any kind of stealthy approach impossible. He needed to get his companion moving in the same direction as him.

After a sharp whistle, Liam nodded towards the stream. He gave his companion a moment to process the action then he turned and began to follow it towards the hills. It was their guide to the hills and to their targets now. Shrubs lined the shore of the waters in far greater numbers than they were in the arid dirt away from it. It would help provide them with cover if they needed it and also help to hide their tracks. An unnecessary caution, but he had every plan on making it back to his wife alive.

After several hours they would find themselves in the hills. The spring pool that the stream sprouted forth from was before them now. Liam walked over to it and began to wash his sweaty head. The trek had been hot and tiring. More trees surrounded it than the ones from the grove. Fish large enough to make a meal of swam in the cool waters of the pool as well. It was sheltered, shady, and lacked any signs of traffic from humans or human like beings as well.

Liam turned to Simin and said, "Set up camp here then at dusk look for the fires of the bandit camp?" He wanted the opinion of companion here. If they wanted to press on he wouldn't fight them on it and it would give him an idea on how they were faring. As tired as he was feeling, he could still press on if need be.

 

[Simin Omid]

The chance to look around and watch the scenery was a bit overwhelming, and made Simin forget what had just been said to them. The sharp whistle got their attention, and when he nodded to the stream, it certainly took the komodi several moments to think on what he was doing. Weren't they headed to the bandi- they squeezed their eyes shut for a moment at the realization.

By the stream. Simin scolded them self. Malachite began to lead the way, and Simin followed behind, not allowing the landscape to occupy them so thoroughly this time. The trek at several points made Simin concerned about the paint they had used to cover themselves in. Wondering quietly if it was going to dry out and flake off or if their companion was getting tired of listening to Simin huff and puff the entire way there.

Once at the stream however, a very tired Simin crawled underneath the shade of a tree and laid out. The paint made them miserable, but again, Simin did not want it to be painfully obvious to their family just what they did as a side job.

The komodo sat up when spoken to and gave a nod that they agreed. "This one is happy with that idea." Was all the more reply he got while they carefully drank from their water skin. It was miserably hot, and they were not enjoying nature anymore.

 

[Liam Silvern]

The komodi was good with stopping and waiting for dusk. Liam could have guessed as much in how they had just sprawled out on the ground under the same kind of short trees that were in the grove below. He nodded to his companion then began to set up his spot to rest at. He didn't bring a tent with him, as it would be too heavy, but instead just brought a light canvas tarp and some rope. Setting it up in the branches of the tree it blocked out the light and wind. He got a hammock set up next. The thought of a scorpion or snake or spider crawling into his bed did not settle well with him. This method of bedding was one he learned about back in Elbion and was glad to have learned.

With his set up for rest done, Liam decided to do some fishing. A lack of a pole wouldn't be much of an issue though. He was going to just make a spear. Breaking off a mostly straight branch. Pulling out his knife he got to work stripping the bark. As he did, he glanced over at Simin Omid to see what they did.

 

[Simin Omid]

Simin watched him work from their spot on the ground, sitting up to avoid scraping their horns in the dirt and making an outright mess of themselves. The hammock confused them a bit, an obvious sign by the tilt of their head.

Nothing was said outright, but the watching turned to close inspection upon his breaking of a stick and sitting down with his knife. They sat up and got close enough to watch without invading the others space.

"What are you doing with that?" Simin asked, the curious tone telling most of their confusion. Having never roughed it in the wilds before, there was little the komodo knew of survival outside the city.

 

[Liam Silvern]

Stripping bark was fairly quick work. The arid climate even near the spring pool made it an easy task. While this was going on it seemed Liam's companion, Simin Omid , had been watching him. Their curious question came off as odd. Had they never done this before in their life? Possible.

"Making a spear for fishing." Liam responded. He began to shave away at one end to form three points. Fish were slippery and could slide off a single one. A lesson he had learned all too well while starving on campaign as a soldier. They provided food, but acting as a vanguard and scout often left him away from those ready supplies back at camp. Strange how those days were proving useful now.

 

[Simin Omid]

Simin furrowed what could be considered a brow at his words. They watched with awe as he worked, having never actually seen this sort of fishing implement before. Nets, fishing poles, even the large harpoons for whales had been noticed, but never something that seemed so. Well, simple.

"You are going to catch a fish with that?" They asked with genuine curiosity, still watching him work. "This one would watch, as they have not seen this." Simin admitted, not realizing their companions caution towards them.