I entered the dimly lit rundown pub and looked around. It looked better on the inside than it did on the outside. But still wasn't the place you'd expect to find honest citizens. No. This was where you'd find the desperate. Those willing to pay big money for something as simple as an assassination.
I walked up to the bar. Conspicuous in my white robes with my sword slung over my shoulder. One hand in my belt pouch lightly holding a small knife.
I walked up to the bar. "Iced tea," I said to the bartender as I slid a silver coin across the counter.
The bartender took the coin and filled a mug with my beverage of choice and slid it to me.
"Don't see many respectable players here," he said.
"Who says I'm respectable?" I asked as I took a sip. "I'm looking for work. High risk. High pay. Anything like that kicking around here?"
"Try veradany by the door," replied the bartender. "But expect him to double cross you."
I nodded my thanks and walked over to the table by the door. I stopped at a table nearby and sat down to get a look.
Veradany was sitting at his table with both hands wrapped around a bottle. His gaze kept flitting around the room. Occasionally he'd take a sip from his bottle.
Once I'd ascertained myself that he wasn't going to just stab me I got up and walked over. I sat down in the chair opposite him and set my mug down.
"I hear your looking for someone to do a job," I said as an opening.
"Yes, but not some amateur kid in borrowed robes," he replied with a glare.
"I'm not just some kid," I replied evenly. "And just in case you hadn't noticed there's three people watching you. The two at the table to the left of the fireplace and one at the bar."
Veradany looked at me. "I had noticed them," he said. "Thanks to a detection skill that tells me when people are looking at me. I also knew you were watching me. But I figured it was just a look around the room since your gaze didn't remain fixed. Like those three clowns."
"What's the job?" I asked.
"Two jobs, actually," replied Veradany. "One: cover my escape from here so I can get to a safe house. Second: eliminating my enemy in his stronghold."
"What's the payout?" I asked.
"Five hundred gold coins. Two hundred in advance."
"I'll do it." I said. "Got any paralysis poison on you?"
"A level three bottle," said veradany as he handed it and the money over.
I dabbed some on the point of my hidden blade and two of my throwing knives.
"Once I throw these get out the door as fast as you can," I said as I palmed the two knives. "I'll follow. For now, act like I’ve made you upset. I don’t care what you say just make it look like you’re not happy with me and leave."
Veradany stood up. “You’re the most arrogant piece of work I’ve ever seen!” he yelled. “You aren’t worth the money I paid you for that job. We’re done here!” Veradany headed towards the door. Immediately the three men I’d pointed out stood up and made their way towards the door. I waited till they were a couple paces away then threw the knives. Unleashing my hidden blade into the arm of the third man in almost the same movement. Veradany bolted out the door and I followed as pandemonium broke out in the pub.
I caught up with him at the corner of two streets. "Now where?" I asked.
"Down here," he said. Pointing to a narrow alleyway. I followed him and soon we came to an iron door set in a brick wall. We entered after Veradany had opened the door with a key. Inside was a neatly laid out training ground set between two warehouses.
"Barracks and armouries," explained Veradany. "Although only one is in use since the last attack by my enemy."
"And who is that?" I asked. "The sooner I know who he is and where he is the sooner I can take him out."
"My enemy is the self-appointed governor of this city," replied Veradany. "I'm a smuggler/mercenary. He's been killing my men and stealing my shipments. With him gone I'll be able to rebuild what I've lost."
"Where is he?"
"The administrative building. In an office on the second floor."
I nodded. "Are there any times that he leaves the building?"
"Not usually. But he's due for an inspection of his forces tonight before another attack on me."
"I'll deal with him now," I said as I got up to leave. "Got any more throwing knives?"
"Go see Giranima at the armoury. He'll give you anything you need."
I nodded and turned towards the building he had pointed out.
ns 15.158.61.20da2
