"- So, ya say ye want to hear a story?... - Lizard took a gulp from her golden mug and smiled to h erself. - We've got something to tell you, yeah. - She looked at Grimmash, who was sitting right next to her.
- Yo, that's quite a story, sister. Think we got time to tell him? - Nuckles leaned back on his chair and yawned.
- You got my interest! - Grimmash nodded - If it's not a secret, tell me, please!
- All right. - Monitor Lizard sighed. - Listen closely. I'm gonna start from the very beginning...
It was night already. The streets of the Mountainhome were empty and silent. Only a few lights burned, and one could hardly see anything in the darkness that covered the city. All windows were dark. All, exept one. A small torch could be seen inside a small jeweler's shop. It was hanging on the wall above the huge stone table, which stood in a small, cramped room. Two dwarves, one male and the other female, were sitting beside it, looking at the map.
- How much are those, you say? - Lizard smelled the air and twiched, as if she was a reptile.
- Faint yellow diamons? - Grim thought for a second - As I recall, about 120 bucks for the rough one, 200 for cut... - He swallowed. - Look, I know you really appreciate my skills, but do you really need me for this, sister?
- You're a professional. We need you to ensure that those guys won't fool us. That would be a sweet deal, I say.
- And if they try to fool us? - said Grim. Lizard grinned.
- We'll take care of them. Don't be nervous. - Lizard replied.
Grim slowly nodded.
- Good. - The ringleader walked to the entrance. - Meet you at the old copper mines.
...Four dwarves were standing in the center of a large cavern. Two of them were holding crossbows, and one of the dwarves had a mace strapped to his belt.
- You ready, Litast? - Nuckles turned to one of the marksdwarves.
- Yep. - The tall male dwarf nodded.
- Watch the tunnels. - Lizard raised her hand - Those Shrub guys will be here in a minute.
At that point, a group of tough-looking dwarves appeared from one of the tunnels. One of them was carrying a large bag that seemed to be heavy.
- I wouldn't trust those thugs... - Grim whispered.
- Calm yourself. - Lizard and her group walked towards the gangsters. - Good evening! - She said in a loud voice.
- We brought the goods. - A bandit, who bore a huge scar on his face, opened the bag and showed it to Lizard.
- Have a look, Grim. - She took one of the gems that were inside and gave it to the jeweler. He examined it.
- Faint yellow diamond. Emerald cut. Quite a good stone, I say. - Grim gave the gem back to Lizard and stared at the bag.
- So, we got a deal? - The Shrub ringleader grinned.
- Wait. I want to see the others... - Grim walked to the bag and grabbed it.
The bandit frowned.
- Give us the money first... - He pulled the bag from jeweler's hands. It opened, and a few gems dropped on the floor. Grim lifted one of them and looked at it.
- ...It's a tigereye. - He looked at the Shrub gangster - A usual cheap-ass f***ing tigereye.
It was silent for a moment. Than the groomy-looking dwarves, exchanging a glance, raised their crossbows. Grim backed in fear, staring at them.
- YA BACKSTABBIN' SHRUB BASTARDS! - Lizard yelled. Somebody rushed towards her, but got a bolt in the chest. Litast quickly reloaded his weapon and fired again, but this time the bolt bounsed off the other gangster's steel chestplate. One of the sword-wielding thugs was getting too close to the marksdwarf, but Nuckles promptly swinged his mace and cruched bandit's right wrist. He screamed and bolted to the nearby rocks.
- Take cover! - Someone shouted. Lizard grabbed Grim by the scruff and pulled him behind the large boulder. Sounds of a fight filled the cave.
- Up ye ass!
- We popping', Gems droppin'!
- THEY CLOCKED URIST! THOSE F***ERS CLOCKED 'EM!
- Cover me!
- I'm out of bolts!"