The mercenaries retired for the night. They would need the sleep for their journey tomorrow.
---
As they slept, their employers had already been making their way out of the city. They had left the walls behind them, and now traveled down a small rarely traveled road, surrounded by thick forest on both sides.
Walking down the path, the two were conversing quietly to each other, those that they had left behind still in their minds.
”Do not worry yourself so much Aaron. You know Andrew as well as I do. That man can take care of his own self.
And with his… talents, if any of us has a chance of success in this mission, it is him.”
“But even so. I find myself worrying.“ ”Were you not the one to pick out his escort personally? You seemed quite certain they’d be capable of completing the mission when you reported back afterwards.” “You’re likely correct. This whole state of affairs just has me on edge. It’s too underhanded for my tastes.” ”We do what is necessary, and play our part. It will all be for the greater good in the end. Now come, we should be making haste.”"Aren’t you forgetting something?"The two froze, poised to get moving at the slightest provocation. It only lasted for a moment however before their bodies relaxed, the pair recognizing the voice that had called out to them.
”Ah, Miss Shalfree. I was wondering when we would be hearing from you.” A shape materialized from the darkness of treetops above them. It was a young woman in a mask and cloak who now stood from her hiding spot among the branches. She nimbly dropped down from the canopy and landed in front of them.
”Did I scare you?” she asked teasingly, but from within her eyes shone an accusing glare.
”Worry not, we have your payment right here. I assume they are up to par?” Elin retrieved a different pouch, a much smaller one that had been hidden snugly beneath his armor, and dropped it into the woman’s open palm.
Shallfree quickly untied the bag, and poured it into a cupped hand. Small gemstones in several colors glimmered in the moonlight.
”They're absolutely lovely. Just what I wanted.” she cooed out, gazing adoringly at the gemstones she now held.
”We are grateful for your aid in delivering the crystal out of the wrong hands. If you desire extra however, we have one more job for you.” ”And what kind of job would that be?”The noble instead merely handed a piece of parchment to her. With a curious look at it, Shalfree gingerly unfolded the letter and scanned her eyes over it. Reaching the end, the grin on her face grew wider.
”Well well well. I didn’t think you two would be the kind to pull something like this. I'll accept your offer. But I expect you to be more punctual in my payment this time.Elin gave a nod.
”Good. Now if that is all, my companion and I must be on our way.”The masked girl gave a small bow, and stepped back, fading back into the shadows. The pair waited in silence until they were certain that they were alone. Elin have his comrade a nod and immediately the two set out down the path at a brisk pace. They had lost time to make up for.
---
Dawn broke. The cold night air slowly being replaced by the warm rays of the sun.
Soon enough the city of Nimmet awoke, and returned to life. Already the streets were beginning to fill with citizens going about their day.
At this time, those of the mercenaries that had already awoken had reconvened back in their meeting room at the back of the inn. Among them was their client, the odd traveling merchant.
”Morning everyone! Are you all feeling rested up?”
Author
Topic: Beginners FEF: The Wayward Journey (IC): Prologue (Read 16400 times)