Bored. Bumping with character intro!
The Elf-a woman tall, lithe, well tanned with an imperious manner-was named Dali Sunfoot, and she seemed nervous. She was trying not to show her obvious dislike of this place-a small boathouse located on the River Whyte. An unnatural fog had rolled in, and she had already been warned that evil spirits sometimes came with it-probably local legend, but at least it would keep the business she had to do free from onlookers.
Andre was supposed to have been here an hour ago, with his shipment of smuggled pipeweed. She wished the king would just go ahead and make amends over the border skirmish that had interrupted trade between the local halflings and the Elves-this was getting dangerous for everyone. Still, there was alot of money to be made...and she had been promised Red Moon Leaf, the best you could get.
It was a pity the Halfling would have to be killed. It was nothing personal, but the Watch was snooping around, getting close. She just had to deal with this one loose end...her guards were both waiting near the treeline, longbows ready to shoot once he showed up. There was no need to even dig a shallow grave, as he would be dumped in the river-poor Andre would be no more than a mouthful for the giant catfish which she had seen lurking around the dock.
And, finally he arrived-she could see his little boat was riding low in the water, probably loaded with goods. Just like Andre, Dali thought, to be late for his own funeral. She admitted to herself, she had a soft spot for him-he was a little bit gruff, but optimistic, dependable and not without a certain moral fiber most people in his line of work lacked. She guessed it was called professionalism. She had enjoyed their meetings, but still...she was glad she wouldn't have to do the task herself.
Andre paddled the boat in, and tying the small craft to the dock, embarked and spoke "Good to see you made it Dali. There's alot of danger around you know?" More than you know, Dali thought, turning around and raising her arm to signal the archers. Nothing happened.
The Halfling almost looked hurt "My brothers were waiting in the forest, as well. You just gave them the signal, instead of your own men. Don't worry, we won't kill them unless they make us. I think...we have more business to discuss though?" He said, drawing his mace. Dali responded "Indeed. The Guard are getting to close. They'll get to one of us, eventually. So only one can walk away."
She finished, drawing her own weapon-a glittering Elven Thinblade, emplaced wth gems of power and ancient runes-a weapon the width of a fingernail, yet stronger and more supple than steel. Andre had seen her use it once before, when they had been forced to fight off some opportunistic river pirates, and watched as she bisected men with the barest flick of a wrist and pierced the strongest mails as if they were paper. She was a master with the blade, well honed after generations of running her criminal enterprise.
He doubted he would survive long if he actually fought her, which was why as soon as she drew her blade, a simple sling stone flew out of the shadows and knocked her out. She was trussed up along with her guards and, after some coercion, told them where she was keeping the money-Dali always travelled with funds, even if she had nothing to spend it on. He doled out the money to his brothers, who in turn, faded into the night themselves. He turned back to Dali, hoping to perhaps try and talk some sense into her, but the Elf was already gone. She had cut her ropes with a knife hidden in her wrist sleeves and rolled into the river, silent as a cat, taking her sword with her.
Andre hoped the fish were not hungry tonight...
He walked back to his canoe, pausing to check. Shipment intact. Red Moon Leaf really was the best!
As Andre paddled away,he was thinking....about that big job that had come up, quite recently...
Author
Topic: Journey to the Fortress Started (Read 6152 times)