Blackrock Mercenaries

I walked out of a spare room in the guardhouse, adjusting the jacket I had picked up in Catswatch. Rita and the others awaited me, each dressed in the clothes that Bethel had procured for them. All wore their weapons openly. A smile tugged at my lips as I saw the hints of makeup on their faces.

"You all look wonderful."

"Aww, thanks Money Man," Penny beamed as she did a spin, the skirts of her dress rising slightly. "You think this is going to attract his attention?"

My gaze fell on Rita and the blue dress that hugged her athletic figure. Beautiful and dangerous were the two words that came to mind. I let out a soft laugh. A glance around the guard house showed other people were watching them two. Including a young woman in armor, who was glancing at Rita's shoulders with an annoyed look.

"Yes, unless we learn something new. It'll make a good first impression, regardless. Do you all remember the plan?"

Rita reached up, brushing a strand of her red hair that dangled down from her bun designed to artfully frame her face. I wondered who had taught her that trick.

"We do," she said, her hand falling to her sword. "You do the talking until he wants technical details. Then Sasha and I step in."

"And Penny?" I looked at her, and she grinned.

"Be adorable!"

"No."

She pouted. "Fine. Be useful and don't shoot anyone."

"Thank you." I let out a sigh and turned to Guard-Captain Hudson. "Shall we go then?"

He smirked. "Do you want another escort?"

"Do you truly think our group is in any danger?" I shot back.

"No." With a shake of his head, he moved towards the door. "But a guide would probably help. Let's go."

As we walked through the streets, I took care to check the bag of coins tucked into my jacket pocket. It clinked as the twenty-five gold payment Hudson had given us moved about. I couldn't help but smile at that. Sasha had been on point throughout the negotiation, dropping likely prices for what she would need. Guard-Captain Hudson hadn't wasted time either, not allowing us to trample him but not being obstinate to the point of stupidity.

It didn't surprise me that people stared as we walked through the streets. The dresses were nice, but it was the way the three of them moved, a stride I rarely saw outside of the guard. It was the type of confidence that money couldn't buy. Each step promised it wouldn't take much to change from a leisurely stroll to a combat stance.

The merchants, those who hadn't stuck to the market square, stopped arguing as they watched us pass. None tried to push their wares on us, although it was clear they seriously considered it. One young man stepped forward, holding up a seashell necklace, of all things. Rita's look stopped him dead in his tracks, and he backed off.

I could almost feel the smug aura radiating off Hudson as he muttered to me under his breath. "You don't think I can keep them? Yours is the first group they haven't harassed. All the locals have taken to staying indoors."

"We are for hire, if you have more coin," I replied casually.

"Please." He shook his head. "You all but cleaned me out as it is. This plan of yours better work."

"A full refund if it doesn't, as agreed."

"Can you afford that?" He asked, looking between the three women, and then back to me.

"No." I shook my head. "Which is why you can be confident this will work."

We stopped in front of a large inn, and Hudson clapped his hands together before pointing at the door. "We're here, and this is as far as I'm willing to go."

"You don't want to watch us deal with him?" I asked, as I listened to what sounded like a full house worth of voice spill from the building.

"No." Hudson let out a snort. "Besides, the Golden Scale is a touch too fancy for my taste. He hasn't left it in days. Sends his servants for whatever he needs. If he's too good to deal with us common folk, then I'm happy to leave him to it."

A look at the inn itself told me that much. The Golden Scale was an impressive building, one made of stone carved with decorations of sea creatures on the outside. It sat taller than its neighbours and the sign showing the golden fish appeared freshly painted. Outside the door sat a few pot plants, and that was where I could see the disorder.

They appeared like someone had moved recently. Now that I was looking for it, I spotted more signs of disrepair. A shutter hanging loose, a cracked bit of stone, footprints no one had cleaned up around the door. In a nearby alleyway, I saw a bottle of something and moved to investigate. When I read the label, I couldn't help but snort.

"What did you find?" Rita asked, and I found her and Penny leaning over my shoulder.

"This bottle is an eastern vintage, a Roile wine. The last time I saw someone order one of these, it was to celebrate a new acquisition. The cost is upwards of thirty gold. To see it in the street like some common boozehounds treat? It shows that Lord Henry isn't keeping track of his finances."

"Isn't that what we want?" Penny asked, taking the bottle from me. "Because it means we can get him to spend that money on us?"

"Maybe. Sasha, can you store this?" I turned around, and Sasha shrugged.

"Sure."

With the bottle stowed in her bag, we moved into the Inn itself. A harried young woman with bouncing brown curls and tanned skin greeted us when we stepped inside. The bags under her blue eyes weren't the first sign that she was beyond overworked. Her grimace at seeing our party did little to dissuade me of that fact.

"We're booked up," she said, in a blended accent, common I'd found for those who worked with travellers. "Unless you're here for Him."

I gave her a smile and a small bow, which got me a raised eyebrow. "It is Lord Henry we're looking for. If that's not too much trouble?"

"Too much trouble? Oh, no, sir. What could be easier than watching my ma's inn be taken over by… valued customers. Welcome to the Golden Scale. Please follow me." Her tone turned sickly sweet at the last words, and with a sharp turn on her heel, she stalked off down the hall.

Rita gave me a look that was clearly asking if I still thought this was a good idea. I didn't answer. Instead, I simply followed the girl through the door she slipped through. Inside was not what I was expecting. The common room of The Golden Scale didn't have the typical bar in the back layout I was used to.

In the middle of the room was a large circular counter, one that I noticed appeared to be made of old ship parts. Inside was a series of shelves covered in drinks sat between various cooking stations. Spread out amongst the room were tables covered in covered in gold-coloured tablecloths, and despite the number there wasn't an empty seat visible.

Everyone was speaking, filling the room with a low buzz of conversation. My quick examination showed that there was a method to who sat where.

The closer one was to the bar, the more important they seemed to be. Men and women, wearing fineries that denoted them as high servants, sat around drinking and laughing. Near the edges were people dressed in more common clothes. They were often getting up and making rounds of the room, aiding what appeared to be the normal staff in delivering drinks.

Several people in chef hats worked furiously inside the small bar, all looked over by a middle-aged woman, her brown hair pulled back into a tight bun, and her face set in a permanent scowl. She was the first out of the room to spot our entry. A smile, one designed for customer service rather than genuine warmth, crossed her face.

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"Welcome! My name is Jasmine, and I'm the owner of this establishment." She called over the noise, raising an arm which caused the green dress she wore to shift on her thin frame. "I would offer you a seat, but as you can see, we are rather full. If you're looking for lunch, perhaps elsewhere may be a better fit."

I stepped forward, and then, with a flourish, gestured behind me. At the movement, Rita, and the others, stepped forward as one. There were murmurs of appreciation at the display, and I let my gaze roam until I found who I was looking for.

At a table tucked so close, it would have been almost possible to reach across the counter and take the food directly off the stove was our target. He was a tall man, young, with some traces of baby fat around his cheeks. His tunic and long pants were practical, but still screamed wealth by how well they fit him.

He sat with several others, all dressed in the armor of knights, clearly waiting for me to answer.

"We're not here to dine, I'm afraid." I said, my gaze not leaving The Lords. "We're here to help his Lordship with his Kraken problem."

Whispers sprang up, and I spotted Jasmine roll her eyes and turn back to the cooks. Several of the people around the edges stood, some clutching weapons. No one in the middle did so, but it was obvious to me they were ready.

"And who might you be?" Lord Henry asked.

It surprised me how young he sounded. I had expected early twenties, but it wouldn't surprise me now to learn that he wasn't much past his teens. He fiddled with his long black ponytail as he watched me, a sharpness to his gaze that didn't fit the rest of his face.

He didn't react to my bow, nor to what the rustle of fabric told me was the courtesy of the women behind me. "Chad Burling, employee of the Blackrock Mercenary Company. Here to offer our services on behalf of my employer, Rita Thrumlin. A level Twenty-Four Martial Maiden."

"That's an eastern class. A variation of our Weapons Master, is it not?" Lord Henry asked, and I could see an appreciation in his gaze that wasn't totally because of her figure.

"It is, my lord." She kept her tone respectful. "My father taught me the eastern styles of combat, and I was grateful to be given this class when the time came."

"And you believe you can tell me how to defeat the terror of the ocean?"

His tone was haughty, but I could see the hope in his eyes. He wanted her to say yes. To give him a cheat sheet, or secret weapon that would allow him to fulfill his goals. I knew she didn't have it, and I didn't miss the way her gaze flicked to me. As subtly as I could, I made a motion as if asking for money.

"For a price, My Lord. We are a mercenary company." I let myself relax a touch, but then she added. "Though, in truth, I'm not sure if it's the best target. To bring such a monster near the town is to court disaster."

I winced as I saw the hardened expression grow over his face. "You don't believe I can do it."

Around us, servants whispered, and knights shifted in their seats. On some faces I saw agreement, and others the same steely determination. I wondered how much he was paying them, or what else he was offering. This wasn't a simple hunting party like Mulvinia had sold me. He had found his monster, and now he was determined.

A thought occurred that it might be best to cut our losses. It was clear by the amount of servants, and the company of knights protecting him, that he was rich. Enough to solve our problem. But we needed a big payout for that to happen, and he would tie that to defeating this Kraken.

"It's not disbelief, my lord," Rita said, and looked towards me.

As much as it pained me, I had to give her a small shake of my head. It wouldn't be proper for me to take over now that he was addressing me directly. I would indeed trust that she could handle this. Then I remembered how good her hearing was. With care, I whispered a suggestion under my breath.

"Sell him on the Timberaine Tyrant."

She glanced my way again, and her lips twitched into a smile. After a deep breath, she continued.

"But there are better targets. If one needs to prove themselves against a monster, why one that someone can find in the center sea?"

He scoffed, the sound oddly childlike. "Oh? And I suppose you have such a monster in mind?"

"Yes, my Lord." She smiled and gestured towards the window. "Why fight a Kraken, a monster known by every dockside child, when your name will be synonymous with tyrant slayer?"

Murmurs filled the room, and Lord Henry held up a hand to silence them. He pointed to one of his retinue, and they moved, finding somewhere at another table. It became a game of musical chairs, and only once the last person had settled did he speak.

"There are no tyrants in the southern kingdoms. What are you talking about?"

An idea came to me and I muttered under my breath again. Penny grinned, her ears flicking to me, and Rita paused before she sauntered forward. Her words turned more bombastic as she took my advice.

"Not in the traditional sense, no. I speak of The Timberaine Tyrant, a monster that terrorizes the countryside near Yuliosa. A terrible beast of plantlife and magic, that has taken the forest for its own. It stands taller than the mightiest oak and is well over level thirty. If my lord turned his attention to such a beast, he would have grateful townsfolk to speak his name."

"I've never heard of such a creature," a man said.

All eyes turned to him, and I gave him a quick once over. He was tall and muscular, with a bald head and a leather chest piece. His enormous arms flexed as he stood up, tapping the spiked club that sat at his table.

"And you would be?" I asked politely, before Rita could.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Penny lean closer to her and start whispering. I didn't get much time to wonder what they were talking about before the man answered.

"I am Gareth, a level twenty-five monster tracker. The beasts of this land are no mystery to me, and I am the one who found the Kraken for his lordship. You dare try to fill his head with lies about this so-called monster? Bah."

"It's no lie," I said. "It is a combination of Timberaines, a type of tree spirit."

Gareth snorted, and banned his hand against the table, showing off his fur lined bracers. "Are you saying you wish for my lord to go hunt for a made up tree demon? Please. It's obvious to me you're no fighter."

"I'm not, that's true. My class is Fixer. I run the business side of things for Miss. Thrumlin. But I have seen the beast, and battled with its offspring." My attention moved to Lord Henry, who was watching the big man in fascination, as though hoping this would end in some kind of battle.

"Weak words. My lord, they lie. This is a trick to dishonour you. Or if not, they'll simply let it leave like they did with the Chaos Queen in Catswatch."

I let a bit of heat enter my voice and found the Lord smiling at it. "That situation was handled as the contracter desired."

"Coward's words."

"Please. My employer has lived her woods in the Hamlet of Leyloon, grown up delving into its forests. She is twice the hunter you will ever be."

"She is not my equal in hunting or fighting," Garret claimed, slapping his chest.

"Leyloon?" Lord Henry held up his hands. "Wasn't that the place where the adventurers fought the Sea-serpent?"

"It is indeed my lord," Rita said.

I watched as the young man tapped a finger against his chin. "Then it's seen legendary monsters before."

"My lord, please." Gareth said. "This is all lies. An attempt to bring you away from the monster you've spent so much money on. They are fools and weaklings. People who are interested in your gold, not your quest."

"My lord, if I may?" I asked, holding up my hand.

He gave me an appraising look that I guessed was a mimicry from an older noble. "You may speak."

"My lord, if Gareth is worried about our competence, why not let him test my employer himself? She is strong, and we have a lot to offer."

"More than a unique unheard of monster?" Lord Henry asked with obvious curiosity.

"Indeed." I gave him a smile. "The town of Yuliosa is holding a flower festival soon. I know for a fact that the Mayor would consider your presence a great honour. We came to offer you a personal invitation, to offer you a chance to battle the monster, and to be given a premium hunting experience with experts in the area."

"And how much will this experience cost?" He looked at Gareth and then back at me. "He's right. Mercenaries do nothing for free."

I bowed and then gave my answer. "For others not of your station? Forty thousand gold."

"That's outrageous." He snapped, and several other voices joined in.

My smile remained, and I looked over at Rita, breathing the word discount. Only when she gave the barest hint of a nod did I respond.

"For someone of your status, I agree. Thankfully, my employer has given me a certain leeway to offer discounts and other benefits exclusive to you. If you would like to hear me out?"

"I'll listen." Lord Henry narrowed his eyes, though it was clear any irritation was being overshadowed by his curiosity. "However, the discount must be deep and the benefits solid."

"We would, as part of that price, like to help you drive off the Kraken with the aid of our alchemist. You will, of course, be given privileged treatment at the festival, leading it along with the mayor himself." I gestured to Sasha, who dropped into another curtsey. "And offer your price of twenty-five thousand gold."

"That's still quite a lot. Can you really make such a potion?" He looked Sasha's way as he spoke.

For her part, Sasha kept her gaze on the floor. "Yes, my lord. It's an itching powder of sorts, designed to deal with things with tough hides. It will act as enough of an irritant that, when combined with the Ballista bolts, the monster should flee."

"This is ridiculous. See? They have no wish to hunt the beast, My Lord. This is coward talk. Would you truly trust them with your safety if they took you to hunt this tyrant of theirs? Or would they simply drive it off and deprive you of your chance?" Garret's voice was loud, as he once again slammed his fist onto the table.

Lord Henry sounded almost amused. "You wish to test them, Hunter Garret?"

"I do."

"Very well. But we have little time. Miss. Thrumlin, would you consider yourself a good fighter?"

Rita clutched her sword. "Yes, my lord. Good enough to protect you from any threat. Especially one as loud and boisterous as this one."

"Very well." Lord Henry chuckled and stood. "Then we should have a duel. Come! To the training arena outside of town. Let us see, Mr. Burling, if your people are worth the gold you claim they are."

His words made me smile, and I bowed. "I can assure you, my lord, that I don't doubt it for a second. It'll be the best gold you've ever spent."

"We shall see."

With that, the tables emptied, as almost like a wave, people made their way to the arena, and to the conclusion of our deal.