Mage Mangler -(Crucible of Ascension)

"So where the hell are we going?" I snapped as we settled in for the night.

"Two places," she said with a smug smile. "Tomorrow we go to Tral on Aalarat. We have a meeting arranged to purchase a powerful mana link enchantment."

"Sounds boring. I thought we weren't going to do any more jobs."

"Technically, we're not. We're going to turn up a day early to see who shows up to strong-arm the seller."

"You mean Peralt."

"No. Because we don't know for certain it is him. We assume, but Onlan needs proof it's Peralt to convince the council that our mission is the right course of action."

"Nice! Are we close on an official green light?"

"We are. But there's more to it than that. It turns out that the other echo teams working at acquiring enchanted items are running into similar issues. Their incidence rate isn't as high as ours, but then none of the other Echoes have bumped into the aggressive buyers and killed them all like we did."

I chuckled. "Yeah, that'll do it. So what's the plan? Wait and capture them?"

"No, I have a recording device." She pulled a weird little block from her pocket. I just need to gather proof. We go, we watch, I get a replay of them entering and I get one from the seller naming them. Then we go to the Perch."

"Seems a bit mental. Can they not trust our word? Well, your word."

"If only," she said with sad sigh. "There's more to it though. Onlan is certain there's a leak somewhere in our networks. The lead I've been given is through a carefully monitored network of sources, so they can narrow down who the leak is."

I yawned, and strongly considered refusing to go. "I can't see why you need me there."

"Well I do." She snapped. "I don't think you understand, Earl. We need to find out who that informant is so we can find out if they know our true identity. If they do, then Peralt does, and ultimately, the Archon houses they work for."

I thumped the soft red velvet arm of the chair which made a disappointing display of my anger. "Crafty motherfuckers. I'll get the truth out of them."

"No. The job is just to watch and catch a replay. It's going to require a calm head and tact."

"I'll say it again then. I can't see why you need me there. It's like putting a lion in a field full of zebras and telling it not to kill any."

She let out a long exasperated breath. "I know it is. I suggested to Onlan that I leave you behind and take Mosda and Ree. For some reason he wants you there and he wants us to go directly to the Perch as soon as we've got what we need. If we can still go ahead with the attack on Peralt, this will be the last time we go back there until it's done."

My mind whirled. All our plans hinged on who the leak was and how much they knew. Tomorrow, our cover would be either blown and we'd have to throw all this away, or we'd officially be pushing on with the plan.

I watched Loosh for a long silent moment as I worked through my feelings on the matter. Then I made the only decision I could. I'd be leaving the rebellion and continuing with the Hammers if we'd been made. I'd pulled them together myself. I'd made a little army and there was no way I was giving it up. I'd continue to build on it, and in time, I'd still go after Peralt. I was not leaving all this behind.

"What are you thinking?" She asked, a sad expression pasted on her face that I didn't entirely believe. I suspected she'd be happy if the Peralt mission got pulled and I suspected it was purely because I was the lead on it. I kept my suspicions to myself.

"Trying to work out how I'm not going to question Peralt's men for the name of the leak before I slaughter them."

She dropped her head in her hands in despair.

The next morning we headed to the transport tower and onto Tral before the sun had barely risen. Loosh seemed excited by the mission, and as we arrived she pulled us into a small side room available to the public to get showered and changed if needed

As soon as the door closed she started pulling out enchanted storage rods from her coat.

"Change your top clothes," she ordered, passing one to Ree." He accessed it without any obvious effort, causing a bag to drop out.

The one for me she had to open first and pass over. I looked inside to find a wide brimmed straw hat and a brightly colored shot sleeved shirt full of reds and greens. "You can't be serious," I grumbled, pulling it out and turning it over in my hands.

"Deadly." Then she pointed to my coat. "And get that off and in the bag. It's important."

I shrugged and did as she asked, though I felt like a complete plonker once the hat went on. Loosh didn't care at all, shrugging her chunky sleeping bag of a coat off to reveal she was already dressed in her disguise. A bright red summer dress down to her lily white knees. Finally she pulled out a wide-brimmed navy hat that she plonked on her head before stuffing the massive coat in the bag.

Finally she checked us both over, frowned at my feet as I hadn't swapped from boots to sandals, then sighed. "That'll do I suppose. Come on then."

Outside the transport tower I did a double take. No stench. In fact, everything seemed immaculately clean. Despite feeling right at home in our budding little empire on Lasital, the warm sun, and gentle breeze of Tral was a welcome change. Loosh looked the most relaxed I'd seen her in weeks as we strolled out along the bustling but not oppressively busy streets.

The lightly armored guards that stood on almost every main corner made my hackles rise a little, but their disposition was friendly and helpful to those passing by.

"The shop is on the next street." Loosh said as we approached a junction. "There are a few cafes with outside seating, were heading to the one called The Lomo Tree. From their we'll have full view of the shop."

Ree nodded, I frowned. "Café?"

"Yes. It's a place where beverages other than beer and spirits are sold. Do you not have them on your home planet?"

"Not that I've noticed," I said, as we turned the corner.

It looked like a boulevard from a lazy holiday town in the south of France or Spain. Loosh led the way, in her element, looking for all the world like a tourist and that was the general vibe I got from most of the other people on that street. Tourists. Annoying bastards.

We arrived at the Lomo Tree café and took a seat alongside one of the movable wooden fences that sectioned off this café from the next.

I didn't look for our target shop until I'd taken a seat and made my order. As there was no beer on the menu, I settled for a water.

After I'd ran a curious eye along the road I returned my gaze back to Loosh. "Can't see any high end Enchantment sellers here.

"It's above Café Elan," she said, making her self-comfortable in the wicker chair.

"Ah," I slowly looked about the street again, until I saw the café and then took a look above. Nothing of note stood out, but I noticed a bunch of random shit in the window. I would have just assumed the resident was a hoarder.

"Gotcha. So how long do we sit here?"

"An hour or so, then we'll go to Café Elan, got to sample all the finest beverages Tral has to offer. I doubt I'll be coming back anytime soon," she lamented.

"It's a nice place," I agreed.

Our drinks came and I sipped at my water lazily, struggling to find anything to talk about. Ree had about as much casual chat as a pair of old slippers, thankfully Loosh had brought her 'A game' and prattled on about all of the things she wanted to see while she was here.

On and on she waffled, until Ree grunted. His eyes flicking across the road as he tried to remain inconspicuous. I looked over as did Loosh though she never stopped talking.

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Five, rough figures, completely out of place on the relaxed, easy going street stalked the sidewalk like a pack of lions out for a family walk. Despite their clothes and their aggressive swagger, they kept to the shadows as if that would make them less obvious.

Loosh slipped the cube from her hand bag, and placed it on the table, partially hidden by her glass.

The men stopped at café Elan, or rather the nondescript door to the side of it.

After a couple of knocks that door swung open and they entered.

"Drink in Elan?" Loosh asked, draining the rest of her tea.

"Sounds good," I said jumping up and rubbing my hands together. Ree got up a little more slowly, his expression unreadable. Together we wandered over and sat again. Loosh ordered us all iced teas this time and they came in all different colors. Very much in keeping with the mood of the day.

I took one sip and winced. I wouldn't be taking any more.

"Something wrong?" Loosh asked, reading my very clear expression of disgust.

"That," I said pointing a finger at the offending glass, has somehow managed to be too sour, too bitter and two fucking sweet all at once. I'd rather drink my own piss."

She smiled and pushed over hers. "Try this one."

I wrinkled my nose but humored her, raising it to my nose first to take a whiff first. It smelled of blueberry. I took a sip. "Bleurgh! Fucking hell. It's even worse. Who drinks this shit."

Ree slurped noisily at his glass of orange cat piss and grinned at me.

"Well either of you can have mine…" The men walked out. I tried to act normal but failed. Thankfully, they didn't notice my shitty espionage skills and set off down the road.

Loosh nudged Ree. "Keep tabs on them. Joren, you follow Ree to the first corner. I'm gonna go have a little word with our seller." Then she was up and away into the slowly closing door.

I raised an eyebrow at the taciturn Salurian who shrugged, got to his feet and set off after them like he'd forgotten his wallet back in the hotel and wasn't in a rush to get it.

I waited where I was until he was halfway along the street then followed after.

Loosh caught up with me before I reached the corner. "They bought the enchantment but the seller didn't know if they were from Peralt or not."

"So where does that leave us?"

"We're going to have to follow them. If I can geta replay of them entering their portal, that should be enough. Well, it'll be enough depending on which portal they go through."

"Whatever you say boss."

"Shall we not just catch them, kick the shit out of them and make them tell us?"

"No!" she hissed. "Don't start changing the plan now, Joren. This is supposed to be clean. The law enforcement here is on top of their game. Bloody murder is bad for the tourism business."

I shook my head. "Well I think it's a golden opportunity to get answers, the enchantment and a little revenge."

She grabbed my arm. "Don't mess with me on this one. You've done enough already. Granted, some of it's come off, but…"

I frowned. "I'd say all of its' come off."

"Maybe, but that's when mistakes start happening, when you get overconfident."

"There's no over in my confidence. It's just the right amount."

"That's what all assholes say just before everything turns to shit."

I shook my head as we turned the first corner of our low-speed chase, "I've known loads of assholes, and not one of them have ever said that."

She chuckled. "Well maybe not exactly that, but… shut up and concentrate on following Ree. We have a job to do."

Their path twisted and turned keeping them off the main routes to the transport tower. After a few minutes Ree had stopped and waited for us. "Their winding route is making my pursuit too obvious. They knew I was behind them so I had to peel off."

Loosh nodded. "Okay. I'll head directly to the transport tower and if you lose them I can catch them there."

"Why not all of us just go there?" I asked.

Loosh pulled a really, stupid? face that cut to the core of my delicate pride and I had to shove my hands in my pockets so as not to swing for her.

"What if they have a hotel and stay the night? What if they have a hidden Portal Circle or they're meeting a Mage who can portal them?"

"You make a fair point," I replied through gritted teeth.

She pointed to herself. "Brains." Then she unnecessarily pointed at me. "Brawn. Now hurry up and see if you can catch them. Follow at a safe distance and we should be okay. Ree, you take another route and track them out of sight if you can."

"If I don't need to be seen by you and Joren I can do that."

"Good. Let's get to it then." She strode off heading back to the main road. Ree nodded to me, then strode of toward a nearby back lane, disappearing into the shadows within a few seconds.

Alone and glad about it, I set off at a jog, searching for the group again. It took me a few minutes longer than I expected, and I very nearly made my pursuit obvious, and had to keep running past the street they were on to cover the fuck up.

Once I found a nice rhythm to follow them, I occasionally let myself drop out of sight or take an alternate route that would lead me to the same place, if one presented itself.

It seemed like a good idea until their number diminished by one and I had no fucking idea where he'd gone.

I slowed again while I tried to work out what to do next. It was probably the right time to give up, and let Ree find them again. Or Loosh at the transport tower, because it was pretty obvious that was where they were headed now. Except it wasn't in my nature to give up and thankfully a level 20 Bhalrim who came jogging out of a back lane I'd past a minute ago made the decision for me.

"You's following us, eh?" he grunted.

"You's?" I gestured down the lane. "I'm alone,"

"You know what I mean, Joren Vayne. You're the one with Level 30 Mage. Thought you'd come early to catch us in the act, did you?" He pulled a knife and I held my hands up in mock fear. "Look, I was just asked to follow you. I don't know any more."

"Followin's a killin' offense where I'm from."

"Where's that? Waist deep in Peralt's rusty bullet hole?"

His face twisted and he lunged at me, I danced back keeping the same distance between us. "Touch a nerve did I?" Then gave him a knowing grin. "Is it a secret?"

"If Peralt heard what you just said he'd skin you alive. Heal you and skin you again. Over and over for years. Lucky for you, we're just gonna kill you."

"Oh goodie," I muttered as his four friends came jogging back down the lane. Loosh would have wanted me to run now. If I wanted to save the vague, piece of shit plan she'd laid out then it was absolutely the right choice. So I slapped his knife hand, focusing on speed and as he lunged I side stepped and struck him with a spear hand, using the prosthetic index finger of my left hand to do real damage to his windpipe.

As he staggered back choking, I snapped a right hook to his temple, sending him dazed and spluttering against the wall. I followed in fast determined to put the tough bastard out of commission before the others got here. The pounding of feet and shouting of raspy voices provided a countdown to work with.

I lined his head up with a jab, and caught him with a straight right, just above the nose that bounced his already dazed head off the wall. He stumbled forward from the double impact and I finally pulled my knife and opened his throat as he fell into me.

Rather than letting him fall and die uselessly, I grabbed his shirt and recycled him as battering ram by pushing him into his onrushing friends.

In the time that bought me, I pulled another knife and got my back to the wall to prepare for hell on Aalarat.

The rest of the men ranged from level 18 to level 23. Mean fighters all of them. No mages sadly. Always nice to get a free kill.

"You're going to pay for that," the level 23 snarled, then in true coward fashion directed the two men either side of him to rush me. While he and another waited.

The two that came both had knives out, so whatever happened I was getting bloody. Accepting the inevitable, I took the stab wound from the level 20nthat cut deep in my shoulder, while focusing on the level 18s, knocking his attack wide before stabbing at his throat and eyes in quick succession. My only telling blow was against his eye. He fell back screaming, blinded but not dead enough for my liking.

I narrowly avoided a similar fate from the Level 20 swaying just enough to get a cut on my ear instead of a knife in the peeper.

I slashed back with my blade scoring a slash on his chin, but was rocked back when the Level 18 was replaced by the Level 21 warrior. My right arm was already knackered after being stabbed in the shoulder and against the two of them I had no idea what I was going to do next. It was looking like this was the end of the road for me, so whatever I did, it would be bloody and epic. I bared my teeth, about to leap at Level twenty when a cry of pain erupted behind my two opponents. It drew all of our eyes as Ree arrived and the boss of this little gang was now spraying a fountain of blood from his throat. I reacted first and rammed my dagger in Level 20s kidney, before twisting it and pushing it up higher in the hopes to reach a lung.

Ree was already moving, slashing the throat of bloody eye, before squaring off against Level 21.

I survive again. I chuckled as I jumped on the level 20s' back to choke him out while he died from the wound in his kidney. As soon as he stopped wriggling I planned to snap his neck, but Ree, bastard that he was, stepped in and plunged a dagger into his heart.

"You nicked my class points for the kill, you dick," I panted as I pushed the body off me.

"It was a mistake," he said drily. "We should have questioned him."

"I already know they were Peralt's goons. They knew me as Joren, but didn't seem to know I was… you know." I mouthed Siroth at him.

He was barely interested. "That won't suffice as evidence. I will check their bodies for anything that might help convince the council."

"You do that while I bind my shoulder up." I ripped the shirt from my back to use as a bandage as I spoke. "Loosh is gonna be pissed it ended like this."

He chuckled. "She will blame you. Unable to resist your impulses she will say."

"Aye, and normally she'd be right. But not today."

"I will tell her on this occasion you were not at fault."

"You saw?"

He shook his head. "I can read the flow of the fight. I'm sorry it took me so long to get to you. Perhaps we could have avoided your injury."

I waved off his concern. "It's not that deep with all the durability I get from the warrior class boosts. And you know what they say. Can't make a durability omelet without breaking a few eggs."

"You think in the right ways. That is good."

"Gotta grind those level's. Only thing between me and an early grave, I reckon. And you rocking up in just the nick of time. That definitely helped."

"Agreed. I have also leveled again. I'm back at Level 20 now."

"You're a tough motherfucker. How come you're only level 20?"

He didn't reply immediately and I suspected he didn't want to talk about it as he threw himself into his work. After a moment he pulled out a disk shaped, rune covered enchantment from one of the bodies which he pocketed and then with a wide grin he held up a piece of paper like a trophy.

"Betting slip," he declared. "Has the name and address of the betting shop he made it on. I don't know where that is, but Onlan will be able to locate it."

"Hope so," I muttered, not seeing how that constituted as proof of anything.

"As for my level, I was captured on a mission by the Union peace keepers. They never proved I was… what we are, but they held me for over ten years in their prison. I was level 28 when I was captured.

"Ah, fuck, yeah, that would do it. Remind me to never get captured by stuck up dickheads."

"I will endeavor to offer that service were possible. For now we should hide these bodies." He grabbed the first and hauled it down the back lane to a building that was having repairs carried out. There was big mound of sand just begging to have bodies hidden in it. I chuckled to myself as I dragged another of the corpses down, imagining the workers faces as they dug into the mound the next work day to find dead bodies. That'd spice up their day.