I smile brightly as I lay down my winning hand. "Dragon hoard."
A sea of groans around the table are music to my ears. I scoop the glittering coins towards my bag, filling it up to the brim before closing it tightly. I also tuck the hidden cards deeper beneath my sleeve, not allowing them to fall out.
Never trust a rogue not to cheat. Chuckling to myself, I take a swig from my tankard. The ale in this tavern is awful, but the people are stupid enough to fall for my tricks every time.
"Well, gentlemen, I have had just a lovely time with you all. I really must be on my way, though," I tie off my pouch hastily, eager to leave and put my spoils away.
"Hold on, Mendacium," Someone at the table replies. I don't recognize him at all. "How about we do one last game?"
I reply with another smile, "Sorry, my good man, but you all have nothing left to bet!" I've practically swindled the clothes off of their backs at this point. Not to mention, a good cheat always knows when to quit.
"Not quite yet," The man remarks while pulling out an ornate dagger. My breath catches in my chest.
It's a long-handled blade, it's wood made of a deep black wood, the blade is gold and about the length of my forearm. It looks razor sharp, being able to deliver death as swiftly as you could kiss a loved one. It's decorated with grim scenes of blood and gore.
The thing that is special about it, however, is the magic that is dripping off of it. I'm sure these idiots don't know its true worth, but I do. It's a dagger that is enchanted to return to its owner's hand, shearing through anything that gets in its way.
I calm myself down. I can't let them know how much I want it.
"That old thing?" I reply, trying a relaxed smile. My elven ears flick a little. "Fine then. One last game. Just me and you."
The other guys at the table chuckle darkly. I don't care, though. I've got the fastest hands this side of Regenum. No one can beat me at a game of cards if I don't let them.
The man starts shuffling the deck and hands out the cards. "One round," he says, tone a little too excited."Just one round to determine the winner."
'Too easy,' I think while stuffing down a bad feeling. I shrug in mock indifference as he passes out the cards. The hand he gives me is decent, but I'm not taking any chances. Quick as a wink, I replace them with a one-of-a-kind hand. This is sure to secure me the win.
"I'm afraid it's your loss, sir." I drawl, laying down the cards. The men at the table are silent, though. I can feel malicious anger dripping off of them.
"Really? How interesting." My opponent lays down his hand, and my heart stops. His hand is the same as mine, an impossibility if we were playing fair. I feel rough hands on my shoulders, stopping me from getting up. When did they get behind me?
"It seems, lads, that we have a rat in our midst." The man grins. "And we all know what happens to pests."
Shit. I should've just left.
I hear knuckles cracking, weapons being drawn, and... a torch being lit?! Are they serious?
"Wait! You can't hurt me!" I say, protecting my face.
They all stop, confused.
"What would your wives think if their favorite lover became scarred and ugly?"
Pandemonium. I probably should've kept my mouth shut. The barmaids and tavern keeper are laughing, at least.
My face is slammed against the table, almost breaking my nose. I'm lucky I turned my head at the last second. Stars are swimming in my vision. This is where I die.
Maybe next time I come back, I can serve a different deity. Being under the service of the God of Lies has been exhausting. Plus, His eyes freak me out. Black pools of darkness.
The door to the tavern slams open, letting in the cold winter wind. All eyes turn to the door and everyone shudders. This man is feral.
His alabaster hair and striking eyes are the easiest thing about him. He's covered in blood and a weird coat. Scratch that, it's a bear skin. Did he kill that thing himself? His clothes are in tatters, otherwise, only barely covering his body.
He looks half-starved as well, like he's only being held together by his skin. The thing that scares everyone the most, however, is the Imperium shield he is carrying.
Is this a knight on official business?
Or is it someone strong enough to take down a knight and take his gear?
He spares a glance at my situation and shrugs, shambling his way to the terrified tavern keep who stands behind his bar. A trail of blood follows the stranger's feet, seemingly fresh. What did he kill?
Sitting down at the bar, the stranger asks for some food. It's served and he starts eating ravenously.
Shaking themselves from their stupor, the gang finally turns their attention back to me, finding that I have slipped out when they were distracted. The only thing I've left behind is a gold coin with my calling card and a note that reads "Thanks for the knife."
Up in the rafters, I hear the leader call the gang outside to search for me. After as the tavern empties, I drop down from my hiding spot and sit next to the pale stranger. He doesn't acknowledge me, which I'm fine with.
I order a drink from the tavern keep. He shoots me a nasty glare for causing such a ruckus, but he hands me the drink anyway. I make sure to tip him well.
I eye the feral stranger and try to gather the courage to say something. Maybe a compliment would do him well? I could compliment his bear cloak. Or his eyes. They are pretty from a certain angle.
"Ever heard of bathing?" The remark is out of my mouth before I realize it. In my defense, he does smell quite bad.
He nods and continues eating, seemingly not offended at all. I sigh with relief. I really do need to watch my words sometimes. I'm lucky this guy seems even-keeled, despite his appearance.
The silence is making me uncomfortable. I take out a coin and roll it through my knuckles. A nervous habit I picked up after 15 years of gambling. I decided to introduce myself.
"Mendacium Avercast," I tell him while extending a hand. "Surveyor of fine items and appraiser of many fine ladies." I wink at one of the barmaids playfully. She rolls her eyes.
The man nods, showing he has heard me. He doesn't offer back a name. This guy is seriously weird. All he does is eat. I look to his side and have to hold back a gasp. There are enough bowls next to him to feed five people.
When did he do that?
I shake my head. It must've been leftovers from the other tables.
"Are you in town for long?" I ask the stranger, still trying to drum up conversation.
"No," He finally replies in a gravelly voice. It's surprisingly deep for someone of his stature.
"Not much of a talker," I shrug with indifference. I've already surmised he doesn't have much to take. I finish my drink. "I'm feeling a little generous today, stranger. I'll pay for your food. Harvey, the man's meal is on me." I take out my new gold pouch to pay for him. It shouldn't be much anyway.
The price floors me. The freak did eat enough for five people!
Harvey whips out a shark-like grin as I pay him. The bag is noticeably lighter, and my emotions much heavier. Bastard.
The man finally wipes his mouth as he finishes his meal. "Thanks for the meal, then." He finally gives me his full attention. What a jerk to only look at me now.
I nod grimly. Maybe I should rob him of everything he has...
The stranger examines me for a bit. His eyes are weird.
"Do you know if I can join a hunter's guild here?" He asks me.
I assume he means the bounties that are posted on the board every so often. I tell him that he can if he knows the right people.
"Luckily for you," I continue, "I'm one of those people. I can introduce you to some of my friends."
And maybe he can work off his debt to me in the meantime...
He stares at me for a second before nodding. He really does seem wild.
"I uh, I still haven't caught your name," I say, a bit anxious now. "I hope I'm not pressing too hard."
The silence is heavy and long. His stare is cold and distant, as if he's remembering something unpleasant. I shiver a little.
"Ira." He finally says. "My name is Ira."