After giving the gold coins and completing the transaction, Shadowpaw leaned in closer to Thornwood and said in a hushed tone, "The transaction is complete, sir. Your newly acquired artifact will be delivered to the location you have provided, Nya." Thornwood nodded, acknowledging the confirmation.
Thornwood then recloaked himself with his robe and exited the Obsidian Trade Co. building. His senses remained alert as he scanned both sides of the street for any signs of surveillance. Satisfied that he was not being watched, he continued on his way.
After walking for several minutes, he came upon a stall selling a variety of minerals, including Serpentsteel and frostite. The stall owner, a jovial merchant, welcomed Thornwood with a smile and eager hands, saying, "Welcome, sir! These are fresh minerals, that arrived from different kingdoms. Which one would you like to buy?"
Thornwood leaned forward, his voice barely a whisper, and uttered the code phrase, "Veil of Shadows."
Upon hearing these words, the merchant's expression changed instantly. His smile vanished, replaced by a serious and composed demeanor.
The merchant's eyes darted around, ensuring that no one else had overheard the words. Once satisfied, he composed himself and nodded to Thornwood.
"Follow me." the merchant said in a tone devoid of its earlier joviality. He turned and moved swiftly toward the rear of the stall, his steps sure and purposeful.
Recognizing the merchant's acknowledgment, Thornwood followed him without hesitation. They ventured through a concealed passage hidden behind a heavy curtain at the back of the stall. This secret passage led to a dimly lit chamber, where enigmatic figures shrouded in darkness awaited. The air was thick with an aura of secrecy, and hushed conversations filled the chamber. Thornwood had entered a clandestine world, where his actions would remain hidden from prying eyes.
In the dimly lit chamber, there stood only a solitary counter, stretching across the center, obscuring the identity of the individual behind it. The voice that emanated from behind the counter was cold, devoid of emotion as it addressed Archbishop Thornwood.
"Welcome to The Nightshade Legacy," the figure behind the counter intoned, their tone measured and unwavering. "Whose head do you wish to place a request on?"
Thornwood took a seat in front of the counter, his features hidden by the shadows of his hooded robe. The chamber was dimly lit, with only a single torch flickering on the wall, casting dancing shadows that seemed to mirror the uncertainty in Thornwood's heart.
A solitary candle burned on the counter, its feeble flame barely illuminating the enigmatic figure behind it.
As Thornwood sat, he couldn't help but notice the unsettling details of the counter. Carved into the aged wood were depictions of demon faces, their twisted visages staring up at him with malevolent eyes.
The torchlight played tricks on these carvings, making them appear as if they were moving, whispering secrets that only those who dared to tread this shadowed path could comprehend.
"I seek to enlist your expert assassins," Thornwood declared, his words deliberate and calculated. "They are to carry out an assignment on a specific date and time that I shall provide. Their target is none other than Prince Nathan von Valdyr of the Valdyr Kingdom."
The figure behind the counter, concealed in the shadows, showed no immediate reaction to Thornwood's audacious request. Instead, they leaned slightly forward, their fingers lightly tapping the surface of the counter as if deep in contemplation.
Thornwood couldn't help but shiver involuntarily as he felt the chilling presence of the person behind the counter. The coldness in their voice seemed to seep into his very bones, a stark reminder of the perilous path he had chosen.
"Prince Nathan von Valdyr," they repeated, their voice a chilling whisper that seemed to hang in the air. "Killing a royal is no small endeavor. It requires meticulous planning, precision, and, of course, a considerable sum."
Thornwood leaned in closer, his determination unwavering, but he couldn't shake the sense of unease that had settled upon him. "I understand the gravity of the task and the cost associated with it. Rest assured, the compensation for success will be substantial. I will provide the necessary details for the operation, including the date and time. The assassins must act discreetly, leaving no trace of their involvement."
The figure behind the counter nodded, though Thornwood couldn't see their face. The silence that followed hung heavy in the dimly lit chamber, each passing moment intensifying Thornwood's apprehension.
"Very well. We will need the particulars of the assignment, along with half of the agreed-upon fee as a retainer. The remainder will be due upon the successful completion of the contract."
Thornwood reached into his robe, retrieving a small, intricately carved wooden box. He placed it on the counter, slid it forward, and then uttered a single word, "Payment."
The figure behind the counter made a subtle gesture, and a hidden compartment in the counter opened, revealing a parchment and a quill. "Write down the details of the assignment, including the date, time, and any specific conditions. Be as precise as possible."
Thornwood took the quill and parchment and began to write, each stroke of the quill bringing his vengeful plans closer to fruition. As he detailed the assignment, the figure behind the counter interrupted with a crucial question, "And how would you like the deed done? With poison, a direct stab, or some other method?"
Thornwood paused, considering the question carefully. After a moment's thought, he replied in a hushed tone, "A direct stab. Swift and untraceable."
Once he finished, he slid the parchment back across the counter.
The figure behind the counter examined the document with a scrutinizing gaze, then nodded once more. "The Nightshade Legacy accepts this contract. We will contact you with any necessary updates or information."
As Thornwood left the chamber, the weight of his dark alliance with The Nightshade Legacy settled upon him. His path toward revenge was now intertwined with the fate of these enigmatic assassins, and the impending darkness loomed ever larger on the horizon.