"Let me get this straight," Piers was piecing this plan together. "You want us to ransom the coins back to Casimir?" Kaden shook his head. "Ransom is too harsh to say. I merely mean you should ask for a reward for liberating the coins from the clutches of the Trencher Thieves." We were good distance away from Trinity Province and Piers was still not convinced. "What's to keep Casimir from setting the Spats on us when we reveal ourselves?" Kaden nodded and responded, "We must act with trust when dealing with Casimir. He is more likely to let us go if we act in good nature. Besides he wouldn't know what happened until later."
"Who's going to be delivering the coins?" I asked. "I'm not revealing myself to Casimir." Kaden lifted his hand. "I will certainly go, but I wish for Piers to accompany me." I lifted a brow as Piers' eyes went wide. "Why me?" "Casimir wouldn't believe me, a southern man, that I would be able to reclaim the coins by myself. However, if I had help from someone that is more familiar with the lands of Alshaedia, then it would be less suspicious. I would go so far as to say that it was your idea. If you don't mind, Oren." I shrugged. "Sounds fine to me."
Piers was still not convinced, "And if Casimir doesn't reward us?" Kaden turned towards the road and looked back. "Then we will make a disturbance, forcing him to reward us for our time." I smirked. Piers sighed heavily. "Let's get it over with then." Kaden trudged up ahead, while Piers leaned towards me. "Where did you find this guy?" "Walking near my house," I replied.
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The Trinity Bank stood tall over the plaza and Casimir's Manor was even more so. His highest balcony looked over the Bank and into the glass roof that had a clear view of the bank tellers. Needless to say, the nobles of Trinity Province took pride in "observing" their lesser servants. Several guards marched about between the stone buildings. Kaden turned to me. "Give Piers the coins." I handed him the bags and Piers shook it, confirming the contents. "You lead the way," Piers said and they set out. I leaned back into the shadows and watched them slowly approach one of the guards.
He noticed them and called his fellows over. Kaden's voice echoed in the plaza as the other guards walked over. "Greetings, royal soldiers. Me and my good friend here were in Alshaedia when we had heard about your trouble with the Trenchers thieves. However, my friend managed to find their hideout and liberate these coins!" With that, Piers tossed one of the bags to Kaden and he caught it, pouring a few into his hand. The guards leaned in and some started nodding. "What's your name, Zaharan?" asked the leading guard. "My name is not important. I am only visiting. However, he is the famous thief, Oren!" Piers stiffened and turned towards me. He only saw me putting my gloved palm to my face.
"My friend asks that you give him an award for this good deed," Kaden continued. I looked up and several of the guards were glancing at each other. The lead guard spoke, "Why doesn't he talk for himself?" Kaden put his hand to his chest. "My apologies," he said, "but he isn't comfortable with authorities." Another guard piped up. "How do we know that he's not one of them Trenchers?" I could see Piers clenching his fists. Kaden held his hands firmly up in a sign of good faith. "My good soldiers, my friend was wounded in the leg. Can you not see the blood he has spilled for you? Of course, he is still a thief, but he has sought to redeem himself and has paid a hefty price for such actions." Kaden gestured to Piers' leg. When I had pinned Piers earlier, I was still bleeding so the blood on his pants did seem like a wound in the dark. I almost rolled my eyes, but Kaden was doing something extraordinary.
The lead guard turned to one of his fellows. "Wake up Lord Casimir," he said aloud. "He's going to want to see this." Two guards headed to the manor. Kaden continued conversing with the lead guard in a softer tone and nothing too important. He just wanted to know about the man's family. We didn't have to wait long for prestigious nobleman to emerge from his den. He came out in a lavish bathrobe. Kaden immediately bowed to him.
"Good evening, Lord Casimir. You have a wonderful captain of your guard," Kaden complimented, but Casimir wasn't having it. "Where are my coins?" he demanded. Kaden wasted no time in grabbing the other bags. "Right here. All the way from Alshaedia!" Kaden again bowed and gave the rest to the captain. The captain proceeded to give Casimir the treasure, but he only gestured to his manor. The captain went inside while Casimir turned to Kaden and Piers. "Where are the bank notes?" he asked. Kaden held up his hands.
"Forgive me, kind sir. I didn't say we had any bank notes. Oren has only taken what he could carry." Casimir scowled. "And pray tell, how did the thief Oren "liberate" my coins?" He was eyeing up Piers very intently. Something moved in the shadows to the left of the plaza and I jerked my head towards it. Somebody else was watching the event unfold. Kaden's voice drew me back as he kindly responded, "Ah, Lord Casimir. We simply walked upon their secret hideout and Oren went inside and took them. I was merely causing a bit of a distraction." Casimir turned to Kaden still scowling. "You take me for a fool, Zaharan?" he spat. "This is Piers, the Bane of Markee! Whoever this Oren character is nothing compared to this filthy rat!" Now that's just plain rude. The richest lord hearing none of my exploits? I'll have to remedy that. I turned back to where I saw the spectator.
He wasn't alone now. Two others had appeared and were gazing towards the group. The first one, nearly my height, turned to talk to his cohorts when he stopped and saw me. I just kept watching the trio while Piers and Kaden were attempting to defuse Casimir. Attempting, but the rich snob wasn't having it tonight. "Where are the Spastani Knights, Zaharan? Did you kill them with your group of desert jackals?" Kaden was taken aback. "Jackals? Who told you those fairy tales? I keep telling you northern folk that jackals were made up to scare kids from running away into the desert!" Piers interrupted him, "Listen Casimir. I got you your coins. Now I wanna get paid for my work." The trio of dark figures were staring at me. One of them looked like... "Jep," I muttered.
Jep turned back to the other two and whispered something. They hurried away and he kept watch over Kaden and Piers. I pulled out my short bow and gripped an arrow. I'm not exactly on speaking terms with the Bronzemarks, but Casimir is the greater threat and it seemed Jep thought the same. "Captain! Take in these interlopers!" The bellow from Casimir caught my full attention. I knocked the arrow and eyed the guards. The guards didn't move and just glanced at each other. The captain had returned and was puzzled by this new command. "My lord. This Zaharan is---," he started, but Casimir turned on him. "Did you not hear me? I said arrest these criminals!" I eyed Jep and was surprised to see him accompanied with four other Bronzemarks. He and his group sauntered out into the light, grabbing the attention of everyone present. I inched out slowly and noticed I wasn't the only one doing so. Other figures were peering out from the surrounding alleyways. Jep must've gotten the entire guild together.
Casimir didn't shift from his current demeanor and started yelling at the Bronzemarks. "Stop right there, thieves! This plaza is under the protection of the Trinity Guard and the Crown! Unless you want to be impaled by my guards and deal with the King's Constables!" Jep wasted no time in defending Kaden and Piers. "Lord Casimir, I don't mean to tell you how to do your job, but arresting two good men just for returning your belongings isn't right. And I'm pretty sure Constable Harrigan would have something to say about this." "Constable Harrigan is under my payroll, scum," Casimir spat back. "If that policeman turns cutthroat, I'll drop him and his head!" The captain stepped forward. "My lord, think about your reputation," he urged. Casimir wasn't budging. "I'm not making a deal with rats from Cutty!" Jep stepped forward. "Then a compromise. This will never be made public. The Bronzemarks will honor this arrangement if you respectfully compensate our friend Piers and the Swordsman. At least 500 galleons apiece." 500?! I rarely got paid that much for a job. Casimir was nearing livid. "You dare---!" "Casimir, buddy," Jep interrupted. "You're very fortunate to have bought out all these surrounding homes or else this would've been out of everyone's control. You sent the Spats on my mates in Alshaedia, but you're lucky I'm not Berenice. Rest assured you'll get your property back. These two just happened to be faster than those religious nutjobs. Now pay them their dues, Casimir. For your own honor."
Casimir was fuming and he was almost a bright shade of red. But now everyone was looking at him. One of his guards rolled his eyes. He clearly gets paid more than 500. At last, Casimir relented. "Fine. Captain, fetch the keys." "Yes sir," said the captain smirking and jogged towards the manor with another guard. Probably the first time ever he had seen his boss conceding to anything. Jep stepped towards Kaden. "What's your name, swordsman?" Jep asked. "Kadin but you may pronounce it as Kaden. Who might you be?" I slid back into the shadow. I knew my name would be mentioned, but I wasn't going to let Jep see me for the rest of the night.
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I sat at the step of Piers' hideout. Kaden's words were still fresh in my mind. He has backed up both Piers and I even though he knows we're not savory characters. That puzzles me. He did say he was merely interested, but that wasn't cutting it for me. And then seeing Jep and the Bronzemarks again sort of shocked me. In Trinity Province no less. What were they doing there? Jep must've known the Trenchers already hit the bank, so why were they there? To pick up the scraps? Or because of us? I wouldn't put outside the realm of possibility for Jep trying to keep tabs on me. However, he didn't even notice me until he looked my way.
They must've been gunning for Casimir's manor. Pretty ballsy for Jep. Hard times must've hit the group. Then again with Remy being a factor taken out, a lot of things happened at once. Piers picking up the pieces, a new sheriff sniffing my footprints, the Trenchers robbing nobles and banks in their rival country, and apparently a prevalent nobleman trying to defect. And here I am, robbing from monsters, tombs and rival thieves. This has been one hell of a week.
I heard footsteps approaching and looked up. Kaden and Piers were walking towards me. They had a few bags in each hand and jingling coins echoed in the night. Piers was laughing from something Kaden said. "And then what did you do?" Piers asked. "I honestly had no say in the matter." Kaden said. "My mother said I was priceless and so I was. However, my father still wanted me off the slave market. They just didn't have the means to pay him. My sister was on the table though, but my dad yelled at her. 'You think this is a game, you imbecile! One day out of the house leads you crying in the dirt just a few steps from the door! Go back inside and make the tea!'" Piers guffawed and I chuckled a bit.
I checked the time. "I'm gonna head out," I said, "Going to see if Edwin is still up." Piers turned to me. "He's still up. Here." He tossed over a large pouch and I caught it. Silver Spoons jingled inside. "It's not all of the one you stole," he continued. "He said he only wanted 17 spoons. He wanted to have something to bargain with in case the Bulls come around." I looked up in concern. Piers, acknowledging my glance, followed up with, "Edwin's fine. Sheriff Gorman's just been making his rounds." I grabbed the doorknob. "Just make sure that damn sheriff doesn't get too close. He already knows where I live." Piers nodded. "You got it." And I made for Edwin's shop.
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Edwin's place of business and residence was located on the edge of Cutty and the threshold of Markee. His place was conveniently in the alleyway of the two of the cleanest buildings of Cutty, so naturally he gets the attention of many shoppers in the city. His products vary greatly and he seems to have everything in stock every time I go there. He's been in the back-pouch of many Shade Trade bosses and even some Spat families. However, whenever he had been linked as an accomplice to such shady individuals, a crowd would pressure the authorities to let him off the hook. Of course, it worked every time, but with the new sheriff in the picture, I am honestly not sure.
I turned down the alleyway and spotted Edwin's window. The light was still on and better yet, I saw him moving about. Pretty soon I was knocking on the door. Immediately Edwin answered and peered at me. "You're here pretty late, Oren," he said in his gravelly voice. He looked down at my bandaged leg. "Had trouble with the Bulls?" "Something a lot worse than Bulls," I replied. "I'm going to need more flash bombs. A lot more." Edwin stepped aside and I limped inside. I made my way to the flash bomb cases which were filled to the brim thankfully. "What could be worse than the Bulls?" Edwin asked while closing the door. "Take a wild guess," I challenged Edwin. He pondered a bit while I grasped two cases of flash bombs. "It wouldn't have been the Spats, would it?" My telling glance tipped him off and his eyes started to widen. "Did they see you?!" he asked as panic set in on him.
I waved my hand in diffusion. "They saw me as well as every other thief in Taffer's Inn," I calmly replied. "But they can't tell the difference and they can't prove I was there. Besides, they'll have their hands full dealing with Alshaedian reprisals." Edwin brought out his logbook as I approached his desk. "What happened, Oren?" "They stormed Taffer's," I said. "I never seen anything like it. The Trenchers killed a bunch of the Spats, but they were overrun. I barely got out of there. I wouldn't have made it without these flash bombs." I took out one from the case and held it up. Edwin shook his head. "I assume this was all tonight," he said. "Those good-for-nothing zealots have nothing better to do than to shed more Arlien blood." I sighed. "It's just religious politics, Edwin. I'll need some specialty arrows as well."
Edwin turned towards a closet to the side of the room. "I think I might have some," he said after he turned back to face me. "Wait here." Edwin stepped out and into the closet. I checked to see if he had any more bowyer string. I don't like using my short bow unless I need out of a pinch. The Spastani Knights were a different breed of enmity however. The scene of silver-clad knights bursting through the wooden doors of Taffer's was now etched in my mind. I looked down to see my left hand gripped onto the table and the right shaking. I let go of the table and clasped my hand. The shaking stopped.
KNOCK KNOCK! I turned suddenly to the sound of something knocking on the glass door. There I saw Kaden at the window looking in and waving to me. Damn him! He almost scared me to death! I strode over to the front door and unlocked it. He smiled nonchalantly, but before he could say anything I scolded him. "Can you please not do that?" His smile dropped and he instantly realized. "I'm sorry, Oren," he said sincerely. "Piers gave me the directions, so I thought I'd keep you company." Normally I would push him away, but he did just save me from the Spats. So, I just let him in.
Kaden was immediately fascinated by the contents of the shop. "This is where you buy all your tools?" he asked. "Just about," I replied. "Don't touch anything, a lot of this stuff is not from the Southern Continent." "I understand," he said, but then immediately gasped at something. I turned to see him holding up a flash bomb. "So, this is gadget that lights up like the sun," he exclaimed. I rolled my eyes. "You're lucky that it doesn't have the primer rod inside." "Oh, so you can't use it immediately?" "No, I got to get them from the shopkeeper." "Well, where is the shopkeeper?" I gestured to the closet, just as Edwin opened the door. He had the specialty arrow cases in hand and he looked up to see Kaden. "Oh, good early morning, sir. I'll be right with you." I put a hand up. "He's with me, Edwin. This is Kaden from the South Sands."
Edwin's eyes lit up. "Oh! Forgive me, I didn't realize he was Zaharan! The light doesn't give off a clear picture." Kaden waved his hands in understanding. "No, no. It's alright Mr. Shopkeeper." "Please. Call me Edwin, Kaden." Edwin placed the cases on the counter and I immediately got to inspecting them. "Did you want to buy that, Mr. Kaden?" I paused momentarily to glance over. Kaden was still holding the flash bomb. "Oh, yes. I wanted to see how it works." "You'll be sorry," I said as I continued looking at the arrows. Edwin brushed me off. "Ah, don't listen to him. He's never fumbled with a flash bomb before. A lot of upstarts have, but I got a feeling you're very capable." The water crystals seemed to be in good condition. I placed the case aside and moved to the spark crystals.
"Well, since you mentioned it," Kaden said. "Oren did fumble with a flash bomb tonight." I sighed as Edwin turned his bearded face my way. "It's been a night of firsts," I answered before he could reply. Kaden nodded, "Indeed. It's the first time I've seen Spastani Knights draw blood in years. I think something was going on." I glanced outside. Edwin chimed in. "Alshaedia has demanded the Spats be disbanded and outlawed. The Estheaven Crown is adamant on keeping them around, but tonight might change their minds. The Sons of Aiden demand blood." "Who are the sons of Aiden?" Kaden asked. "Oh," said Edwin, "you're surrounded by them. The people known as the Arliens, like me and Oren, had lived on this continent oppressed by the Spastani Knights and their God-King." Kaden continued his question with, "who was Aiden?" Here we go.
Edwin clapped his hands in anticipation. "Well, my southern friend," he said he rubbed his hands, "you're in for a story. Please sit down. "It'll take a while." I glanced outside. The night was slowly fading away and the sky began turning dark blue. "Come sit by me, Oren," Kaden called to me. "I already know this story," I said turning back to the duo. Edwin put up a finger. "Ah, but you didn't hear it from me." I shrugged and conceded to sitting next to Kaden. The pain in my leg stung slightly.
"To make sure that this doesn't take much time, how much are you aware of the Northern Continent's history?" Kaden wasted no time in his answer. "I was taught only about the God-King's reign over these lands and that he sailed over the horizon with his indestructible fleet, promising to return one day. Then his son failed to lead the Sanctan Kingdom while the Arliens, Andorians and, to a certain extent, the Zaharans revolted. They were swift to slaughter the Sanctans and bring down their places of worship, but then the Andorians invaded the Arlien lands despite having a shaky alliance. Then some of the Arliens recruited the Order of Spastana or the Spats to repel the Andorians. Most Arliens were furious by this decision so they separated to the North forming Alshaedia while the ones that spared the Knights Spastana became Estheaven." I raised an eyebrow. Edwin shared my surprise. "Impressive. Very impressive, Kaden. I applaud your knowledge. So, in relation to the Arlien Revolution, Aiden was one of the major leaders. He had suffered greatly at the hands of the Sanctans, losing his wife and only child. He stirred the Arliens into a tribal and united fervor such as which no one had ever seen or heard of before."
Kaden chimed in. "So, how are all the Arliens also called the Sons of Aiden?" "A good question," Edwin responded. "Aiden had declared that all Men of the Arlien race be his Sons, since he had no more of his own. His charisma and devotion to seeing us free struck a chord with so many between these two realms that during the harvesting season citizens of both kingdoms come together and celebrate the life of Aiden. And so, all of us Arliens are proud to be his children. While not all of us openly acknowledge it," Edwin glanced towards me and Kaden followed suit. "Whenever, the Sanctans or, Aiden forbid, the Andorians threaten our lives, all the Arliens of both kingdoms will reunite and stand by our oath."
Edwin stood and placed his hand on his chest. I wanted sigh again, but I'd rather not get on his bad side. "Our oath to Aiden; to be his children and bring on more children. To live long to spite our enemies of long past, due present and foreboding future. To care for the land that had nurtured us since our arrival on these shores. To bolster our homes, harvest the food and to teach the next generation what it means to be a Son of Aiden." Edwin's eyes began to tear. I also felt a bit of something, but shook it off. It's all just political hogwash. Kaden was far from sharing that sentiment. He applauded the shopkeeper. "Thank you. Thank you, Edwin sir. Such a wonderful story." Edwin bowed his head. "Thank you, Kaden for listening. Not many people these days wish to listen about the history of our plight and recovery. You have my respect. I'll be sure to carry your reputation before you."
Kaden shook Edwin's hand firmly and hugged him. I looked out the window. The sky was turning a mixture of dark blue and orange. "I need to go," I said. The two stopped embracing. "Ah, your tools. I nearly forgot. Let's have you on your way. I slowly stood back up; the pain made me wince immensely. Kaden walked over to help me, but I held him back. "I can do it," I muttered and I did. I walked over to the counter. "What will you do now?" Kaden asked. "Lay low and heal. It's been a long damn night." Kaden put his hand on my shoulder. "Do you need any help?" I looked at him for a moment as I paid Edwin for the crystals, bowyer string and flash bombs. "No, I can make it from here. You should make yourself scarce." Kaden was puzzled. "I didn't kill any Spastani Knight." "One of them did see you and you didn't kill him," I retorted. Edwin again widened his eyes. "Oh," he said, "That is not good. You should hide away. The Sons of Aiden will seek reprisal but the Spats, admittedly, are much faster. Especially hearing what happened. You both should be careful. I'll contact my mates in Alshaedia and see what they're up to. "Careful Edwin," I said. I may not see eye to eye with him, but he wasn't that bad. "They shot up Taffer's just reclaim some bank notes." Edwin nodded. "Go and may Aiden watch over you both." And with that, Kaden and I left for my place.
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It was still morning when we reached my part of town. My leg was very sore now especially after walking for so long. Kaden kept with me and looked at my leg every so often. "Are you sure you can make it?" he asked for the tenth time. "Yes. I'm almost there. Why are you still following me?" Kaden tilted his head. "Because you've been shot and it wouldn't be right for me not to make sure you made it home." I scoffed. "It was a graze. The bullet isn't in my leg." "And yet you're still limping," Kaden retorted. I shrugged off his comment.
I turned the last corner and stopped. Sheriff Gorman and two other constables were waiting. One of them turned and got Gorman's attention. Kaden joined me at my side. Great. All four constables started their walk towards me. I turned to Kaden who already smiled. "Don't worry, Oren. I've got a plan," he said. I just rolled my eyes. Gorman and his party stepped before us. "Oren Ruskin, we'd like for you to accompany us to the Lot," Gorman said. He turned to Kaden. "We also have questions for you, Kaden Hakbee." Kaden quickly got into his role. "Of course, sheriff Gorman. However, we've been very busy this previous night and would like to retire."
I saw Gorman eyeing my leg wound as Kaden was talking and he bent down to get a better look. "Looks bad, mister Ruskin. I'm sure our medical practitioners can patch you up that the Lot." I gripped my cloak to hide the wound. "It's nothing," I said. Kaden interjected. "Nothing? Good man, you were shot!" I snapped, sticking to character of course. "It's just a graze, Kaden!" Gorman held up a hand into speak. "If I may ask, how did this happen?" Kaden responded, "He was shot by one of Lord Casimir's guards." My heart sank. This madman is going to get me killed. Gorman turned to me with a glint in his eye. "Really?" he asked incredulously. I retorted, "Before you put those locks on me, how about you ask Kaden what happened." Grasping at straws, I turned to Kaden, who seemed pretty confident. Gorman wasn't budging. "There was a robbery at Trinity Bank four days ago. Since you were not at your place of residence at the time in question, I'm going to have to place you under arrest."
Kaden boldly stepped in front of me as one of the Bulls stepped forward with clamps. "Now, constable. That isn't true. The coin and resources stolen from the Bank were perpetrated by another group of thieves." The constables looked at one another. Gorman addressed Kaden. "How do you know?" "Because I spoke with Lord Casimir. He said his belongings were stolen by the Trencher Thieves from Alshaedia. I volunteered to look for them, but he had hired the Spastani Knights to track them down. So, I enlisted my friend, Oren, to try and retrieve the stolen items before blood was drawn. Unfortunately, the Spastani were swift and raided the building that held the Trenchers. Oren was wounded and only managed to get the stolen galleons. I helped him back to Trinity Bank and offered to give back the galleons to Lord Casimir if he rewarded us for our valiant action. And he did. You can speak with him if you want."
I stood there in stunned silence alongside Gorman and the two other Bulls. Kaden continued, "I tried my best to patch up that wound, but Oren wouldn't see a doctor. You can see our precarious state, sheriff. He didn't want this to go public." Gorman finally snapped out of it and nodded. "Well, I'll go and interview Casimir again. It's very unlikely that he would hire mercenaries just to retrieve bank notes and stolen gold." Kaden shook his head. "I'm sorry, my kind constable. But it is true. You can go to umm…. what was the name of that town we went to, Oren?" "Bicksparrow," I replied. "The building is called Taffer's." Gorman and one of the Bulls wrote down the information. Kaden piped up, "you might want to be careful, constable. It's becoming turbulent over there especially after last night's mess." Gorman nodded. "I'll see to this. Thank you very much for your time, mister Hakbee. Mister Ruskin, you take care of that leg. I'll be in touch. Good day." With that Gorman and company turned and walked down the opposite side of the street.
"I hate you, swordsman," I said after they were out of sight. Kaden was taken aback. "After what I did? You honestly should be thanking me." "It's bad enough that the Bulls are onto me, now you've told them what I've been doing." Kaden was unfazed. "Not particularly. You have returned some stolen items to a wealthy noble and was rewarded for that. No harm in that aside from the leg of course." I sighed. The leg was aching now. "I just want to go to bed," I muttered. "You want me to carry you?" Kaden offered. I stiffly walked away and headed up the stairs. "I'm not begging for help. You've done enough." Kaden shrugged. "It's been a fun night, right?" I stopped and sighed to relieve some pain from my leg. "Yes, it was eventful. First time I get shot by the damn Spats." I kept on. Kaden called out, "Rest easy, Oren. I have a feeling you might go out again. Am I right?" I unlocked the door, went inside and closed it shut. I had enough from that swordsman. It could've ended worse, but I was too tired and wanted some rest. I collapsed onto the bed as soon as I entered my room. The pain in my leg subsided. It was new day for anyone else. A long snooze for me.