Kane glanced over at Bauer, finding him was still fast asleep, which was already evident by the snoring he failed to realize as he read through Maleagant's note. Slowly and quietly, he got off the creaking bed and walked over, searching for the brown bag they used to store their essentials.
The essential Kane wanted in question? Silver.
If there was one piece of knowledge of utmost importance that Kane came to understand about Teivel and the people inhabiting it, it was that silver can buy anything. Hell, it could even buy intangible assets.
And to think that morons say money can't buy happiness, so he thought, wearing a smug grin as he took the pouch of coins they'd saved over the course of working for the fat man, before making way for the door. He laughed internally. They have no idea.
He sneakily navigated out and through the halls, making sure that no one was around as he tiptoed his way around, stopping only to take a look down the stairs. Surprisingly, not a sound signalled anyone's presence, save for the running water of the sink at the bar stand. He expected a tavern to be filled with people who had either nothing better to do with their lives or just a bunch of alcoholics, though that was clearly not the case.
Whatever, he shook his head, waltzing down the stairs normally, that's not important. Now I just need to ask...
Oh, that's right, he couldn't speak to others, as per the rule and act that he and Bauer created. Truly, not being able to speak had its disadvantages.
But Kane was desperate; his mind gnawed for knowledge, for that was the greatest weapon of all... only to lead into a better weapon he'd use as a catalyst for casting spells, rather than the sorry excuse of a wand he chose to keep.
As he reached the base of the steps, he questioned why he held onto the crooked twig and gave the others he'd collected as part of their missions that the fat man sent them on. He looked around, taking notice of the fat man washing the dishes, and slowly made his way over.
I definitely could've just swapped one out, but... something feels different about this one, he pressed against the breast pocket of his coat, letting his fingers trace the shape of the wand that hid there. Is that what he meant by connec—
"Can't sleep?" asked the fat man, continuing to wash the dishes as he was met with silence. "Oh, don't be shy, I've been running this tavern for decades now, I know when someone's sneaking around," he paused, turning off the sink, looking back at Kane as he added, "and when they're not."
Kane stared back at him, his brown eyes meeting the viridian ones, brimming with a million shades like a forest.
The fat man sighed, averting his gaze as he leaned against the countertop with open palms holding him up. "Look, I know you folks don't like to talk," he continued, looking down at the beautiful undulating patterns etched into the hardwood, "but I just... Well, you know, it's been a while since I've really had anyone stop by the tavern." He looked up, forcing a smile. "It feels good to talk to someone casually like this, you know?"
Kane held his stare for a bit longer, before looking down as he questioned what harm there was in asking just a couple of questions. Besides, it wasn't like he was here to start bonding with the man. He simply had a few questions and needed some answers.
He sighed, looking up as he asked, "I need help."
The fat man's brows raised themselves, caught off guard. Kane deciding to talk was part of the surprise, but it was more so that he never expected such a deep and masculine voice from a feeble figure.
He cleared his throat just as he quickly did with the surprise on his face. "Help? A friend of Niemand Bauer's in need is a friend of mine in need. What might I help you with..." He searched for the right way to address him. "Young? Old?"
Kane rolled his eyes. Right, of course. He opened his mouth, but quickly stopped, before saying, "Call me..."
He paused, remembering for a brief moment that one of the parchments mentioned Maleagant's real name wasn't actually Maleagant.
He sighed. Well, fuck it, first thing that comes to mind, I guess. "You can just call me Nethyrus."
"Nethyrus?" repeated the fat man, his brows raised, lips pursed as his head wobbled up and down. "That is quite the unique name! Well then, Nethyrus, I don't believe I actually properly introduced myself to you yet, have I?"
Kane shook his head, though he really didn't want to hear it.
"I am Frederick, but feel free to call me Freddie. Anyway," raising a brow, he looked side to side before asking, "how can I help you?"
Kane stepped forth, standing just before the wooden stools as he whispered, "I'm looking for an artificer."
Frederick slowly stood up right, his chin held high as he squinted, letting out a hum out of surprise as he rubbed his hands together, slowly nodding. "You've come to the right person, my good friend Nethyrus, but," he crossed his arms as he looked at Kane out of the corner of his squinted eye, "why are you looking for an artificer?"
"I could ask why you're having us bring you nefandite gear."
"Fair enough. Alright, I know you two mean business... and that's why it'll come with a price."
"How much?"
"Twenty silver."
"Forget I said anything." Kane turned away, though he expected this much. While he did anticipate that it'd come at a cost, he was willing to bet that Frederick was more desperate than he was, given that no one was stopping by his tavern for business anyway.
"Wait, wait, wait!" called out Frederick, reaching over for Kane, though his large stomach restricted him from getting his wrist past to the other side of the countertop, ending up with him falling back and slamming down on his back. "Ten silver! I'll do ten silver!"
Kane took out the coins and walked back, placing them on the countertop as he watched Frederick slowly stand back up, struggling to rub his back.
"Just two blocks up there's an intersection," continued Frederick, sliding the coins over to his side, "go left. There's a lone manor, you can't miss it. Tell them the Bear sent you. You might be able to find what you're looking for over there."
Kane raised a brow, though the shadow cast by his hood hid it. "Might?" he repeated.
"Look, you asking me about an artificer means that you know, as well as I do, no—as well as everyone in Teivel does—that artificers are hunted for their craft. Whatever I know is merely hearsay because the last thing I want is to get involved in the issues of an artificer's!"
Kane squinted, tilting his head back. "And so you'd rather have us... smuggle nefandite gear instead?"
Frederick remained silent for a bit, letting the question simmer, before quickly replying, "Yes!"
Kane sighed, looking to the floor. Well, that ten silver better be worth it. "Thanks, Frederick," he said, before taking his leave.
"Oh, no problem. If you're in need of any information, you know where to find me."
Kane stopped in his tracks, staring at the wooden door, before looking over his shoulder at Frederick. "One more question."
Frederick's gaze darted up from the silver. "Yes?"
"What is this city called?"
Frederick shot him with a quizzical look, which was quite understandable. How would a mercenary—well, at least, someone acting like one—not know what city they were operating in?
"Tyraleth," he replied. "This city is called Tyraleth. Fourth largest city you'll find in Teivel."
Kane nodded, pushing the door open as he stepped into the dark of the night, instantly regretting it given how cold it was and how much snow had gathered in the short time that he and Bauer spent in the tavern.
He looked down the street towards the black gate, taking notice of the silhouettes of guards atop the stone bulwark. Up the street was not a single person in sight.
"Well," he mumbled, stretching his arms as he yawned, "time to find this artificer."