"Get back here thief!"
The cries are heard behind the young man as he bolts through the city streets.
"Stop him! Thief!"
The boy continues running as fast as he can, dodging in and out of the crowd, knocking over barrels, and jumping straight through Merchant carts.
He slips inside a shadowed doorway and watches as his persuers rush past.
*Phew!* he thinks to himself *That was a close one.*
He peaks his head out of the doorframe, checking that is clear.
He steps out from the shadows, cloak swirling behind him as he flips a gold peice into the air.
"One step closer to my wealthy retirement." He opens his belt pouch as the coin falls directly into it, and with a single quick motion, pulls the draw strings tight, closing the pouch.
The boy turns his head, grinning at how easily he outwit those brigands.
Until he turns back around and walks straight into the burly chest of Lugg Blackmast, leader of the Boxer Gang.
"Okay Runt, hand over da gold ye stole from us."
Lugg shoves his big bear-of-a-hand out towards the boy.
Jiles dodges back from the monster of a man, cloak flowing forward at the sudden movement.
"Why so upset, big guy? It's not like you didn't just take this off that woman you mugged three blocks over." A sly grin spreads across his face, and he gives the big man a quick wink.
With a quick, dismissive wave of his hand, Jiles continues. "I wouldn't worry about it though, it's not like I'm going to turn you in. I also doubt very much anyone would care if the leader of a gang lost a gold coin."
Artfully keeping his distance from the man, Jiles fingers a shuriken that he produces from one of the folds of his cloak. His face suddenly grim, his eyes seemingly heated with a fire from within, he stares at the burly man with a fierce determination. "Nor would they care if the leader suddenly went missing."
*Bahahahahaha!* the burly man laughs. "Aren't you the confident runt."
Suspecting that his tone and demeanor has not had the effect he desired, Jiles shrugs slightly. "The way I see it, you have two options. First option, you press your point and this escalates a bit further. Let me elaborate on this one. I spent a good deal of time in Luskan.. one of the harshest places any man can live.. and yet here I am without barely a scratch on me. This option leads to you being embarassed and perhaps losing your spot as leader of the gang."
Taking a breath, Jiles taps the shuriken against his lips, then begins to roll it over his fingers as he talks, as you would a coin. "The other option is you walk away, keeping your integrity and `honor', such as it is."
Lugg stares with an eyebrow raised at Jiles.
*Hmmm...*
With a hiss, Lugg pulls a giant kukri from his belt sheathe.
"You enjoy playing with toys eh Runt? How about I show you what its like to keep that wagging tongue of yours still."
Lugg takes a step forward, thrusting with his kukri towards the Rogue, baiting him to strike.
Beginning with a slight grin, Jiles laughs. "Toys? Perhaps to you. Not so much to the unfortunate ogre who found himself peppered with a hundred of these before he could close the distance between us. He died rather slowly, let me assure you."
With a deft motion, Jiles pulls his hand crossbow, flipping the shuriken to his off hand and loading the crossbow one-handed.
The giant of a man seems a bit shaken by the story of the fallen ogre.
"An ogre eh Runt?" He grins, showing white teeth through his thick black beard. "I never though you were the adventurin' type. Looks like ye got yourself a decent crossbow there, know how to use it to."
Lugg sheathes his kukri and places his hands on his hips.
"Why don't ye just keep that gold for yourself and consider it payment for a favor you're about to do for me. Sound good?"
Lugg waits for a response from Jiles.
With a flick of the wrist and a flourish, the crossbow and shuriken find their way back into his cloak. "Adventuring? I suppose, as long as it pads my pocket. I'll listen to what you have to say. I can't guarantee that one gold will be enough of a payment, but I'll listen."
Jiles makes a quick check over his shoulder and squints looking around for anyone who may be eavesdropping. "Be quick about it though."
"I thought ye'd like that idea. So listen, I've got a contact I need ye to take this letter to. She's an elf stayin' in Winterhaven 'bout two days march from here. Her name's Ninaran an' she'll be expectin' this letter soon. Think ye can handle that Runt?"
Lugg holds out a sealed envelope casually towards Jiles.
"Talk to Ninaran about payment once you get there. Work somethin' out with her."
With a sly grin, Jiles takes the envelope. *Potential payment for a trip I was about to make!*
"Name's Jiles. It's a bit out of my way, but I suppose I could do it."
Happy to have avoided any further punishment or retribution, Jiles disappears around the corner and into the shadows, pulling his hood up as he spins, cloak billowing out behind him. With his footpads, his feet barely make a sound as he moves through the alleys and small streets of Fallcrest. In the shadows, slipping around the city, he is in his element. With a quick and deadly grace, he is like the wind - there one moment, and gone the next. People turn at times, looking as if a ghost had just passed them by, only a slight ruffle of their clothes serve as evidence of his passing. His determination is fierce, and he doesn't slow as he makes his way out of the city and off to Winterhaven.
With determination in his step, Jiles makes his way off towards Winterhaven. He stops only at night to make camp on the side of the road, using tricks he learned in Fallcrest to hide the campfire from prying eyes.
The next morning he hears a wagon approaching along the road. It hasn't quite reached the point along King's Road where Jiles made camp, so the wagon driver probably hasn't spotted him yet.
Jiles rolls to the side and, keeping low, makes his way for some brush so he can watch the wagon without being seen. Carefully looking as it approaches, he attempts to determine if there is anyone on board that he knows. Also, while waiting, he pulls out his two crossbows and loads them. “Can never be too careful.”
As the rogue loads his crossbows in expert-fashion, the wagon rolls closer into view.
A human, or elf as they are still to far away, is driving the wagon. He seems to be wearing dark leather armor, and carries a long, emotionless face. The driver seems to be lost in contemplation.
This could make my trip go faster.
Jiles sheaths his crossbows, keeping them at the ready under his cloak if needed. With a quick motion, he opens his cloak a bit, making sure his hood is down far to reveal his face. Moving swiftly, he moves onto the side of the road, visible to the driver and offers a friendly wave and smile, as best as he can muster. It probably looks more like a sly grin than anything.
As the wagon approaches, Jiles keeps an eye out for others and for any weapons. He also keeps his own hands visible close to his sides - close enough to make reaching his crossbows an easy effort. "Ahoy there! Name's Jiles! Are you heading to Winterhaven?"
Jiles steps out into the middle of the road, waving his hand in greeting, waiting for a response from the driver of the wagon...
The wagon rolled along the King's Road for what seemed like hours.
The bumpy road starting to finally take it's toll on the rump of it's sole passenger, a half-elf dressed in leather armor.
The sun is bright and no clouds cover the morning sky.
Something doesn't feel right though, as the wagon continues down the road. The half-elf feels as if he is being watched...
*The old man back in Fallcrest said I could find what I was looking for if only I would seek my answers in the Winter. I can only assume he meant 'Winterhaven.'* he thinks to himself.
The half-elf falls inside himself puzzling over who he might find in the town, not so far off from the city.
*Should I check the temple there? Or ask around in the Inn? -Sigh- I suppose I will find out when I arrive...I wish only to further expand my craft, is it too much to ask for?*
As the wagon continues down the road, a cloaked figure emerges from the woodline, hood drawn close over his face.
The figure holds his hand in the air and seems to have a sly grin on his face.
The figure calls out, "Ahoy there! Name's Jiles! Are you heading to Winterhaven?"
Arden looks at the figure and nods, "Indeed I am. Are you headed there are well? My name is Arden." He keeps a close eye on this newcomer, still unsure if he is a threat or not.
Jiles winks at Arden, strolling forward a couple of steps. "Well met, Arden. Indeed I am going to Winterhaven, and my mission is supposedly of an urgent nature. I can't really comment on it.. you understand. Nothing too devious, I assure you." Jiles speaks with a flourish of hand motions, then begins to scratch his chin with one hand. "What's with the wagon? Taking cargo?" Jiles arches his feet to stand taller, peering into the wagon.
Arden shakes his head, "Simply a means to get down this bumpy road and into Winterhaven. You are welcome to join me, I have been traveling alone for several hours and would welcome some company." Arden arches his eyebrow in amusement as Jiles peeks into the wagon.
As Arden utters the beginning of his phrase, *You are welcome to join..*, Jiles leaps in a fluid, acrobatic motion, his cloak billowing out behind him, finally coming to rest again as he lands softly in the wagon. Snapping his fingers suddenly, Jiles turns to the side of the road. "One moment, I forgot something..."
Again, leaping effortlessly and landing gracefully on the ground, Jiles move swiftly off the side of the road, gathers up a few of his belongings, rolls up his bedroll and packs his bag. *Almost forgot all this stuff!*
After returning to the wagon, he leaps inside, nodding to Arden. "Wagon seems sturdy enough for two, we'd best be going."
Arden turns to his new companion of the road, "Where are you traveling from Jiles? Surely you can speak of that..." Arden examines the acrobatic man, curious about the man's origins.
Jiles grins slyly, and shrugs somehwat. "Where I'm travelling from depends on your perspective, I suppose. Most recently, I would say I am coming from Fallcrest, though my stay there was rather brief." Jiles absently fingers something beneath his cloak, which jingles slightly with the sound of money. "Before that? Well, let's just say I am on the move. I figure it's time to amass my fortune." Jiles looks around intently at his surroundings, watching for any sign of movement.
Arden nods. "I too was in Fallcrest. I seek greater knowledge of the world and the powers that move within it. Fortune will come in time." Arden smiles knowingly. He takes the hint from his companion and keeps his eyes on the wild around them.
The wagon rolls along the King's Road again, night coming quickly over the pair of travelers. The conversation continues, sometimes stopping all together, the sounds of the road and woods around them carrying the conversation for them.
It is nearing midnight when the wagon pulls up to the gates of Winterhaven.
The guards on top of the wall nod in silent greeting and open the gate to the town. The wagon rolls in and Arden guides it to a stop in front of what is obviously the town's Inn.
The sign above the door says: 'Wrafton's Inn'
Jiles hops down from the wagon, stretching gently and yawning. He pulls his cloak about himself and gazes around at the cityscape. Taking it all in, he pauses for a moment. *Another city, another day.* Jiles turns to Arden, "Arden, can you take care of stabling the horse and parking the wagon? I have to gather some information. I'll be in the inn when you're done." Jiles motions to the sign of "Wrafton's Inn".
With a careless shrug, Jiles walks into the inn. *Doesn't look like too bad a place. Should be able to find this elven woman soon enough.*
Arden nods, "I will join you soon, I too need to gather some information, for I don't really know who it is I seek or how to find them. Perhaps we seek the same person."
Arden moves the wagon down the street after Jiles enters the Inn, and stables the horse and parks the wagon.
Pushing through the doors, Jiles takes a deep breath of the inn, savouring the smell. *Ah, it's nice to be in the city again.*
Jiles walks up to the owner, offering a brief nod. With a deep breath, Jiles begins, "Evening, Mr. Wrafton, is it? I'll be needing a room for the night, and also some information." Leaning forward, closer to the owner, Jiles lowers his voice. "I need to know the whereabouts of Ninaran, have you heard of her?"
After taking care of the horse and wagon, Arden moves back towards the Inn. I wonder if I will find what I seek tonight. Hopefully whoever is helping Jiles with his "urgent" matter will be knowledgeable enough to point me in the right direction.
Arden enters the inn and looks about the room, seeking his companion from the road. He spots him across the room. "Ah, there you are Jiles... have you learned anything of interest this night?"
Salvana Wrafton smiles at the young man.
"Two gold for a room for three days and three meals each day. As for Ninaran, she frequents our establishment every night. Strange character that one, stiff and bitter is the best way to describe her. She's over in the corner if you're looking for her."
Salvana continues to wipe the mug in her hand with a damp cloth.
"We have pork roasting on the spit and some fresh potatoes cooking in the stew pot, from this past night if you are hungry. Help yourself, stranger."
Salvana smiles as the half-elf greets his companion.
Arden smiles at the inn keeper, "Will you take one gold for one night and three meals? I know not how long I will stay here.”
Arden eyes the pork and stew pot hungrily, then turns back to Jiles, "Jiles, do you mind if I join you to speak with Ninaran? It sounds like a "strange character" like her just may be able to help me as well."
Jiles winks at the inn-keeper. "Stiff and bitter is just how I like them!" He turns briefly to look in the corner , searching for the elven woman. With a quick nod, he turns back to Salvana. "I'll let you know about that room in a few moments."
Turning to Arden, Jiles looks over the half-elf cautiously. "I won't stop you from talking to her. Just let me be done with my business first. You're welcome to join me in greeting her at the table."
With an eery fluidity about him, he moves swiftly and effortlessly through the crowd and to the corner where Ninaran is seated. With a deep nod of his head, he clears his throat, looking intently at her. "Pardon the interruption, I learned from the good innkeeper that you are who I seek. You are Ninaran, I presume?" Jiles looks briefly over his shoulder as Arden catches up to him after pushing through the crowd.
Arden finally makes it to the table, managing to collect little more than half a pint of ale on his clothing. "Greetings Ninaran. I too wish to speak with you, although I come on different business than this fellow here. Perhaps when you two are done I may speak to you of my business here in this town." Arden smiles at the woman, trying to put her at ease after being so unexpectedly approached.
As she is about to respond to Jiles, Arden walks up and interrupts the elf. She huffs, looks more than slightly annoyed and says,
"Aren't I the popular one tonight?" The sarcasm dripping from her words, "I don't know who you two wench-wrestlers are, but what business could you possibly have with me? I know not who either of you are, nor do I care."
Ninaran crosses her arms tightly and leans back, placing a shapely leg onto the booth seat next to her, blocking either of the two adventurers from sitting down.
"Very popular indeed. I am Jiles, and this, " he motions to Arden with a quick gesture, "is Arden. He's the wench-wrestler, although I have dabbled much in the sport. I'm more of an after midnight limbo dancer type person, myself." Jiles grins and winks at Ninaran, suddenly producing a sealed envelope and handing it to her.
"Courtesy of the brute Tugg.. or Lugg was it? Bah, who can remember these things... The gang leader from Fallcrest. Big dumb man, surley disposition... I was told that payment would be given upon delivery." Jiles holds out his other hand, palm up.
Hmmmm, maybe this lady isn't who I am looking for. Arden takes a step back but doesn't leave the area as Jiles hands Ninaran an envelope. Perhaps once they have completed their business this woman will be more willing to talk to me. Arden waves down a server and indicates that he would like an ale.
Ninaran looks at the envelope, then swipes it from Jiles' hand.
"What is this? Lugg you say? Aye...mmhmmm..."
She opens it with the flick of a wrist, and reads it silently.
"Thank you, this is great information indeed! And a payment you say?"
She presses her finger to her lips.
"Well, I suppose you did do your job admirably, here take this coin, it should cover your trip to Winterhaven and your stay. Tell Salvana to get you some of her Cider, she keeps quiet about it, but its the best drink in the house!"
Ninaran stands, hands Jiles 25 gold peices and casually walks towards the door to leave.
Arden is successful in finding a server to fetch himself and Jiles an ale from the bar, by the time Ninaran is standing, Arden is holding the two mugs of frothy drink.
Jiles drops the coins in his coin-purse, placing it within his cloak. *I wonder what was in the letter that is worth 25 gold?*
Jiles grabs a mug from Arden, takes a healthy swig of ale before setting down the mug on a table and following Ninaran through the crowd to the door. "If you don't mind my asking, what was in that letter? Perhaps you need some further assistance? I'm happy to sit here drinking cider, but I've been sitting for the better part of a day on the journey here."
Ninaran turns back towards Jiles as he asks about the letter.
"The location of something I have been looking for was in my letter."
She smiles lightly at the young man.
"Aye, I suppose I could use some assistance. You and your friend there should go get a room and get some sleep tonight. I will find you in the morning. Your help would be...greatly welcomed. Sleep well."
With that Ninaran, turns back towards the door and walks out.
Jiles rubs his hands together. Turning to look at Arden after he catches up, Jiles pats him on the shoulder. "Drink up Arden. Grab some cider as well. In the morning we have some work to do. I'm sure you'll get to speak with Ninaran further once we've had some sleep."
Jiles spends about an hour enjoying the atmosphere and some nice cider before grabbing a room. "See you in the morning, Arden."
In his room, Jiles carefully lays his hand crossbows within reach, but hidden under a cloth in case any unwanted visitors should happen upon his room in the night. He also hides his coin-purse under the mattress. He sleeps as he has slept for many years - with one hand loosely gripping his crossbow.
Arden similarly retires to his room, taking the opportunity to get a good night's rest after the long journey to Winterhaven.
During the night a sharp pain rings over Jiles and Arden's head, and they find a dark burlap bag slipped over their head.
They try to struggle, but realise your limbs are bound together tight.
They are roughly thrown into the air, landing hard on a wooden surface. The captives can hear other muffled noises around them, and feel what must be a cart begin moving quickly over rough terrain.
Unsure of how long the cart was traveling, it comes to a halt. The sound of a rusty iron gate can be heard opening, and a woman can be heard giving commands.
The dust of the sack around your head is almost unbearable, clogging their nose and itching their throat.
The two adventurers are picked up and dragged across rocky ground, then thrown again, landing on hard stone. A gate is heard slamming hard, and a lock clicks closed.
They have been captured!
Arden listens for movement around him. "Jiles.... are you here?" he tries to whisper but begins coughing loudly as the dust scratches his throat. Where am I.... why would anyone want to kidnap me? Arden listens carefully to try to learn where he is, and attempts to silently wriggle free of his bindings.
Having landed and with some degree of mobility, Jiles tries to shake the bag from his head, then gripping it with his knees, tries again to tug it off.
Hearing muffled noises and what sounds like Arden, Jiles clears his throat and attempts to speak, "Arden?" Unsure of his captors' intelligence, he attempts to slip out of his bonds. In another attempt, Jiles tries to reach a hidden shuriken, if any were missed by his captors.
As the two captives struggle to free themselves of their bonds, a loud hiss and a scrapping of feet on rocky dirt can be heard.
Despite their best efforts, Jiles and Arden are unable to remove their bonds themselves. The knots are too tight, and the sacks are fastened to securely over their heads.
The night is cold, and wherever they are is not built to be a place of comfort for the living.
After struggling with his bonds for a moment, Jiles takes a breath. "Arden, speak so that I can know where you are." Listening to Arden's muffled voice, Jiles wiggles along the ground towards him. Once there, he works his way around to with his hands, feeling at Arden's wrists for the bonds that hold him. Whispering only loud enough for Arden to hear, "I'm going to see if I can't loosen your bonds, I can't seem to get mine loose."
The bonds dont want to come undone at Jiles' efforts. Arden remains tied up for the time being.
Growing more deperate as these blind moments pass, Arden attempts to undo Jiles bonds. "Here let me try yours." He wriggles into position and attempts to pull Jiles bonds loose.
As Arden fumbles with his bindings, Jiles sighs in frustration. He focuses, closing his eyes and feeling at Arden's bonds. "Hold still for a moment." Feeling gently over the curves of the knots, he attempts to follow the leads to find an end. Jiles pulls and prods slowly and carefully, attempting to visualize the knot in his mind. *I can do this, I'm good at knots!*
The knots finally give way to Jiles' efforts at untieing them. Arden's wrists slide free of the bonds, aching to say the least.
Arden rubs his wrists after removing the knots and then works to remove the sack from his head. Once he removes the sack from his head, he moves over to Jiles and remoevs the sack from Jiles head. "Glad I wasn't in here alone." He sets to work on Jiles hands and tries to get them free.
The sacks and bindings come off of Jiles easy-enough when Arden is not tied up. The stale air and dust assail your nostrils still as your eyes adjust to the braely-present light.
It appears the two adventurers are inside some sort of crypt.
The cold stone floors meet even colder bare stone walls.
Daylight can been seen coming from a closed gate barring the doorway.
