The difference in SJ since her first assassination had taken her nervous, panicked nature to one of being cold and calculated. She still feared killing an innocent, but the fact she had heard the comments from Olivia directly and confirmed the Sharcastle link had removed any doubt or tension from her actions. The definition of her character still made her feel guilty, but she could offset these with arguments in support of why she had done what she had done.
As she left her room and walked downstairs, her display triggered again. It had not taken her long to fly directly back from District 10. She opened her display and flicked quickly through the notifications of Olivia’s death. It had triggered as a critical hit and backstab, multiplying the damage she had caused. The fact that Olivia had been unarmoured and a level 12 being meant the damage she had dealt would have killed her thrice over.
The final notification was a quest update.
Update - Class Quest - Three for two
Carlito has issued you the task of completing three guild quests. You may complete any three of the following within the next seventy-two hours:
A cheating wife - eliminate Olivia Sharcastle, known to frequent the Emperor’s Arms. - Complete
Competition - eliminate Master Garshaw’s sole competition in the market area of District 4.
Elimination - Remove the threat caused by the Legionnaire Justin to the assassin guild ‘Liquidation’.
Hallowed Earth - find the person behind the death of Killian Broadaxe and seek vengeance.
Reward: Two class perk points.
Someone had obviously found the body of Olivia, and the reports must have got out quickly.
“Which next?” Dave asked.
‘The assassin guild one sounds interesting, and the other I am thinking of is the death of Killian Broadaxe. I’m guessing by the name he is a dwarf.’
“I wouldn’t be so sure. Many beings may have names related to their classes or professions.”
‘First, we need to await Holly’s return, and I need to check on Kibble and the boys.’
Laughing could be heard from the living room as SJ approached.
“Kibble. Put that down now!” Yawnee’s frustrated voice could be heard.
The boys and Lurtew, by all accounts, were the ones laughing at whatever Yawnee had befallen. As SJ entered, the little wyvern’s eyes widened, knowing that he had been caught up to no good. He quickly dropped the ball of yarn that Yawnee had been using and flew immediately to Joel’s lap.
“And what has my monster been up to?” SJ asked.
“Oh. He did not cause harm. Just decided that he likes Yawnee’s yarn,” Lurtew laughed.
“And if you ever want your socks repaired, you would stop him doing it again,” Yawnee scowled.
“Kibble. Unless you want to be banned from having treats, I suggest you leave Yawnee’s yarn alone.”
His little head peeked from behind Joel, and his eyes were wide , and he was looking at Yawneewith a plea for forgiveness,
Yawnee shook her head in dismay, “He is a blackmailer,” she said, smiling.
Kibble raised his head with pride and turned back to SJ, almost huffing. SJ just raised her eeyebrow,returning his smartass little gaze.
“I am the one who judges your appropriate behaviour. Seeking forgiveness and saying you are sorry is one thing. Not repeating your behaviour is another,” SJ scolded Kibble.
The miniature wyvern’s face turned to one of dejection as he curled his neck, bringing his head against his chest in a submissive pose.
“Aww. Poor Kibble,” Joel said, stroking him.
Shaking her head in disbelief, SJ took a seat on one of the sofas. The lounge was a large room with ample space tto accommodate ten beings comfortably The fire in the middle wall of the room was lit, and Harry was sprawled on a thick rug in front of it, watching the flames flicker.
“I wonder when mum will be back,” Harry said, yawning lazily.
“I’m not sure, but hopefully, she won’t be too late,” SJ said. The fact that under thirty minutes ago, she had killed another being and was now sitting calmly in her lounge at home didn’t pass her without consideration. She wondered if all assassins behaved this way. It had been evident that Olivia had only been in the marriage for her benefit and not for the love of the being she had married. She sat musing over her thoughts, Dave not interrupting as Lurtew suggested the boys play a game of cards with him. The three of them moved to the table, and Kibble joined them, watching intently as Lurtew shuffled and then dealt them.
SJ lay back on the sofa watching Yawnee darn Lurtew’s socks.
“I can leave you money for clothes if you need it,” SJ said quietly.
“Oh no. We have enough clothes. Lurtew likes these socks. Otherwise, I would have just thrown them out usually,” Yawnee replied.
“As long as you are sure,”
“Absolutely,” Yawnee smiled. “We live such a pleasant life now compared to what we had in District 3.”
SJ returned the smile and leaned her head back, allowing her eyes to close as she relaxed. She listened to the boys and Lurtew play cards, letting her mind drift.
Darkness had taken the streets of Asterfal. The lanterns on the main streets had been lit several hours earlier when there was a knock on the downstairs door. SJ made her way downstairs, opening the door to be greeted by Holly. Harry and Joel had been put to bed in Cristy’s room, and SJ looked sternly at Holly as she entered.
“You have been a very long time,” SJ said.
“I am so sorry. Elouise asked me to help work the bar, and then one thing led to another, and I only just got away,” Holly said, her gaze down and her appearance apologetic.
“The boys are both asleep in the spare room.”
SJ turned, heading upstairs, and Holly followed. Her movement was slow and unsteady.
Yawnee and Lurtew had already turned in a couple of hours before, but SJ stayed up to await Holly’s return. She had just been about to check for her again when she knocked.
“I recently made coffee. Would you like one?” SJ asked.
“No, thank you. Water would be good, though.”
SJ poured Holly a glass of water and then collected the pot from the burner before heading back into the lounge. The fire was still smouldering, and the room was comfortably warm. SJ poured herself a fresh coffee and then sat on a sofa, offering Holly a seat. Holly perched on the edge of one of the armchairs, holding the glass and sipping at the water. She looked exhausted.
“So, what did you find out?” SJ asked.
Holly didn’t reply as a tear ran down her cheek.
“What’s wrong?” SJ frowned, concerned by her reaction.
“I’m sorry. I forgot how much I enjoyed my job. Today was wonderful, and it was the first chance in months that I had to be myself. I was being selfish and should have returned sooner.”
SJ could understand the freedom Holly must have felt. For months, she had spent her days looking after the boys without respite and struggled to keep them alive in the scummy underground of District 10.
“There is no need to apologise. The boys have been fine and well-behaved for Lurtew and Yawnee. They spent the evening playing cards with Lurtew. I think he appreciated the company.”
At that moment, Kibble decided to make his appearance, having been somewhere in the house nosing around. He sauntered into the lounge before coming to a dead stop and eyeing Holly suspiciously. Holly looked at him, an alarmed look on her face.
“Kibble, this is Holly,” SJ said.
Kibble hopped towards her and sniffed at her clothes before deciding he was okay with her and jumping up onto SJ’s lap.
“Was your time at the bar productive?” SJ asked.
“It was. Francis was there, and although I didn’t hear the mention of the Sanction directly, several street gang members came and went throughout the day. It appears that Francis oversees them on behalf of the gang he works for. I did overhear comments about the handlers and that there was a move planned against them.”
“It is confirmed that he is a gang member who is against the handlers then.”
“It would appear that way, yes.”
SJ was feeling a little despondent with Holly. Even though she had given her potential on the road to the handlers, the means by which it had to be completed were not what she would have hoped, and the last time she had been involved with a gang in Asterfal, the warehouse district of District 3 had basically been demolished. She also had no idea what level any of these beings were. They could easily be outside her capabilities to deal with. In all honesty, she knew if it came down to it, Carlito could be hired or asked if there was a need for support, but she missed having Jay around, who knew all about Asterfal’s gangs. The thought of extra communication stones again entered SJ's mind.
“Good. That means if Francis is disposed of, it can be used as leverage with the handlers.”
“Francis was only there in the daytime. He turned up and left before the first signs of dark. I don’t think he is ever there in the evenings.”
“It doesn’t matter where he is or what time of day. If he is a confirmed gang member, then dealing with him isn’t a problem.”
Holly looked at SJ, not surprised but uncertain. “How can you calmly say he can be dealt with?”
“I have my means to deal with trash. Anyone working for a gang that brings misery to others deserves their outcome.”
“Yes, but he would have to be killed to be used as a means of confirmation for the handlers, and I am not even sure how you could prove how to attribute his death. I know I mentioned it is a way in, but I don’t know how it really works.”
SJ had further considered the murder of Francis, and her overarching thought every time was that it supported the chancellor’s efforts to get to the bottom of the issues being caused and the levels of corruption that ran through the city’s streets. If it meant that they got a way into the handlers and could then find out who was behind the problems, then that was enough justification alone. She didn’t have time to waste, only being in Asterfal for a further two days. She would be leaving again the third morning from now back to Killic.
“I have limited time in Asterfal and need to get something in place before I leave again. I won’t be able to return for at least ten days, if not slightly longer. You know District 10 and who is who. I am sure there are beings you know who can provide you with further information?”
“Perhaps, but I haven’t spoken to many of the beings I used to associate with since I left work.”
“I assume that you will be returning to the bar again tomorrow to work?”
“Elouise didn’t confirm. The only reason I got offered work was due to one of the servers not turning up.”
“You could try again tomorrow, at least,” SJ said.
“I suppose,” Holly finished her water and went to stand shakily. “I need to get the boys and get back to the inn.”
“There is no point in waking them now. Let them sleep, and you can sleep on the sofa if that is okay with you?”
Holly didn’t reply for several moments as she considered SJ’s comment.
“If you are sure it won’t be a problem?” Holly eventually said.
“I wouldn’t have suggested it if it was. I will grab you some blankets, and then I will turn in for the night.”
SJ opened the window, allowing Kibble to go down to the yard once she was back in her room. Within moments, he returned and began his stomping circle on the bed before curling up. SJ had bathed earlier and undressed, sliding beneath the soft blankets. Kibble adjusted himself until he was curled into her once she had settled on her side. His warmth and breathing felt calming against her stomach. She casually stroked him, his rumbling purr soon sending her to sleep.
“Morning,” Dave said as SJ stirred.
‘Morning,’ SJ thought. She had been awoken by a little beastie tapping her face. Climbing from the bed, she walked to open the window for him.
When she checked her display, it was just after seven. It was later than she usually awoke, but she had gone to sleep later than usual last night. SJ had started to notice that she didn’t appear to need as much sleep as she used to. On average, most evenings now, she was getting about six hours.
‘I am going to call Cristy and get her to speak to Jay about these gangs. I will then, depending upon what he says, speak to Carlito.’
“Why not just speak to Carlito?”
‘I don’t like going to him with questions unless I really need to. He is supposed to be my trainer, but I will use him if I have to.’
“Not that he has ever trained you,” Dave said sarcastically.
‘Not directly, perhaps, but those perk points all add up, and the shadow step was an amazing skill.’
“I was thinking while you were sleeping.”
‘You thinking.’ SJ smirked.
“Ha, very funny. I was wondering what the city’s rules are regarding gangs. I have never seen the city’s laws. I know you looked at some of the stuff during the audits in District 3, but they didn’t cover the laws. I was wondering what the rules are for dealing with varying criminals.”
‘I don’t know precisely.’
“Consider that Jelart was executed for fraud and theft. I am guessing that criminals from gangs are executed if their crimes are sufficiently known. The deaths of the dark elves brought no repercussions but instead praised. Therefore, dealing with any irrelevant gangs should be accepted and praised.”
‘My concern isn’t dealing with the gangs. It’s whoever is backing them. If it is like District 3, the gangs there were working alongside the Lieutenant, and I have never spoken to District 10s lieutenant even to be able to question his position. From what I have experienced of District 10 so far, although it isn’t the best district, and the buildings may be mainly timber, the streets haven’t felt as dangerous as other districts. I am making decisions on the fly, and I am not sure they are the best ones. I could be putting Holly in unnecessary danger with a gang that may have nothing to do with the chancellor’s issues directly.’
SJ removed her communication stone from her inventory and held her thumb on the gem.
“Hey,” the spritely voice of Cristy answered after several moments.
“Hi Cristy. How are things going?”
“Amazing. I have been out hunting daily with Darren, and he is looking to assign me my own party to lead.”
“Wow. Already, that is great news.”
“I think it helps to have Patch with me.” SJ could hear the happiness in her reply when she mentioned Patch.
“Have you seen Jay recently?”
“Yeah. He is here.”
“Sorry?”
“He is staying at the cottage. There was no point in him staying at the inn when there is a spare room here.”
“Oh,” SJ hadn’t even considered where Jay would be staying, but it made sense.
“Don’t worry. I am in your room, and he has mine.”
“Just remember not to put anything near the window in my room.”
“I know,” the sigh that followed Cristy’s statement made SJ smile. She knew she didn’t need to tell her, really.
“JAY,” Cristy called.
“What?” Jay’s voice replied.
“SJ wants to speak to you.”
SJ heard footsteps and then rustling as the stone was handed over.
“WHAT’S UP?” Jay’s voice boomed through the stone.
“You don’t need to shout,” SJ laughed. “Just talk normally. I can hear you fine.”
“Sorry.”
“I wanted to speak to you about some gangs here in Asterfal.”
“Ah, I see. Which ones?”
“I am doing some work for the chancellor, and currently, in District 10, there are two gangs.”
“Sanction and the handlers are the main two,” Jay said.
“Yes, those two. I am trying to get an inroad for a friend into the handlers, and there is a rule to remove an opposition member as a route.”
“Normal practice for some gangs. That or leadership challenges. You need to be careful with both those gangs, though. They are quite renowned. I had several run-ins in my time, and their members are pretty well-equipped and skilled fighters.”
“What levels are they?”
“To my knowledge, the leadership had been pretty static for years. Therefore, I expect them to have progressed quite well. If I remember rightly, and it has been a few years since I was directly involved, I would expect them to be in their thirties. The Sanction are known to oversee other street gangs that will cause problems across districts, and the handlers are what their name states; they handle business for others. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as the coin is right.”
“I see. So, if I took out a member of the Sanction, it could indeed lead to the handlers accepting her as a member. But, I’m unsure how I could provide proof that she did it.”
“Her?”
“The being I am working with here in Asterfal. It’s a long story that I can fill you in on when I return.”
“All gang members will have some form of token that shows their allegiance. The brawlers wear flashes, but the majority of the gangs don’t. Instead, they will have these tokens. They vary for each gang, but if you were able to present a token from another gang, it may provide evidence that you are after. Also, you need to be careful. You are still not level 20 yet and need to be wary of who you trust.”
SJ couldn’t keep her annoyance from her reply. “What do you mean ‘trust’? And I know I need to level up.”
Jay sighed deeply as he spoke. “Can I be honest with you?”
“You know you can.”
“You trust beings too easily. You are an amazing being who looks out for all those in a lesser position than you are, but it doesn’t always mean that those feelings or levels of trust are reciprocated. You have a big heart, and if you aren’t careful, others may take advantage of it.”
SJ frowned deeply, not replying to Jay’s words.
“SJ, are you still there?” Jay said.
“Yes,” SJ said.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. It’s just that I have seen how you are as a being, and I don’t want to see you get hurt by being too trustworthy.”
“I’m not that naïve,” SJ snapped. She had never experienced this side of Jay; he always appeared light-hearted and happy, and he had never shown concern before.
“He has a point,” Dave said. “You do have a habit of taking everyone at their face value.”
‘And why wouldn’t I? Until someone does something to the contrary, should I not trust them?’ SJ thought.
“Jay is just letting you know how much he cares,” Dave said.
SJ couldn’t argue with Dave’s understanding. “I’m sorry, Jay. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I know you are just telling me to be cautious.”
“There is no need to apologise. You need to remember that Asterfal is a very complex city and never take anything as it appears. If I were you, I would reach out to your friend at the Black Griffin. I will pass Cristy back. I need to get to the training ground; there is a new batch starting today.”
“It sounds like you are enjoying it,” SJ said.
“I am. If you need to speak to me again, just let Cristy know.”
“I will thank you, Jay.”
There was a rustling sound as the stone changed hands again. Cristy’s voice came through. They spent the next few minutes chatting before ending the call when Kibble re-entered the bedroom, his little face covered in soil and what looked like a large beetle in his mouth. SJ finished the call, saying she would call again before they left, and dealt with Kibble wiping his head down once he had finished chewing the beetle.
Jay’s comment had a profound impact on SJ. She was unsure whether she should have been offended by it or happy that her friend was so concerned. However, it also made her decide to speak to Carlito about the gangs.
