Oh, for the sake of Mask… Iliskra thought as she crossed her arms and sighed aloud at Leon’s action. So much for complete discretion.

Ibdur had walked up beside Leon, hands on his axe hafts at the ready. The four local men looked between themselves and then at Leon, two of them letting out raspy laughs while the other two stared in aggravated disbelief. The larger of the latter looked at Leon with squinted eyes and a nasty sneer, half slurring, “Well… aren’t you the brave dandy fellow? Think you can just buy away our evening table for cheap with a threat stuck to the bottom of the tag?”

“‘Ey now,” grumbled the other of the more serious two, “look… we were about to leave anyway. Just… let ‘im have the table, Durgal.”

“Shove off, then,” the man Durgal said, tottering up from his chair to full height, which was almost a head above Leon, “I’ll be damned if some… whatever he be… is going to just try and tell me about like this. Even the captain has better m-manners…”

“Just stuff it and let’s go… you know what the captain said about anymore f-f-fights o-on land…” the other man said, lifting up from his own chair and putting a hand on his fellows’ breast in a show of retraining.

Durgal snorted and swatted the hand away but grumbled, “Fine.”

As he and his three fellows started around the table the large man pressed his pointer finger into Leon’s chest threateningly. “Ye should be thanking Tymora I have a strict captain and too light a head r-right now. You had best hope we not meet a-again.”

The four cleared away and headed for the door, Iliskra standing beside Leon now with her arms crossed firmly over her chest and one brow raised sharply.
“Leon, we are trying to remain unseen as we can be.” the half-elf chastised.

Nevertheless, Ibdur, Iliskra, and Leon had a table now, though Iliskra doubted the three would be up for long. All she wanted was a meal, a drink, and a bed. She looked around and noted that the place was rather empty given the size of it and the circumstances outside. There were maybe a dozen or so other patrons spread about tending to their plates and flagons in solitude. The upside of this was that there was likely a room available for the night.

“Leon, we are trying to remain unseen as we can be.”

"In a city where the 'guardsmen' are literally busting down doors and beating people in the streets, do you believe an aggressive bar fly is worth talking about?," Leon said, but sighed a bit afterwards. He was letting Elthel's attitude get to him and had little outlet for his frustrations since. "I apologize, I just wanted to ensure we had a favorable position in case of trouble and my foul mood is starting to show. Between being insulted, my assistance all but spat on, and threatened by people who owe us their lives... I could use a work out."

He had never really expected gratitude, hells, he would have been happy with even a shred of respect, but the opposite was something that stung at his pride and shortened his temper.

His appetite had faded, spoiled by the irritation he felt. He just wanted to sit down and talk with his companions about the day and this was the first time they had had since making contact with the individuals they now knew to be the remnants of the Talons. "Perhaps you two should simply do as you said and have a hot meal, a decent pint and a good night's rest. I am poor company tonight," he said, "I will be in a better state in the morning when I can remind myself how a professional is supposed to act."

He wasn't seeking pity, he just needed an outlet for his anger and he was not going to damage what little relationship he had built with his companions.

“I doubt any of us are much for company tonight.” Iliskra smirked as she headed to pay for rooms for the night.

---

NIGHTAL 4, 1372 DR
THE DRAGON’S TAIL TAVERN
SCARDALE TOWN

Iliskra awoke the next morning feeling very well rested despite the circumstances at hand. Yesterday had been a long day to say the least. Trudging through the wintery countryside of the Scardale, battling an orcish brute and his henchman, saving the leader of a once renowned thieves guild, and then slaying the remnants of a neighborhood gang lead by aforementioned orc. Never mind the tension of sneaking about through the gloomy streets of an all but ruined city which was under a seemingly endless siege. Needless to say that once Iliskra, Leon, and Ibdur had settled themselves in at the Dragon’s Tail they realized just how exhausted they were.

The food at the Dragon’s Tail was edible, and not much beyond that. The bread was tough and flat, the stew too heavily seasoned, and the pitiful cuts of deer were more fat and gristle than meat. The ale and however was strong and the mead stout and flavorful. After a mediocre and tight-lipped supper and a few stiff drinks the three retired to their rooms. Or rather Iliskra to hers while Leon and Ibdur shared a room as there were only two left. Iliskra had hoped neither man nor dwarf snored loudly for the others’ sake. The accommodations were suitable if plain and the beds were quite clean and comfortable, Iliskra sank into her bedspread instantly and slept deeply throughout the night.

Iliskra hurriedly and shakily dressed after forcing herself from under the warm blankets and enduring the winter chill that had filled the room. There were no fireplaces upstairs, only those below had such a privilege in this establishment. Iliskra had noticed the greasy feeling of her hair locks and the faint sweaty smell that wafted up from her clothes beneath her armor. It dawned on her as she left her room that she had not bathed since the night before she joined the other mercenaries at Lord Hastlon’s estate.

The Talons are not meant to seek us out until the morrow, Iliskra thought as she headed down the creaky wooden stairs onto the ground floor, there must be a bathhouse somewhere near…

The patrons were more this morning, nearly every bench and stool were occupied. Mostly human men and women, though there was the odd halfling and dwarf to be spotted among the clients. Iliskra found a small round table in a back corner and ordered a simple breakfast meal of eggs and a cup of milk from a passing barmaid. The eggs were passable enough and the milk fresh. A nice change from last night. Leon and Ibdur were down before long and sitting huddled together with Iliskra as she sipped at a second glass of milk. The Dragon’s Tail was filled with the clinking of tankards, cups, and plates and the cacophony of dozens of people clamoring at once. So long as the three remained in their little nook they could talk openly without concern of eavesdropping.

Leon had settled into the room upstairs without much fuss, though there was the usual debate for two men sharing a room as to which would claim the bed save that each of them were insisting the other take the bed as they were tough enough for the floor. Leon ended up winning the debate, stating that he wished to meditate for a few hours before sleeping anyways and the dwarf finally let the matter drop, tossing Leon a large share of the covers so he could maintain his warmth. Leon reached for a small pack at his waist and began setting up small tripwires on the door and window out of habit before settling in against the wall opposite the bed. Both men went about their nightly routines in peace, though as Ibdur's breathing became more slower and deeper, Leon's mind delved into the prayers to Mask, offering yet another day's worth of lessons and secrets to the Shadow Lord.

It brought him a great measure of peace to pray once again, reviewing the events of the day and even trying to prod for some additional glimpse of this mysterious 'J' that had signed Gunalar's letter. His god offered him no further insight on the matter, but Leon simply took the absence of an answer as a sign that it was a secret he would eventually learn for himself at the correct time and place. With his prayers done for the night, he stripped off his armor and carefully spent another hour looking it over and making some repairs to the damage it had taken before draping parts of it over the blanket on his body for added insulation. Slowly, he allowed himself to drift off into sleep.

~~~~~~~

Leon woke when Ibdur began to stir from his own slumber, the sudden change in the dwarf's breathing and slight noises from the bed disturbing the peaceful rhythm he had become used to. He stood up slowly, his joints protesting the hard wooden surface and cramped condition under which he had slept which was only made worse by the cold. He began to stretch and roll his limbs, loosening them back up and going through his morning warm ups with only a bit of protest from his body. Once he felt the stiffness fade, he put his armor back on and grabbed the rest of his gear as Ibdur was patiently waiting for him by the door.

Finding Iliskra was easy enough since she had picked one of the tables Leon himself may have if he had been the first downstairs, and for simplicity's sake he simply copied her breakfast order and drink as he and Ibdur joined her. The crowd was lively for a morning rush which was indeed a surprise given what they had seen last night. Perhaps the tavern's protection extended so far as to make people believe themselves safe even from Shagarm's thugs while they were patrons of the establishment.

Leon looked out into the crowd, unable to help himself form observing his surroundings for possible secret meetings or hushed conversations. When he spoke though, it was clear that he was still keeping most of his focus towards their own table. "Any suggestions for this morning? I wouldn't mind taking a look around the neighborhood to see if the city has more to offer a few new swords than a decent tavern," Leon said, stretching the word decent a bit more than normal.

“Well,” Iliskra began in a lighthearted tone of voice, setting her now half empty glass of milk aside, “I for one will start today with a nice bath and a good washing of these garments.” The half-elf smiled and then spoke more seriously, “After that, I think I will spend the better part of the day here.”

“Sitting on your laurels?” Ibdur smirked over his tankard at her.

“Sitting and listening and asking. We have a whole day before our dear new acquaintances call upon us, and this is quite the bustling establishment. I have been in enough bars and inns to know that there are plenty of secrets traded in this place throughout the days and nights. One must simply listen.”

“And the asking?” Ibdur raised a bushy brow.

“I may take it upon myself to innocently ask the patron of this place about Shagarm and the Talons, presenting myself under an appropriate enough ruse.” Iliskra set back to her plate.

“Is that wise?” Ibdur questioned, looking between his two companions.

“I have done this plenty of times before, Ibdur,” Iliskra’s tone turned to one of slight annoyance, “I know what I am doing.”

She looked to Leon, added words of assurance, “I have no intention of making myself or the two of you known to every corner of this place. I will simply be eavesdropping and perhaps asking the owner of the Dragon’s Tail a question or two. Once more, I know what I am doing. Anything we can learn about this part of the city, the Talons, Shagarm or anything or anyone else will be of some use.”

“Wait…” Ibdur’s head raised up in full, rounded eyes darted between Iliskra and Leon, “the Talons you said? Our acquaintances?”

"A solid enough plan. This place is certainly busy enough that some news is certain to come by from time to time," Leon agreed. He had seen enough of Iliskra's stealth that he had faith she could look after herself and either slip away or dispose of any trouble that came her way. "Not that I think you'll need it, but may the shadows embrace you well." He said as a small blessing.

"Our acquaintances may be friendly for the moment, but we are still a third party for now. It is worth looking into our friends to ensure they are not.. misrepresenting their strength or their interests. If they managed to make an enemy out of everyone in the town, they would not be worth our assistance for example," Leon said to Ibdur, "if it helps, do not think of it as spying, think of it as scouting the battlefield."

"And since this place was recommended by Elthel and pays protection to Shagarm... I'd love to know how far and where the owner's loyalties lie. If we're lucky they are just a neutral party trying to make the best of a bad situation. If we're unlucky they could be looking to curry favor with the Talons or with Shagarm," Leon pointed out.

Besides, he wasn't going to be gone for long. There was no real reason to range outside of the neighborhood unless something drew his attention. As much as he would also love to investigate these militant new figures it was too dangerous to poke that particular bear just now.

Of course, new opportunities awaited every day and you never knew what could really happen next.

"You're welcome to join me Ibdur if you'd like, but I cant promise any excitement. Just a visit to the courtesans, a lap or three around the block. Or I can come find you if anything terribly important occurs," he turned his attention back to Iliskra, "meet you back here at noon?"

“Hold a moment.” Ibdur snapped, narrowed eyes moving between Iliskra and Leon, “Those washouts were the Ashaba Talons?”

Iliskra quickly remembered that Ibdur had not yet seen the letter she had found and that Elthel had not openly confessed that her band was of the Talons in front of any of them. Leaning in close Iliskra hurriedly revealed the letter to the dwarf and explained the current state of matters. Though Ibdur seemed surprised he was not - as they say - “knocked over” by the revelation. In fact he seemed quite amused by it.

“Breck did tell us that the thieves guild were near to being wiped out.” Iliskra added as she sat back upright in her seat.

“If that is all that remains of them I do wonder if we should not consider changing sides.” Ibdur said rather suddenly.

“What?” Iliskra asked sharply, looking to Leon with a raised eyebrow and then back to the dwarf who was now grinning darkly.
“Remember, dear elf, we are to dismantle those that oppose our employer - and that includes these thieves. We can easily be done with their pitiful remnants and then focus on taking down this beast that is ‘Shagarm’.”

Iliskra sat back in her chair, admittedly floored, and crossed her arms over her chest. She chewed the inside of her right cheek and her brow was furrowed hard, the half-elf deep in thought for a moment. She raised her head and looked to Leon again, wanting his input on this sudden suggestion by the Tempuran. The three of them could earn the trust of the Talons and then when the moment is right cut them down one by one. But then again what if the Talons could help them against Shagarm? Even if the three of them killed every one of the Talons this very day they still, as Ibdur put it, had a great beast in the form of this armed faction lead by this enigmatic Shagarm. There was no way the three of them all alone could handle such a task with no help at all. They could possibly look to Breck’s men for help but even then the Talons were locals and had knowledge of the city that Breck’s men did not. And yet the possibility of so quickly being done with one of two obstacles was tempting.

"The last orders we have from Breck indicate that both sides are to fall," Leon said, his tone noncommittal towards either side as he considered the obvious pros and cons. Their faces were still unknown to Shagarm's group as far as he knew, meaning they could betray the Talons and act like it was part of their plan all along to gain Shagarm's favor. Honor among thieves was a famously foolish belief after all. They had seen what the talons had to offer, a small group of tired, poorly equipped but reasonably skilled cutthroats. In exchange for Zilaster's head this Shagarm might even be willing to overlook the Gunalar incident since Gunalar had yet to actually benefit this new guild.

"The safer bet is definitely Shagarm. After all we are ideally placed to eliminate the Talons and have come within arm's reach of Zilaster before," Leon admitted with a shrug, "we have also seen their combat capabilities. I saw no magic use among them, and their equipment seemed very... used. They are skilled, but skill means little if you lack the time to put it to use."

"However... Shagarm poses three problems for us as far as I can see. Firstly, there is no guarantee that Shagarm will not simply have us killed once the Talons are disposed of. We are unknowns and unknowns that are not needed are better buried. The Talons clearly need as much help as they can get. Second, Shagarm's faction would lose little with our aid in eliminating the Talons, meaning we would in turn be facing a stronger faction to dispose of than if we aided the Talons instead. Thirdly... Breck mentioned he had suspicions of outside interference. It's possible even Shagarm answers to someone and if so, we may end up being the ones who ensure the city is handed over to outside interests instead of our employers," Leon said, "and there is the bonus problem of us having no point of contact for Shagarm's people. I sincerely doubt the 'guards' would be of any assistance if we asked them pretty please."

"The only advantage for Shagarm is their guild already pissed in the Red Wizard's cup, meaning we could easily foment more conflict between the two and whittle down both sides.

"Now that this has been brought up though, we need to make sure we are all on the same page and in agreement," Leon said leaning forward over the table, "we cannot be making any side deals or placing our loyalty outside of this group, or all three of us will find ourselves dead in unpleasant and inglorious methods."

"I intend to take the next job with the Talons, pending of course that it isn't a complete suicide run. If either of you want to hedge our bets and try signing on with Shagarm, we can go our seperate ways and maybe somewhere down the line meet again as friends," he said, drawing a line in the sand so that at least there would be not doubt between them.

“Hmmmm…” Iliskra mumbled, her chin resting on clasped hands, “Those are very good points, Leon.”

Sensing that her words may not have been taken as genuine the half-elf added, “No, seriously. As you have clarified we know too little about Shagarm and plenty about the Talons. And even in their… near broken state… the Talons prove to be resourceful - for the most part. We should remember after all that their misfortunes go back to the plague that ravaged this city as well as the war. The fact that after that they still persist when standing against the likes of Shagarm, the Red Wizards, and the remnants of the guard is naught to be dismissed.”

Ibdur seemed lost in thought. Or perhaps the dwarf was just sore at the idea of continuing to work with a guild of thieves. His brow was furrowed and thin lines pulled at the corners of his eyes.

“I am with Leon,” Iliskra said firmly, “we stay with the Ashaba Talons for now.”

Ibdur grunted causing Iliskra to frown, the dwarf then nodding slowly, “Very well… I will stay with the Talons with the two of you. For now.”

Iliskra felt a slight uneasiness at the dwarf’s emphasis on “for now” but her frown faded and she nodded in affirmation. She imagined being a follower of Tempus that it was very hard for Ibdur to spend his days slinking around in the shadows rather than serving his war god on the frontline with the rest of Breck’s force. This was something Iliskra tried to be sympathetic to. Even so there was a part of her that was worried. Worried that a warmongering mercenary force like Shagarm’s would be tempting for Ibdur, so tempting that he might turn on she and Leon and possibly make Shagarm aware of Breck and Lord Hastlon’s plotting. Iliskra knew little of the Tempuran ways other than their fanatic call to war. And right now she and Leon were not offering a war for Ibdur to fight. At least not openly blade-to-blade as he so wished.

Iliskra decided for now to push these thoughts from her head and follow through with her plans for today. Namely bathing, drinking, and listening in wherever she went. If Leon wanted to take Ibdur “shopping” with him then Iliskra welcomed it as both to avoid drawing any attention to herself as well as perhaps distracting the dwarf for a short time.