Shu

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

Yanoriim’s mouth opened to reply when there was a knocking on the door that Zilaster and Elthel went through, specifically five knocks with a single count between each rap. Yanoriim quickly turned and unlocked the door, pulling it open to reveal Elthel. The young woman looked instantly to the three newcomers, Iliskra noting her expression had softened greatly even if it looked weary - the lingering scowl from earlier finally gone. Elthel’s hood was lowered letting her thick mane of red hair hang loose all around her head and shoulders.

“Zilaster is better now,” Elthel declared, “or at least the poison has been taken care of. Roscela said he would live… but the malaise will be with him for several days she thinks.”

Yanoriim nodded in understanding, Elthel looked between Iliskra and Leon saying, “Zilaster sends his payment.” She reached for her belt and pulled a bulging pouch from it and tossed it to Iliskra. Iliskra nimbly undid the string and pulled the bag open looking inside as Elthel announced the contents as being fifteen pink pearls worth a hundred gold a piece. Iliskra poured the pearls out into her open palm delicately, handing Leon and Ibdur their share of the small gemstones as Elthel smiled wryly. “Zilaster also said that if the three of you wished to further employ yourselves to us there will be more - and not just pearls.”

“So,” Iliskra said, tossing the now empty bag back to Elthel and putting away her pearls, “Zilaster is interested in our services. As… bodyguards?”

Elthel’s smile turned to a dimpled smirk, “Not exactly. With Gunalar dead his gang are now in a vulnerable position. Zilaster said we need to act right now; to go to Gunalar’s compound and finish off what remains of his lackeys. Ideally before word starts spreading of Gunalar’s demise.”

“‘We’?” Iliskra questioned.

“If you three are interested then you shall accompany me and two others of our band that will meet us there. If you are not there are others I can call upon, granted it will take more time.”

“Six of us?” Iliskra raised her brows, “After Gunalar’s gang nearly killed four of your number, including your leader?”

“We were caught off-guard, and… Zilaster was foolish to believe anything that half-orc offered as genuine. This time we will have the advantage of surprise.” Elthel retorted. “It is simple really, you three impressed Zilaster with your skills and he also has a problem that needs to be immediately dealt with. Accompany me in finishing off this rabble and Zilaster will pay you further and may even find more work for you. If, again, you are interested.”

“This ‘compound’ may have quite a bit of loot stashed away.” Yanoriim muttered as he closed and locked the door behind Elthel.

“Well?” Elthel raised a brow as she pulled her hood back over her head.

Iliskra looked over her shoulder knowingly at Leon awaiting his input.

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

“Bah,” Yanoriim grunted in disgust, “Shagarm has been nothing but a growing threat to us since they first appeared in the city this past summer.”

“What do you know about Shagarm?” Iliskra echoed Leon, arms crossed over her chest.

“Near nothing, and that is what bothers me.” Yanoriim furrowed his brow, “What I do know is what most folk around know. Shagarm arrived with a small band of mercenaries earlier this year, back in the summer as I said. Small but seasoned and vicious. The southern side of this city was in turmoil, every other street had some petty gang or runty bunch of hooligans squabbling over houses to shake down and streets to raise their flag over. Gunalar was just one of about a dozen of his like. And then across the river the holdouts of the city watch and those accursed Red Wizards were fighting it out.”

“When did the Red Wizards first show up?” Iliskra asked.

“Not very long after the end of the plague. A terrible thing that was, so many, many people dead and so much chaos that rose up in its’ wake. If this city comes to an end, that epidemic was the start of it all.”

Iliskra knew of what the dwarf spoke. The “shaking plague” it had been called. Many said it was the worst disease ever known in this part of the continent if not all of Faerûn. Victims of the sickness suffered from a painful pox, a horrid fever, muted speech and of course uncontrollable shaking before meeting a final agonizing end. Over half of Scardale Town had perished and thereafter was when total chaos broke out. And like vultures the Red Wizards descended upon the weakened city.

“But you first asked me about Shagarm,” Yanoriim twisted his head to one side drawing a satisfying crack from his neck, “Shagarm and their bunch quickly rose to the top here on this side of the river. What small-timers that did not leave or fall in behind Shagarm were killed - often in the most horrific of ways. Before long it was not just local thugs joining Shagarm’s ranks. Blades-for-hire, deserters from Sembia and the Dales, even washed out pirates from the Dragon Reach. Like moths to flame, I tell you. By Marpenoth most of this part of the city was under Shagarm’s thumb save for sparse holdouts - Zilaster now being the last of note it seems since Gunalar finally caved.”

“How have the city watch and Red Wizards reacted to this?” Iliskra asked.

“Well,” Yanoriim sighed knowingly, “neither are in favor of course, but they are too wary of turning their backs on each other to lash out at Shagarm. At the same time Shagarm’s rise has lessened the clashes between them as neither wants to risk weakening themselves and being at the mercy of their rival or this new player in ‘the game’.”

’The last of note’… Iliskra tossed a sideways knowing glance at Leon before asking, “Just who is Shagarm? What are they?”

“I have not the faintest guess,” Yanoriim said monotonously, “no one really does other than those close to Shagarm. Rumor has it they are imposing and charismatic and are said to be damned fine with a sword. That is all I know.”

A charismatic mercenary with the ability to rally together a sizable force. Nothing unheard of at all. Iliskra thought.

“Here lately the Red Wizards seemed to be desperate,” Yanoriim added with a single raised brow, “just last week they sent a swarm of undead and shadow beings against Shagarm’s riverside defenses - Shagarm’s men held them back but it was a costly attack I hear.”

“Do Shagarm’s men prove a problem for you?” Iliskra asked.

“They come here once a week demanding ‘protection’ money. I pay it and occasionally give them free fruit. They leave me be. Better to cooperate since their ‘tax’ is nothing crippling and I need to maintain the ruse as a humble shopkeeper for the sake of my business partners. Not to mention I have no desire to see my fathers’ shop burned to the ground.”

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

“Hardly a ‘tale’,” Ibdur grunted, “I once massacred a whole host of gnolls in the Sunset Mountains single-handedly. I was the only survivor of a wight ambush in the Farsea Swamp on a spring night, by the will of Tempus. Flaying a half-breed orc in a dirty alley is hardly a tale!”

“Our Tempuran comrade here, needless to say, killed the buffoon with ease.” Iliskra smirked in amusement at how quickly Ibdur suddenly worked himself up.

“Well, pardon my surprise,” Yanoriim’s composure returned, “Gunalar has plagued this part of the city for some time now. Most of the small-timers were afraid of him and either followed in tow behind him or just stayed as far away as they could.”

“Tell me,” Iliskra queried quite pointedly, “just how do you manage such a well-kept grocery shop of all things in this ‘city’.”

Yanoriim smiled whimsically, “Well, this store belonged to my father. The first of our line to leave his home behind. He spent many years as an adventurer, even going so far as Turmish once. After his adventuring days were over he settled down here and finished out his life running this store till the day he died. Obviously I have a sentimental tie to this place. To this city. But your question implied curiosity on a ‘way’ and not a ‘will’.”

Iliskra nodded.

“Let us just say that I make most of my gold moving and selling things more… invigorating than juicy pears and ripe gourds.”

“Illegal herbs and powders for example?” Iliskra prodded.

“I never said that.” Yanoriim smirked ,”Zilaster and I have been partners in business for years, long before the occupation even. I uphold my end of our affairs and he sees that my store and I stay protected. Besides that, I have a few trinkets around here to help me in a bad spot. For example I have a wand that can summon a bodak that was sold to me by an old acquaintance of Zilaster’s.”

“A bodak?” Ibdur raised a bushy red brow.

“A hideous undead creature with a scream so torturous that it can tear your very soul from your body.” Yanoriim smiled plainly. “I am no warrior or magicer but I have friends and tricks up my sleeve that have kept me alive even in the worst of it here in Scardale Town. And kept my store afloat.”

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

Elthel spoke up, “We went to meet with Gunalar as you know. And the bastard set upon us the moment he had us inside! All of his bluster about a ‘peaceful meeting’ was just a ruse. Aseilia and Vrein… they did not make it out. Zilaster and I barely escaped. Zilaster has been poisoned!”

“Zilaster, I told you that fork-tongued oaf was not to be trusted!” the dwarf barked, his brow crinkling fiercely.

“Spare me… your… correctness,” Zilaster growled, “just… get me to Roscela.”

“She is downstairs.”

“Good,” Elthel said,”but… Zilaster, what about them?” Elthel turned her head and nodded toward the newcomers.

“Wait… here,” Zilaster twisted around, looking at Leon in particular, “if I do not come back up… I will send word. They saved me, Yanoriim.”

The dwarf’s expression softened and he nodded, turning to a door behind the counter and with a jingle of keys unlocked and pushed it open. Elthel hurriedly ushered the weakening half-elf behind the counter and through the door which Yanoriim closed and relocked behind him.

A basement hideout or a secret passage, I wonder. Iliskra thought as the dwarf put away his key ring and turned to face the three before him.
“I should thank you then,” Yanoriim said, “if you did save Zilaster and Elthel. They are close friends and good business partners.”

“Business partners you say, what business?” Iliskra asked.

“Not your business,” Yanoriim smirked, “not unless Zilaster says otherwise.”

“Ah, so Zilaster runs the business.” Iliskra grinned.

Yanoriim’s smirk faded and he pursed his thin lips as if trying to forcibly contain anymore words from coming forth.

“Well, I suppose you might like to hear that Gunalar is dead.” Iliskra stated with a casual crossing of her arms.

“What?” Yanoriim’s eyes widened, “Dead? How? Neither of them said anything about it!”

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

It was not a very far trek, in fact Elthel indicated it was just two streets northward from the south wall. However, the poisoned state of her comrade made the walk long and tedious as Elthel and a very annoyed Ibdur had to all but drag him. The small group also had to diverge into an alleyway after Iliskra spotted a heavily armed bunch of four clomping down the middle of the street amid the cracked stones and decayed bodies. They were all human men, encased in full suits of steel plate armor and wielding a variety of weapons including a wicked-looking morningstar.

“Shagarm’s men.” Elthel spat as they disappeared down the street.

Once the coast was clear, so to speak, Elthel directed the group toward a rickety-looking two story wooden building. A sign hung from two chains over the door that said “Yanoriim’s Grocery” in bold, black lettering.

“This is a grocery shop.” Ibdur said the obvious as Elthel reached forward and turned the door handle.

“Yanoriim is one of our most trusted fences and sources of information outside of the city.” Elthel said as she pushed open the door with a labored creaking of hinges. She stepped inside followed by Ibdur and the hobbling half-blood.

Iliskra looked to Leon with a raised brow, “Be ready.” And with that she went in leaving her masked compatriot to bring up the rear. The afternoon was drawing to an end and evening would soon arrive. As the sun set the streets would grow more active in the worst of ways and Iliskra imagined this Shagarm’s grip was even tighter under the cover of night. She wondered how well their fellows across the river were doing. As complicated as this had already become Iliskra still preferred it over the idea of fighting Thayans and their armies of demons and undead.

The inside of the store was dimly lit by lanterns that hung the four walls and a large wooden chandelier lined with burning candles that presided overhead. The interior of the shop looked better than the outside. The floors were creaky but stable, the wallpaper was peeling here and there but not severely, and the shelves and racks of goods were orderly. Standing behind the counter on the far side across from the front door was a dwarf - portly even for his kind - with balding gray hair and a a thick but well-kept mustache.

“Can I help-…” the dwarfs’ words were cut short as he saw Elthel and the wounded half-elf before then blurting out, “Waukeen’s golden tits! Zilaster! What happened!? And where are?…” The dwarf looked among the group, obviously searching for others before his concerned eyes stopped on Iliskra and Leon - his worry immediately turning to suspicion.

“Things… did not… go as… planned…”

Zilaster. Iliskra thought, she had never heard the name of course but it was nice to have one to paste to the mysterious man before them.

FORGOTTEN REALMS - Gambit of Scoundrels

The half-elf struggled up to a stand, what color remained in his face draining away as he wobbled on both knees. Concern filled the face of Elthel who warily put away her blade and grabbed ahold of her companion by his right shoulder and forearm.

“I say… we take them back with us.”

Elthel recoiled slightly, casting a sideways glare at the three newcomers.
“We do not need them, and you know this.” She seemed to be hinting at something.

“We would both be dead had they not come upon us. Gunalar and his men would have killed you… and then finished… me. By now both our heads would most likely be tied up in separate bags… grasped in the fists of Shagarm.”

Iliskra could see that even though the young woman tried to maintain a look of denial that in her eyes she knew it was true. The half-elf continued, “We just… need to get… back… and our friend can help me. If we… run into more trouble… perhaps these three will help us. I… will gladly pay you in coin for an escort.”
Iliskra saw a grin and a twinkle in the mysterious half-bloods’ eye as he turned his head, and yet her gut told her to trust him - somewhat. She could not help but wonder if just maybe these two were part of the Ashaba Talons. If they were, then she, Leon, and Ibdur had just gotten their foot over the threshold if fortune was so kind. The wounded elf-blood was hard to mark in his current state, but he and his lady companions’ armor and equipment looked to be of a fine quality removed from that of common ruffians. The young woman seemed impetuous without a doubt, but she did not come off as a tenderfoot to Iliskra. Not at all. Even if these two are not Talons they should be able to give us a solid lead. Willingly or by force. If they try to double cross us we can still make use of them.

“Perhaps instead of gold,” Iliskra piped up again, “you pay us with valuable information. An escort in exchange for a lead.”

The half-elf raised an eyebrow in thought before briskly answering, “Very well… then. What would you like to know?”

“Not here, and not in your current state.” Iliskra said pointedly, “Let us get you wherever you may need to go and then we can talk about your payment of tongue.”

“Agreed.”

“Are you sure about this?” Elthel demanded, still clinging onto the poisoned man.

“Yes. I think… they are a safe bet. And besides… you may… need help carrying me.”

The week game

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3 Word Story

green ice cream

Last Comment Wins!

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When I say "hawk," you say "tuah!"

You know, my coworker mentioned hawk tuah.

I told him to picture Joe Biden extremely close up whispering to him hawk tuah.

He's never brought it up again.

@Lith