The Epic of Dalen Grey

Early in the day, around noon I would say, Toman showed up to visit the Midnight Moon. I found him sitting in a far off corner talking to Elizia. They where laughing and having a good time together. I decided to give them time to catch up with each other before I interfered. I was eventually seen and promptly hailed.

"Dalen, come sit with us. Toman would like to meet you."

I sat down like I was asked too. I noticed that Toman looked alittle rough. I would guess that he either drank too much or slept too little. I could only guess at what such a man can do within one night.

"The not so famous, but still very much important Dalen Grey. Elizia has told me much, but I would like to hear your version. Boosting is much appreciated."

"I don't like talking much about such things Toman, if you don't mind. I have something else I want to talk about."

"Elizia, is he always so grim? Cheer up, I got lots of time, and I love to talk to those with an adventure to share."

"He's not so bad Toman. I have seen him smile once or twice" as she broke into a giggle. "He's been through alot and he's a bit cranky in the morning."

"I am not gonna stay and be insulted."

"Oh hun, sit back down, we are Just having fun Dalen."

"I want to hear the story of Krin Tao Lin."

"Krin Tao Lin you say. I would love to tell it. I would normally charge a fee. From you though, I'll wave the fee if you share a few of your own tales."

"I would rather give you the gold."

"Sorry, I no longer accept gold, not until my next show."

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"You can't, but I have a reputation for exaggeration. Its entirely false accusations I must add." He winked at me.

I told him of my adventures in draun. I started with common thugs and protection of the brothel. He said he needed more, so I told him of my fight against the Dragon Foot Clan. I was careful not to mention my dealing with Delvori and his group. I don't want even more enemies. He still didn't seem satisfied.

"Tell me how you ended up in Draun coming all the way from Drivendale. Why did you leave?"

"Its not of concern to you."

"Dalen, if you tell me that last bit of your story, I'll tell you what I know about Krin Tao Lin."

I invited Toman into the back room with me as I didn't want anyone else to know about what happened. I told him all I knew and of how I was in trouble for things I didn't do. I filled him in on all the details I felt were safe to tell.

"Thanks Dalen, I understand the heavy heart you must carry. I apoligize about what I said earlier. I owe you a tale, the story of the master Krin Tao Lin."

"From what I know the story starts two hundred years ago. He was born very poor and his family died at a young age. Instead of staying with an aunt he hated, he went to the streets. He ran off with a few of his friends and started a band of thieves. Not real criminals, they were survivors. They were nobles theives, take only what you need and steal from those that can afford to spare it. They often worked to survive, but one cannot survive on an odd Job here and there. His band of theives turned into a an empire of illegal activity. He served the rich with all there secret needs and employed only the poor to fullfil such wishes. He came to run Just about all the daily life in Kravian, the capitol of the Delfenia empire in which we live in now. He had spies scattered everywhere. They eventually learned of a plot to take control of the empire. He took a trip to the north in the Republic of Krahnel and through stealth and combat uncovered the truth. They were planning a coup to take over. He came back Just in to thwart the assassination and became a local hero. This lead to the war that eventually claimed the land we sit on now. He later turned down an offer to be the emperor, but he suggested a long time friend to the position and he won the support. Some said he was a puppet but who could say. His thieves when into all parts of government and in every city and the control he had was near absolute. There wasn't a crime that he didn't plan, know about or punish. He became a fear force. over the last hundred years and slowly faded to legend within the community of criminals. His name is thrown around as much as a hero as it is a threat. He is still said to control the empire."

"Thats impossible, nobody lives that long."

"You wanted the story and that was the story. I can't help it if you don't believe it now."

"Where can I find this guy?"

"Hahaha. I thought you didn't believe me. I may never understand you. Just follow the legend, maybe you will find something. It has served me well all these years."

I stopped and thought about it. We eventually parted ways. I went to talk the the bartender Just after he left. I wanted to know what he had planned for me.

"You had a Job for me."

"I need a certain man killed. I know it sounds bad, but he is a bad man. Along time ago he started a brawl because he couldn't pay a tab. I had my bouncer throw him out Just as quick as he entered. Lately he has gotten some friend and he tries to rob me once a month. I can't do that kind of business here with him on my nerves. I know you don't want to break the law. He is a fugitive, and if you took a bounty contract on him and he happened to resist, well you still get the bounty if you know what I mean."

"Can't the guards take care of this?"

"They could if he lived in town. He lives outside and the guards are needed to protect the city. Thats why we have bounty hunters."

"How do I find him then?"

"I'll give you the details. I am willing to match the bounty on his head if you bring me back a special item he stole from me. Its my wifes old necklace she had before she died. It means alot to me. I'll give you this upfront for expenses if you aggree."

I saw the gold on the table and if that was a down payment, the rest would make the trouble well worth the effort.

"I'll bring back your necklace, and you can pay me then."

I Wasn't sure about laws regarding bounty hunters. I went down to the Jailhouse to find out. They confirmed what the bartender had told me. I took a contract out on this fugitive. They said to bring him in alive if possible. I was surprised as to how easy it was. I receive more information on various other crimes and other suspicious activity. It seems he was not very well liked, why he didn't move to another town is a mystery to me. I have never tracked anyone before and I wasn't sure how I was gonna do it. I did have a whole night to plan and a morning to investigate. I only hope it doesn't take me too long.