The Epic of Dalen Grey

Ondre always made sure he got paid. I don't mind, he does earn his keep for me. After paying him my own funds where dwindling. I made up for his salary by working for Elizia. The road of a sword for hire is not as profitable as I would have expected. Bounty hunting is still my best option to gather funds.

I prepared for my meeting with Delick. In the market, I heard yet again that the military was hiring. Its hard to say whats going on. Their numbers might be low. They might have a government proJect they are planning. Troops are often used to build bridges, roads and temples. This keeps them busy mostly. But it also makes the empire more money as trade routes are expanded. The military has also been successful in building cities in barren areas that have proven to useful, and the housing for the soldiers are often sold to retiring military and citizens alike. This was what I have been taught, and it makes sense that they would do that now. I see no wars in the future.

I arrived with Ondre at the Fireside Inn. I came as aggreed upon unarmed. I made sure he held a sword for me in case things went wrong. My hope is that I wouldn't need it.

He should guard and I walked in the room. Delick locked the door behind me. He was shorter then I expected and fairly young, I would guess he is under thirty. He was of course well dressed. My definition of well dressed might differ from many nobles. He wore a chain mail vest which had an ornamental crest of colored metal rings woven in. He had ornamental leather fitted with metal and a few spikes. It must have cost him a fortune. One thing that struck me was that it looked completely unused. I wasn't sure if he wanted to show off his wealth or his combat prowess, but I wasn't impressed by clothing, Just by actions.

"Welcome Dalen."

"I think we have business to discuss."

"I was warned about your impatience. Your gonna have to manage that. I work on a tight schedule. I can't have you running around destroying every plan I put into action."

"You have been conspiring with criminals, abusing the law and stealing money owed to the city."

"If I make a deal with one man to bring down a whole network of theives, is that wrong? If take tax money to fight the crime lords in this city, is that wrong? If I impose a strict law that prevents entirely criminals in the city and keeps the people secure, is that wrong? Dalen, there is so much you don't understand."

"Did you send Brick to kill me?"

"I swear that was not my intention. You shouldn't worry about seeing him in Draun again."

"Did you break him out of Jail."

"He has many allies. I should say had, since you took care of most of them. As impressed as I am, that was two years of work I spent to bring down the Dragon Foot Clan. I need you to make up for his absence."

"I am not taking part in your illegal activities."

"Quite the opposite Dalen. I want you to do what you do best. You have impressed me so far by sword skill alone. You brought down Bricks entire gang in Just a few days. I can help you take on the Dragon Foot Clan."

"I can do that without you. I would prefer not helping you at all to gain control of this city."

"I merely wish to restore order. The slums weren't always slums. They made it that way long ago, and now something must be done about them before the whole city falls apart. I'm willing to pay for your services."

"I don't need your dirty money either."

"I have something else you do want. I can help you find your father Credus."

"Tell me what you know Delick, I want answers."

"Calm down, I said your gonna need patience and I mean it. I don't know everything, but I can find out. I need to know your willing to work with me."

"You play a sick game Delick. I'm sick of being your pawn."

"We need each other. We need to help each other. As you may know, as soon as one soldier steps into the slums, There will be a gang war against the city. The citizens will riot and that I can't allow. I need you to work on my behave in secret to take this group of thugs down. This will save countless lives."

"This isn't gonna make us friends. I have had enough of your tricks. This arrange will work only if you play by the rules."

"Of course. I'll provide information to help you take them down. I'll pay for your services and I will find the information you seek about your father. You caused alot of stress for me in the past, You are not the only one taking a risk here. I ask that our dealings are kept secret or a war will start in the city."

"I will take down the Dragon Foot Clan, but I don't want any more interferrence into my life by your men."

"I think we can aggree on that."

I left shortly after wondering what kind of plan they had. I didn't trust him. I never had a reason too. I made one ally tonight, if it only last long enough to end the rule of those theives then they will fall as well. The last days of the Dragon Foot start today.