Den of Thieves

An hour later in the dinning hall Carr finds a small table to sit at. His water canteen refilled a mug of water to drink with today’s bowl of stew and a crusty bun. The dinning hall already half filled with regulars.

Glancing up occasionally in between mouthfuls of stew, watches the rest of the scoundrels file in and out of the kitchen.

In orc Carr hears, “we will muscle him out.”

Out of the corner of the eye Carr glimpses a grey skinned Goblin and his Orc buddy eyeing up his table. Noticing the big balding Orc, is extremely homely even for an Orc.

Grunting a yes in orc, the Orc puffs out his chest approaching Carr.

Unconcerned Carr is more curious in what could happen. As well as hoping if things should get out of hand his standing with Marten will be of use.

The Orc places his bowl of stew hard on the table. Balling up his hands then speaks in his tongue, “we sit here.”

Setting his bowl down too the Goblin grins exposing a couple yellowing teeth, “yeah.”

Playing it cool, Carr uses his foot to push out a stool for the Orc, speaking orc to him, “go ahead.”

Without thinking anymore about it the Orc sits, more concerned with eating.

The Goblin sits beside his buddy telling Carr, “no, little man, just us.”

Looking the Goblin in his reddish eyes Carr speaks confidently recalling the guild rules, “there’s room for all or would you like to wager on a fight?”

Annoyed the Goblin thinks he’s got an advantage over the young rogue, “you fight him first,” pointing to his buddy.

Checking over the large Orc, Carr figures he doesn’t speak human. Most likely his little buddy will just tell him lies to get him to fight for free. In an attempt to gain a small favoring Carr slides his bun over to the Orc, again speaking in orc, “here you look hungry.”

Pausing the Orc looks at Carr. With a grunt he heavily pats Carr’s shoulder, “good little man.”

The Goblin snorts with disgust at the both of them, “he bad. No trust him.”

“Ah,” the Orc doesn’t see Carr as a threat and is content with anyone giving him food, “he stinks okay.”

The Goblin points out. “Skunk and female stink.”

Between mouthfuls the Orc mutters. “No human stink that is good.”

Trying to unnerve Carr the Goblin gives an evil eye, “you’re lucky.”

Walking up behind them Glar speaks in orc, “you two leave. I have dealings with the Human.”

Looking back the Goblin sees Glar and grumbles.

Raising a finger to wait a second, the Orc picks up the bowl drinking it back in two swallows.

The Goblin gets up allowing Glar to sit while both stare at the Orc.

“Thanks,” the Orc gets up letting out a loud belch. Making sure to take the two buns. Before leaving he pats Carr on the back again.

Carr nods to the Orc replying, “safe journey.”

Observing Carr, Glar sits back, “it sounds as if you have skills in speaking. Or is it all just lies to get what you want?”

“A little of both,” smiling Carr explains, “that grumpy Goblin was using his Orc buddy to get what he wants. I was trying to avoid a fight. Or worse unseen retribution.”

“Smart.” Leaning in Glar speaks low, “why’d you tell that young maggot he could come with us?”

“I didn’t,” Carr quietly tells his side, “he wanted to go. I told him, you were in charge. And he’d have to ask you if he could go. Where is he?”

“In line with his brother.” Glad to hear Carr saying who’s in charge Glar inquires. “Why would I take them?”

Shrugging Carr replies, “I know very few here. You said you wanted to take a couple others. I’m sure you’d agree that they can be trusted. And they wouldn’t have to be paid much.”

“Yes, or not at all,” Glar considers it, “it would be a good way to see if they’re worthy of my guild.”

Hearing exactly what Glar said Carr comments, “as well as me.”

“Yes,” Glar now wonders if Carr has an arrangement with the young brothers, as they are all young Humans, “you make me nervous of your true motives. But I’ll allow the maggots to come along. I’m still bringing along two others.”

Carr proclaims, “safety in numbers.” Knowing he’s got to find the anklet tonight or it’s going to be along week in the mountains looking for something that isn’t there. “I’ve never traveled in a group so big. But it’ll make the search go quicker.”

Having traveled in numbers Glar knows with thieves things are not always so simple. “Quick would be good.”

“Hey Carr,” Toad greets them nearing the table, “hey Glar.”

Following closely behind, Cal. “Hi Carr. I see Glar found you.”

Smiling to them Carr replies, “hey, guys. Pull up a stool and sit a bit.”

Not wanting to hang out with three young Humans, Glar gets up speaking to Carr, “tomorrow morning then.” Looking at the brothers with disgust, “you two can come as well.”

Excited Cal exclaims loudly, “alright!”

“Be quiet maggot,” shaking his head Glar walks away.

Nodding with a smile Toad sits down.

As Cal sits Carr notices Glar heads over to the table of dark Elves.

“Cal says you’re staying in a really great room,” Toad speaks to Carr in between mouthfuls, “must be nice. We’re sleeping on the hard ground. Better to be sleeping under the stars.”

“Except in the rain,” Cal adds, “I’d like to have a bed like that someday.”

Keeping an eye on Glar, Carr responds, “sure is comfortable. Can’t see spending my life down there.”

Cal inquires. “You don’t like the mines?”

Speaking softly Carr says, “I’m just not a guild man. Too many rules.” Feeling watched glimpses one of the Elves studying him.

Dunking a bun in the stew Cal points out, “but you’ve got a nice room.”

Scanning the hall, most seem to be involved with them selves. Carr lets the brothers know, “yeah, well I’ll be paying for the privilege of staying here.” Wishing to hear Glar’s conversation.

Wanting to get on Carr’s good side Cal offers, “how about Toad and I buy you a couple drinks in the Bar?”

“Huh?” Carr looks at Cal, “did you say you want to buy me a drink?”

Unsure if he’s just offended Carr, Cal queries. “If that’s okay with you?”

“Yeah,” Toad thinks it’s a good idea. Especially since they have money to spend. “Come on Carr. There’s not much else to do here.”

Withdrawing from the dark Elves, Glar returns to the upper level.

“What do you say Carr?” Cal inquires, “or don’t you be around us?”

Looking into their hopeful eyes, Carr answers, “sure, I’ll have couple drinks with yous.”

“Alright,” Cal smiles.

With a mouthful of bun Toad spits out, “great.”

After the brothers get their fill, they head down to Marten’s bar.

In the bar they scan the crowd. Along the north wall the tables are filled with the guild’s guards, lifting pints of ale. The back of the bar men are playing different games of chance. Tables in the middle seem to be keeping to themselves. The mood of the bar is good spirited.

Carr and the brothers line up at the bar.

A portly grey-haired Halfling on stilts hobbles over, “what’s your poison boyz?”

With a big smile Cal orders, “a pint of ale.”

“Aye,” the Halfling pours one up.

Toad thinks hard about his choice, “ah. I would ah. I’d like ah, a brandy. Yeah a brandy.”

Filling a mug with ale the Halfling remarks, “Oh, a young man with taste.” Handing Cal his ale reaches for a glass, “and what about you?”

Not wanting to get intoxicated Carr queries. “Do you have any milk by chance?”

The whole bar stops and goes silent all eyes turn to Carr. Even Toad and Cal look at Carr strangely.

Pouring out a brandy the Halfling teases, “no milk. What’s the matter son? Can’t hold your liquor?”

Feeling all the eyes upon him Carr replies, “I just had a craving for something different.”

The patrons chuckle and return to their own business.

“Something different eh?” The bartender thinks about it corking the bottle, “I’ve got lots of wines. Perhaps a biting glass of dragoth.”

“Wine?” Carr points out. “I had plenty of that a few weeks ago. And the dragoth, I think that’s a bit rough.”

Chuckling the Halfling suggests, “maybe mead is more your speed.” Putting the bottle of brandy back thinks of something rarely asked for, “I do have some cider.”

That’s something no one in the room has had since they were wee.

Barely recalling the taste Carr says, “Cider I haven’t had that in ages. Pour me out a cup.”

Surprised by the choice the Halfling shrugs, “okay, one cider it is.” He hobbles down to the end of the bar, following a long shelf of assorted bottles retrieving a ceramic jug.

Cal asks Carr, “are you sure that’s all you want?”

Watching the bartender open the jug Carr replies. “It’s a start.”

Setting down the mug of cider the Halfling informs them, “two silver for the ale, seven for the brandy and one for the cider.”

Feeling wealthy Toad slaps his only gold coin on the counter, “here you go sir. And set us up for seconds.”

Taking the coin the bartender inquires. “Are you sure? You haven’t tasted your drink yet.”

“Ah, go ahead.” Toad makes a simple toast, “here’s to a dry place to sleep.”

Carr looks at him with raised brow, “well, I can’t argue that.”

Tapping drinking vessels, they take in a mouthful.

The cider with a hint of cinnamon tastes good, happy with his choice Carr grins. Cal sucks back too much too quickly, producing a frothy belch. Toad downs half the brandy. Easing the glass down a wave of heat rushes from his stomach to his head.

Exhaling a warm vapor as his eyes well up Toad exclaims, “whew! This brandy is something.”

“Brandy eh?” The grayish Goblin from the dinning hall and his Orc buddy walk up to the bar, ordering a drink for impression, “two dragoths.” He stands beside Carr glaring at him, “and what are you drinking?”

Looking the Goblin in the eyes Carr tells him, “cider.”

The Goblin laughs, “cider? Hah. What’s the matter, your mommy doesn’t want you drinking booze?”

It becomes apparent to Carr that the Goblin is looking for trouble, “they don’t have any milk.”

“What?” The Goblin looks over Carr, “how old are you, boy?”

Being proud of his age and accomplishments, “seventeen.”

Setting two cups of dragoth down the Halfling says, “that’ll be one gold.”

Nudging the Orc to pay, the Goblin speaks to his buddy, “he is one, seven. I can take him alone.”

Placing a gold on the table the Orc checks out Carr again, “he looks quick.”

“Ah,” hisses the Goblin, “I better.”

The bartender knows what’s going on. Taking the coin, he moves down to the far end of the bar.

Overhearing, Carr turns to them speaking orc, “I took on three and no scratches to me.”

The Orc seems to believe it. The Goblin doesn’t and furls his brow, “three what? Flies?”