The Irritation of an Unyielding Sword

Let’s take a brief moment to turn back time, back to the morning Thief and his group set out, in order to see things from a different perspective.

****

“...Gods, I’ll never understand how those low-lives get used to living in places like this. Then again, as long as you have a bed to sleep on and a meal to eat you could be just about anywhere.”

Today should be the day Moe’s men set out for their heist. I've been patrolling the usual routes one would take to get to Fort Lenora. So far things have been quiet, too quiet that is. If Moe’s as smart as I believe, then even he could tell something is off about this situation. He even noted that his insider from Lenore Hills might’ve confessed to the knights. Moe is a man that hates taking risks, so why would he send his men out? I continued to ponder what goes on in that man’s head, and then that’s when it hits me.

“Wait a minute, if something happened to today’s raid group, what would Moe stand to lose?”

The group consists of Rich the second in command, Steve who’s their muscle, Thief who’s a novice at best, and a bunch of nameless morons. In no way was the group solid, even with Rich there to lead things. In the first place, among the heads of the band, Rich is usually the one to disagree with Moe’s plans or voice his grievances. The fat oaf doesn’t even notice Moe’s disdain whenever he opens his mouth. It’s clear that Rich’s time with the group is coming to an end, the same goes with Steve.

Steve is well liked by the group, and he’s clearly a part of the group's muscle. However, beyond that he carries too many weaknesses. He lacks the proper manners and respect when talking to superior, when knights are involved he turns bloodthirsty, and at times he’s absent minded. There have even been moments where he outright got into arguments with Moe over his plans, you’d think Moe as the leader would dig his heels in but he doesn’t. He’s afraid of the power Steve has, if the two of them fought Steve would fold him in two. On top of the fact that the members of the Mountain Moes like Steve, even more than Moe himself. In bandit groups there’s no end to mutiny and the like. So if Steve was smart enough to sound the call of rebellion, it wouldn’t be surprising to see people follow. If something went wrong during this mission, it would be the perfect chance to get rid of a potential uprising.

As for Thief, he’s a man of no renown. Before I couldn’t fathom why Moe let him join the heist, but if this is a culling it all makes sense. Thief even aired out his ambitions to the whole room of executives. To Rich and Joffry, they were just impressed with Thief's bravado. However for Moe he took that as a challenge, especially since ambition is why his men follow him. Thief unknowingly put himself in his boss’ crosshairs. As for the nameless bandits, their not worth mentioning. Especially with the nameless members who were chosen, no one with any notable skills were thrown in the mix.

Without a doubt, this whole thing isn’t a bandit raid, this is a culling! Moe is getting rid of his undesirables and preparing for his next move. So if the knights really are on their tail…

“Then they’ll most likely be hitting the road soon, and it’ll be easier with the excess wait in the group cut off. Which begs the question, what does this say for his business partners like me?”

Moe you bastard, just what are you plotting?

*Rustle*

What was that? Wait a moment, I hear voices coming from over there. Don’t tell me, did the enemy actually venture this far in?

****

I found myself venturing to the location I heard movement, once I heard the voices around the corner I made my way up a tree for a proper vantage point. That’s when I saw a short man with a thin build, leading two knights through the forest. Based on their uniform, they’re a part of the border patrol. I decided to listen in on what they were saying.

“Hey, are you sure it’s located around here?”

“But of course gentlemen! Who do you take me for!”

“We walked all this way on foot because the horses would draw attention, of course we’d be tired!”

“Oh, well not to worry. This is usually the place where I would meet the groups leader, that means somewhere close by must be their hideout!”

Damn, he’s right! From this point on it’s a ten minute walk to Fort Lenora. If those men make it to the fort and report back to their base, they can organize an assault group to take out the Mountain Moes. Now begs the question, what should I do about this?

That bastard Moe is disposing of his own men, sending them on a suicide mission no less. If I were to support him after he committed such an act, how am I any better. I should let the knights wipe them out, and be done with this charade. As I thought that, the snitch began to speak again.

“So gentlemen, about that payment we discussed?”

“You people are always the same, you’ll find a parcel of coins in the vase next to your door.”

“Oh! Thank you kindly good sirs, pleasure doing business with you!”

“Just shut up and leave before we take you in for conspiring with criminals.”

Why am I not surprised, of course this simpleton sold out Moe for money. Wait a moment, by extension, doesn’t that mean he also sold me out? Well looks like there’s been a change in plans.

“You’ll suffer for your portrayal, you scum.”

“Huh-”

Just like that I leaped down from the tree and took the neck of one of the unsuspecting knights. Before the other could pull his sword, I cut off his hand which was grabbing for the hilt. I then delivered an upward slash through his light armor, thank god they dressed light in order to not alert their surroundings. If they were armored, I wouldn’t have been able to cut them so easily. It looked like the man I just cut down was still breathing, I walked over and stabbed his throat with my sword. I shook the blood of my blade only for it to hit the feeble man who brought these knights here. He’s now shaking and sitting in a puddle of his own piss, serves him right. Now then, I’m still irritated so let’s blow off some steam.

“Leave.”

“Wha-”

“Leave here at once, if I ever see you around this forest again-No, if you ever give me the displeasure of seeing that ugly face of yours again, there will be hell to pay. Do you understand?”

“Uh…Yes! Yes I understand s-sir! So, please don’t kill me!”

“Then why are you still here, LEAVE NOW!”

“AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

As expected the cheap sod ran off, piss now pouring down his leg. How does he still have fluids to burn after all that?

“...Was that bastard a camel in his past life?”

Well all jokes aside, I’m still irritated. Actually, I know the perfect way to relieve some stress.

****

I found myself opening the doors to Fort Lenora, with a present for Moe in hand.

“Oh hey Reginald, how was-What is that?”

“Don’t mind this, where is Moe?”

“Oh uh? The boss is in the planning room-”

“Good to know, thanks.”

So there I was, strolling through the halls of Fort Lenora as the members of the Mountain Moes watched me. With my “present” in hand, I soon found myself in front of the planning room doors. I was never one to knock, so I kicked the doors in. There sat Joffry and Moe, sipping Ale and sharing a good laugh. At least before I interrupted them.

“Uh, hey Regi-Wait, what’s in that bag!?!”

I ignore Joffry’s question, and toss the bloody sack I was carrying on the middle of the floor. Out came the heads of the two men I killed. I then walked up to the desk of a very startled Moe and slammed the badges of those knights onto the table. Moe couldn’t help but respond.

“What the hell is-”

“I found your pet weasel leading these two knights to your base, it’s pretty clear that the heist was a set up. So what are you going to do Moe? Will you let your men die, or will you show them mercy?”

I could hear Joffry almost falling out of his chair, I also made it visible that my hand was on my sword. Moe already knows the meaning behind my question, was he planning to discard me or not? Moe’s gaze trembled realizing the situation he was in, and sweat began to pour from his brow. I heard footsteps stop near the door, and I gave a small look over my shoulder. Jasmine and that little midget were standing there in the doorway, shocked at the scene before them. I won’t let them deter me, not in the slightest.

“So as I was saying, Moe, what is your decision?”