A Friend to Rats

Everyone is panting like dogs, our sweat glistening in the early morning Sun. Yet Andre's rangers continue to clash against us like stubborn goats vying for dominance. I thrust at one of my opponents, bring my 'spear' down on one who thought he saw an opening, and bash the last with my shield. The brief gap in my defense gets exploited, I smack away training swords and counter thrust. Maheed launches forward, stabbing the last guy for getting too close. He sighs, runs off and then returns to simulate a new opponent.
If I could back up, I'm certain I could finish them, but doing that means giving them access to Aroura. I continue to desperately hold off my assailants while Aroura launches her spike at a target behind us. Finally!
With her objective complete, she conjures a heavy blob of water, sending our opponents into a frenzy. I block attack after attack, completely forgetting offense. A river from the sky crashes into Andre's rangers. They throw up their shields to save themselves from falling into the mud. It works. It doesn't, however, save them from my spear. Calling the last of my energy, I jab my spear into each neck with trembling precision.

Wal swiftly crushes his opponents and Maheed assists Naz in cleaning up his foes. Andre calls out, "That's enough. The Eclipse Rangers are due for their patrol."

All of us, even Wal, fall to our knees in relief. Between deep breaths, I say, "Nice work Scars. Your spikes are getting faster!"

'Scars' nods. Since the royal family likes to hide their mages, Aroura currently goes by Scars the Eclipse Ranger. The official story is similar to the one I told Nick. Except they added, that Scars was taken under the tutelage of the royal family after displaying magical talents. He then decided pledge his undying allegiance to the princess for her undying kindness.
Only Summer, who has been guiding her in spells, and Andre know her true identity.

We're allowed some time to recover and eat before our templars take us out for the day.
Still mostly panting around a table, Caresson approaches. "Your mage looks promising."

"Sir Caresson. Sorry, allow me some time. We've been at this for hours."

He offers an understanding nod. "I'm aware heretic. No need to rush. Will the chosen be joining us today? I've good tidings to share with her."

"I doubt it. She's currently busy."
Busy teaching Aroura how to work her magic faster.

"Oi! Why do you get the considerate handler? Mine's an ass through and through." Naz complains.

Despite desperately needing air, I still decide to jab the old dwarf's pride. "Maybe they don't care to hear an old man's rambling."

"I'll ramble your brain around that lanky skull o' yours!"

Despite the threat, neither of us had the energy to move. I suppose I'll poke the bear further. "Does this mean I win by default?"

"Over my corpse it does."

"Looks like you're half-way there already."

"I may be half-way there, but you'll be jumping into the grave keeping this up."
He raises a hand as though explaining a lecture. "You see pup, this is how you talk to the Segugek when he's being a bastard. Never back down and keep butting heads 'till he gets sick of it."

Wal had to jump in. "That is terrible advice."

With Naz's bantering focused on Wal it gives me plenty of time to regain my breath.

Unfortunately, we can't drag the useless conversation out forever and once I can breathe normally, Caresson and I set out. As we step off the castle's drawbridge, he begins, somewhat excited. "I did some asking around. As it turns out, all the investigators in the city are busy with 'something important,' they said."
Likely trying to figure out how beastmen are here and who their sympathizers are. He continues. "They told me, if evidence manifested itself, then investigating our Lord would move up in priority."

That's hardly news. Nothing has changed at all. Utilizing his good nature, I solemnly say, "It won't be enough."

Any excitement he had dies in an instant. "It'll have too be."

Once again I tell him, "That's not entirely true."
I need the investigators, no matter how useless they are, to have solid ground to stand on if they're going to distract Nick long enough for the Artisan's guild to make their move. Unfortunately, I'm chained to this templar. I need to convince him to gather evidence to help in condemning Nick.
I can probably guilt trip him since he's sympathetic to the elves or just appeal to his sense of justice as a templar. If he has a clear purpose, I'm certain his laziness won't be an issue.

He glances at me, curious and not a little angry. "You have more evidence?"

"Only my testimony as a known liar. But I know how we might acquire more. The only issue being... Not all of it is entirely legal."

He laughs, clearly flabbergasted by the fact I could suggest such a thing. "The chosen was right to keep an eye on you. We've known each other but a few days and you're already suggesting I break the law I'm sworn to uphold."

I shake my head. "I can do nothing without your command. If we acquire any evidence through less than honest means, it will be because you have realized that it's necessary to apprehend the largest criminal in Solaris."
I speak quieter and more intensely as I say, "I don't want it to come to that any more than you do, but I can't see an alternative. Maybe if our investigators weren't loyal only to money, we could act with our integrity in tact and honest men could keep their lives."
If Wernher Truthhound were still around we wouldn't have to worry about finding the evidence ourselves. The only reason Nick's underground crime ring could thrive is because Wernher disappeared one day. Now the city is left with second-rate nobodies whose 'investigation' can be bought by the highest bidder.

Caresson stays silent for a few slow moments before saying, "I shouldn't be the one to make that decision. We should wait for the chosen. I'm certain they know something we don't."

"The chosen still isn't convinced our lord is evil. She can't be, because she hasn't lived under his rule. She can't see what you and I have seen. Right now, you and your squad are the only men that can help the elves."

He stops and stares at the cloudy sky for a while clearly contemplating. "What's the legal option first?"

I smile. This is good. "If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them. As of right now, I've come up with getting a previously unaffiliated vendor to sell their store to Épicier so we can see the corruption first hand."

"There's no one we can trust with that task however."

"Maybe not we. But you have an admirer, who fits that description, do you not?"

He shakes his head. "I can't drag Veronica into this. It wouldn't be right."

He wouldn't be dragging anyone. The way she was fawning over Caresson, I doubt she'd refuse any request of his. "And if you didn't 'drag' her into it? If she volunteered?"

Somewhat hesitantly, he says, "She wouldn't."

He's trying to protect her. Understandable if they have children together. With a hint of desperation in my voice, I say, "We'll need all the help we can get."

He passes his hand through his short hair. "I know, I know. We'll talk to her, I just need some time to figure out what to say. What was the other option."

Good. As we pass through the increasingly crowded streets, I say, "I know an elf that can get into our Lord's employ as a construction worker. He won't stay a mere worker for long however."

"How does that..."
I let him finish the thought. "Eventually he'll be hired as a thug. Can he be trusted?"

"I wouldn't suggest him otherwise. I need your confirmation that he is pardoned for any crimes he's asked to commit."

Caresson nods. "You have my word. He will be pardoned if the damages are not too severe."
That's about all I can hope for then. He continues. "We'll meet with your guy first, then visit Veronica. After that we'll meet up with the squad."

Oh good. Rolling up on Ren's door with a single templar is bad enough. It's strange he's going with the illegal option first. He's likely trying to protect his children with the store owner. I say, "Thank you. You're a good man Caresson. We'll be heading into New Town then."
Caresson accepts the situation and quickens his pace. As we move, the city swiftly deteriorates from large houses and clean streets, to forgotten alleys, and finally into the crude walls that have been deteriorating around me my whole life.

Despite Caresson pulling my chain, he slows back down to let me lead him through New Town, past the dubious glares of cautious elves from the safety of their incomplete shacks. We ignore their cautious eyes. It doesn't take long before we reach Ren's house. It's more akin to a shed attached to a larger building than any house. Unlike the buildings neighboring it, however, their shed is well-constructed.
After knocking on the door, a moment later, it creeps open, allowing Ren's sister to get a read of the situation. Once she realizes it's me, she opens the door as quickly as it'll allow. "Kar? You're here?"

I can't help but sigh. "Zleal. You're certainly a refreshing sight."
She's always been easy on the eyes. Petite in every sense of the word, she reminds me of a mouse, but a mouse I'd like to fuck. I won't, out of respect for Ren, but that won't stop my eyes from absorbing the memory of her.

Hearing my voice, the rest of Ren's family comes to greet me. First Ren himself, then his younger half-sister, Veena, and both his parents. Fuck, I was hoping Ren's father wouldn't be here. Keer'Klalen speaks first. "Kar, what's going on? Why are you with the templars?"

I reassure him. "Don't worry, everyone here is safe. I just need to speak with Ren."

I motion for Ren to follow me and he nods. Keer holds him back. Keer hardens his voice. "Hold it Ren. What are you trying to drag my son into?"

Keer has never liked me. He, like all self-righteous pricks, can't understand why I steal. Why I use the little power we have to better our lives at the expense of those who took it. But like a hypocrite will gladly feed his families with the money Ren and I 'unjustly' earned.
Ren opposes Keer with, "Dad. He's never dragged me into anything."

I add, "You're welcome to join us if you're concerned."
There's nothing he can really do, but he can at least be trusted with secrets.

I notice a concerned glance from Caresson, but he remains silent. Keer hesitates before blurting out, "Fine then. Let's go."
He turns to the girls, "Stay here. We'll be back."

We move to just out of earshot of their house in the middle of the street. The presence of a templar and me will be enough deterrent to keep pedestrians away. Even still. Our words don't rise above intense whispering.
I turn to Caresson. "Do you want to explain the situation?"
He might start to get cold feet if he's not involved enough.

Caresson takes a moment to piece together his words. "The lord of this land, as I'm sure you're aware, is a criminal. With the heretic's help, we plan to bring him to justice. He says you can help."

Ren jumps at the opportunity, "What do you need me to do?"

Surprised by his eagerness, Caresson staggers before saying clearly, "We need you to act as an agent for us. From his employ you'll gather evidence of his crimes. I will ensure you are well compensated and pardoned for any wrong doing you might be asked to commit."

Keer objects. "And there's no one else better suited for this? Why Ren?"

I say, "We can't trust anyone else. No one else has the skills, the connections, or the dependability."

He shakes his head. "I refuse to believe that. There are plenty of thugs willing to be your henchmen."

Ren starts, "Dad, you don't understand-"

"I do, Ren. I won't let you go along with these deranged schemes of Kar's."
Unfortunately Ren. You don't have the necessary skills or tools to convince him. I do.

"Keer."

He glares at me. "What Kar'Desh?"

I pull myself to my full height, looking down on the short man. Subtly, I adjust my weapons bringing attention to them. Then calmly ask, "Are your families happy? Happy to eat scraps for every meal, skipping every other meal? Everyone that can, works. And even then, it's not enough is it? Or have you forgotten Veena's mother?"
He glares at me, drawing his full height, however diminutive that may be. He lets me continue. "Our lord controls the farms. Controls the merchants. Your families starve because he demands they do."

"You don't think I know that?"

"I think you know it too well. Yet, you're afraid."

"What father wouldn't fear for his son?"

"So who would you condemn to this fate? If not Ren, then who? Perhaps one of your other sons? Maybe we should leave it to my brother, he's smart he'll figure it out. Oh, we should leave this to Ren's children, they'll deal with it."
He's speechless and fuming. Moments later, I continue. "For better or for worse, we have experience in this. With the templars backing us, we can bring that man to justice and set New Town on the right path."
Keer is one of the few people trying to finish building New Town. He leads various construction projects working closely with all the noble families at the expense of his own families. Even if he knows I don't truly care about New Town, evoking the name is bound to move him.

He stares me down before finally saying. "And how do you know you won't just replace our current lord with one worse?"

I answer with a question. "Would it be better for us to wait out his reign?"

He knows the answer and he knows he's lost, but he's far to prideful and angry to admit it. "It doesn't matter, I'm not letting you drag Ren into this!"

"Unfortunately for you Keer. You can't decide for him."
I turn to Ren. "There's no shame in backing out of this Ren. If you don't think you're up to it, we'll find someone else."
By poking at Ren's pride, I've all but guaranteed his cooperation. Although I doubt I needed to. Offering him a way out was more for Keer. He annoys the fuck out of me, but I still respect him. Keer needs to see that Ren isn't a kid who needs protection.

Ren prepares himself to go against Keer's demands. "I'm going to join them dad. We can't let that man run free any longer."

"Damn it Ren, what do you think you're doing? I'm not going to let this slide!"

I join back in. "He's made his choice Keer. Go back to your family."

Keer's rage focuses solely on me. "You son of a bitch, look what you've done!"

I don't move as he goes to punch me across the face. Just as it connects, I roll my head to soften the blow, but it still hurts like a mother fucker. Fuck, he packs a strong punch. After recoiling from the pain, I stare him down. "I'm considered property of the royal family. Meaning assaulting me is akin to punching the princess' pet. I'm going to ignore that hit for now, but I can't promise to be as kind in the future."
An empty threat. I would never willingly arrest anyone in Ren's family, but Keer needs to leave.

He takes a step back and throws one last insult out before retreating. "Fuck you Kar. I hope you realize what a piece of shit you are."

Once he's out of earshot, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief. "That didn't feel good. And I'm not just talking about the punch."
And I mean that with sincerity. Having to pit Ren against his dad's wishes is something I've always felt guilty over, but could accept. It's for our own good after all.

Just as Ren turns around to speak, I make my fingers subtly dance. A signal we've come up with. Ren continues anyway. "I'm sure he'll calm down eventually. Once he realizes we're doing the right thing."

Turning to face Caresson, I apologize. "I'm sorry you had to see that sir Caresson. I'm sure this isn't the best first impression, but I can assure you his skills are incomparable."

Caresson watches Keer march all the way back to his house before finally saying, "Is that how you treat everyone who opposes you?"

I bob my head as though thinking. "If it will work, yes. That's how I spoke to the Chosen while he interrogated me for example."

"No wonder he says you're a creature of absolute evil."

"What can I say. I'm vindictive."
I wave my shielded hand towards Ren. "Should we begin?"

Caresson nods. "Right. We should discuss how to get him into our lord's employ."

I suggest how Ren and I got into Nick's employ in the first place. "Keer has connections with our lord as a contractor and ambassador for New Town. Perhaps we could use that?"

"You mean to have him enter as a common laborer?"
I nod. He puts a hand to his chin in contemplation. "Could he gather evidence from that? What if he just ends up working in a warehouse like the others?"

"I doubt that'll be the case. Our lord would be wasting Ren's talents. Ren, give the man his stuff back."

Sheepishly, Ren holds out the satchel that Caresson had attached to his belt and says, "Sorry, I thought I should prove my abilities after that display."
He says that, but I'm the one who ordered him to do it.

Understandably, Caresson pats his waist, ensuring Ren really did manage to take the satchel off him. "I'll admit, I was growing hesitant. It's good to see your skills are real."

Before he can question if he should be condoning pick pocketing, I ask, "So how should we proceed?"
He doesn't really have a lot of options. He's out of his depth and he knows it. This is just to keep him focused on the mission.

"Right. We'll go with your plan."
He addresses Ren. "Do you need our help with getting an audience with our lord?"

Ren glances at my hand. I tap my spear once, signaling 'no.'
Ren shakes his head. "No, I'm sure I can get under his pay roll on my own."

Caresson informs Ren on where to report any information he stumbles on. With nothing else to do here, Caresson releases Ren and we return to his squad. That's unfortunate, I was hoping to speak with Zleal a while longer, though I suppose with the way things ended with Keer, that wasn't going to happen. We march past countless temple supporters who cheer for a templar dragging a heretic through the street like a prized animal. We find his squad 'standing guard' at their usual point. "Sorry I'm late lads. Ran into some issues on the way here."
After a bit of quick and mindless banter, Caresson explains, "I'm going to check on Veronica to make sure she's not having any more issues."

One of the templars asks, "Are you bringing the heretic? You know dogs work better as wingmen right? Preferably one of the smaller breeds."

Caresson laughs like he's tired of hearing that joke. "Unfortunately, I'm only visiting on business and I can't trust the heretic with you lot. I'm leaving sir Orvyn in charge until I return."

The templars offer a half-hearted salute, then Caresson drags me off to the Rosy Cauldron.