"Once you're all clear, we shall move on."
[Now Playing:
Tear Ring Saga - Dark Fingers]
Torches illuminated the insides of a room within a cave complex, sealed by a door made of sturdy wood and a thousand tiny shadows dotting the natural walls reinforced by rudimentary logwork. It was the favourite room of Ghal to reside in. No wonder, for the cloth carpets on the floor are covered with coins and half-filled chests. And yet, the wavering light reflecting off the gold weren't able to please him today. The door opens. Two people entered the room, one of them by force. The mercenary leader turned around facing them.
"Curious. Not many are allowed in my treasure chamber, and you even dare to bring a dirt stain to my coins."
"W-What gives?! Calling me a dirt stain, boss!?" "Not in the best of moods right now. Better hush it before I lose yet another knife in someone..."Noel gulped before slowly nodding, fear being written in her eyes.
"Ernod, my buddy, I expected you. But not you..."
"That's because I need her as a bargain chip."Ernod threw Noel into a pile of coin. Her expression made it clear that it was not a soft and welcomed landing, yet she remained silent.
"Great. Juuuuust great. My buddy throws a dirt stain onto my coins. All while that lowly knight pretents to be righteous and just and, ugh, can't he see that simple people like us cannot make an honest living since the war screwed us over?! I can't keep my side of the bargain up with all these mud-slurpers ruining my day!"The stressed-out leader pulled out a thin throwing knife from his boot and threw it in the direction of a startled Noel. It cut her right shoulder, resulting in a short yelp and a surpressed wimper as she held the fresh wound.
"... Ah, better. It is as nobility claims, music does soothe the nerves... Alright then. No need to be here, buddy. Young and naive Dunas is gonna get captured." "Irrelevant to me. He exists to fill your pockets, nothing more. I am here to relocate what had been entrusted to you." "To... relocate? Ernod, Ernod, Ernod... Buddy... It is safe here. No one will even see the container without my permission. Do you have so little trust in me? Or... does the Alchemist?" "I trust you. I do not trust the women, even as a prisoner." "Stab a blade in problems, like I do. What's holding you back?" "As long as she's alive, the one who betrayed you will be docile. That is key to your ransom. See it as a favor, and I'm claiming that favor now to relocate 'it'. I will not leave it up to chance."Two knives suddenly thrust out of Ghal's sleeves and he aimed for Ernod's temples. Only his reflexes ensured his survival, albeit the same couldn't be said for his mask.
"You goddessdamned piece of shit, Ernod. No! One! Touches! It! No one but me and him! Ghal's number one rule for being entrusted something is full payment, zero tolerance, full protection, zero exceptions. Full zero full zero! Don't fuck with me!"
"... So be it."With that verbal exchange completed, Ernod left the chamber.
"... Heh. I'm feeling damn good now. Fantastifabulous, even! Noel, if you play your prisoner part or whatever, there's gonna be double rations for a week or so on your plate! Imagine all the meat in your stomach! Oh, but only if I find nary a coin on your body after I caught myself an oversized knave... HuhuHU! I'LL BE FILTHY STINKIN' RICH!"An eerily cheery swing in each of his moves, Ghal carelessly tossed half a stale bread he had in his pocket in Noel's direction before exiting the treasure chamber. Two clicks from the lock and the chamber was sealed. Noel picked up the bread and the throwing dagger left behind as she walked around the chamber, restless and anxious.
"... Boss's really off his rocker since he met bandana bastard... Whatever that thing is boss got, must be one helluva thing to be worth his mind."
The group of Sir Dunas followed the trail of disturbed foilage and blood splatters until the tracks led into an array of bushes leaned against a small cliffside that, on closer inspection, were structured too conveniently. Checking his notes and the map, there is no doubt about it for the Dunlandic knight: Even with no one standing guard nearby, Ghal's Marauders must be behind that cover.
"This is it... Last chance to ready yourselves. I expect the upcoming battle to be short but vicious once we break through the cover."
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Topic: Fire Emblem on Forums: Heritage of the Chosen (IC) (Read 31174 times)