If there was anything good about what just happened it was that Massoud did not have to worry about how to deal with Llyr. She had taken care of that all by herself. People are so easy to manipulate, he thought to himself. You just play to their ego, it wasn’t even a question of money or riches most of the time. Llyr was always one who had a higher opinion of herself than what was justified and it had finally caught up with her. Well, he would have to watch where he showed his face for the next few days, as no doubt there would be people looking for him, but the truth was he was glad for things being simplified just a bit. After that it wouldn’t really matter either way.
Massoud waited until dusk before going out on the street and when he did the hood to his great coat was pulled forward setting his face in a shadow. It wasn’t much but would have to do. He rounded the corner making his way toward, “The Maimed Bard,” a back street tavern where no one would look to closely at anyone who came or left. It was then he spied him, the boy, Perceval. He whistled sharply and the boy looked around. The young were easier still to deal with, such curiosity in them. It made Massoud laugh as he motioned him over. The boy came cautiously not wanting to get too friendly with a stranger obviously trying to conceal himself.
“We have sworn a blood oath Perceval, you have nothing to fear from me.”
At the words the boy smiled slyly and quickly closed the distance. “Upon my word, I would never have known it was you.”
“You will tell no one you saw me will you.” It was a statement not a question. In reply the boy only shook his head slightly side to side, never taking his eyes off Massoud.
“I need you to do another run for me boy, can you do that?” This time the boy spoke.
“Of course, I am at your service, brother.” Massoud knew he had a gift of inspiring loyalty in those around him and took advantage of this as much as he could. He knew the boy would soon willingly die for him.
“I need news lad, news from those that sit in the government. Do you know a tavern called The Goblins Ankle?” The lad nodded smiling. Everyone knew that place. It was where the elite of the state went to slake their thirst. Not just anyone could get in, and certainly not without being noticed. A boy though? No one paid any attention to a boy.
“I need you to go there and listen and remember everything that is said. Stay there for one hour and then come meet me here,” and at this he nodded over to The Maimed Bard, and repeat to me that which you have heard.” Massoud reached into his coin bag and flipped a gold coin towards the boy. It sparkled as it flew through the air and he heard the boy whistle softly. Again a great deal of money for one so small. This would erase any doubts that may be left lingering after the blood oath. “There is another one for you if the news is what I am waiting for.”
The two studied each other for a moment, sizing the other up, and deciding they liked what they saw. “Now be gone, and be quick.” The boy smiled, nodded his head and silently disappeared into the shadows.
Massoud watched him go and then turned to go into the pub. Meeting the boy was fortuitous, he would supply information that would confirm the timing of the next step in hiss plan. Too it saved him reaching out to his contact before necessary. The boy would likely do Llyr’s job better than Llyr. This made Massoud laugh.
