Chapter 3.4

Massoud sat at the table finishing his Kaldone Ale.  Everyone is always in such a hurry to leave a bar after business is done.  Other than someone trying to separate appendages from my torso I can’t imagine any reason not to sit and finish a drink I have ordered.  And Kaldone Ale at that.  Then Massoud cleared his mind.  No thoughts, no plots, no strategies within strategies.  The ebb and flow of the cool malted beverage his only contact with the external world.  As the last of the dark ale poured into his body, so too came all the machinations of his every day life.

Massoud stood and made his way to the common room.  Noting the time on the sand clock behind the bar he smiled at his punctuality.  Emerging into the street in front of the Olieant he headed west towards the market staying within the shadows.  He thought he heard something from behind him when out of a side alley came Lavender and Nasturtium. 

Some fools, even those within the Thieves Guild itself, mistakenly assumed that knowledge of high level dealings was only possible with a well placed insider.  Men are often oblivious to those they consider of a lesser station.  Their tongues flap loosely in the presence of those they see as empty vessels present only to please their base instincts. 

My empty vessels have come to spill their contents, Massoud thought with eagerness.  “My darling flowers,” he said soothingly.  “Have you seen the price of Asherah silk lately in the market?”

Lavender pouted, “Yes, they said an expected shipment did not come in and the prices for what remains are as ridiculous as ever.”

“Nothing rivals it for sensation against the customer’s skin and, more importantly, your own,” chimed in Nasturtium.

“Well you ladies are used to large purses of coin for your work and for the services you have provided me I felt something a little more special was in order,” Massoud said, slipping two packages into each of their robes.

“Ayman, this must be at least three spans of Asherah silk!”

“Five spans actually.”

Both women threw their arms around his neck in adoration.  Massoud tensed, ready to counter any dagger stroke and return in kind.

“You must let us show you our true gratitude,” whispered Lavender in his left ear.

“Yes, please let us show you how much this means to us,” echoed Nasturtium in his other.

“Ladies,” Massoud intoned, slipping from their grasp but turning it into a sweeping bow usually reserved for nobility so as not to seem too abrupt, “please, the information you bear coupled with your exquisite company is too much already.  I wouldn’t think of treating you unfairly.”

They both laughed.  “Such a charmer, Ayman.  I hope one day the Gods allow us the opportunity to lay with one such as you.  Your sensitivity as a lover would probably be unmatched,” Lavender said without a trace of coquetishness.

“Thank you,” replied Massoud humbly.

“Now for your information,” Nasturtium said.  “His party plans to use Krag Pass for the mission to Balakulich.  He prefers to travel early and light.  They will depart Blàthan a span before dawn with only four government guards and his Right Hand.”

“Only six. That is better than I had hoped.”

“But Ayman.  His Right Hand.  He’s….”

“He’s dangerous,” Lavender filled in. “Trust us, Ayman.  We may know little of blades and the finer arts of Death, but we have been around those that wield them enough to have a rough gauge of one’s capabilities.  Some men are full of bluster and muscles but you know they would be of little use in anything but a brawl.  Others are cunning and agile, undoubtedly capable of much.” She said eyeing Massoud pointedly.

“Yes, and the Right Hand is one such but more so than most,” Nasturtium said.  “And we tried to do as you said but he never takes a woman.  He never speaks to anyone, not even his master.  Just listens.”

“No one speaks of him either,” added Lavender. “If you mention him to anyone they instantly clam up.  I think they are all deathly afraid of him.”

 ”Thank you, ladies.  That is useful information in itself though it may not seem that way.  As always, I thank you for your aid and your delightful company, but alas we have reached the market.  A good night to you both.”

“Goodnight, Ayman,” they responded to the shadows, the Thief already gone from sight.

~ by beinnsgriob on March 23, 2008.