The Exile Son: A Keen Blade

Lenara and Thomas had emerged from a cellar on the other side of the Rhalane that Rennard Galton’s passageway led to. The sun had begun to set on the city of Rhalane as Lenara followed Thomas through the maze of empty alleyways. The pair moved with speed in the rare event that they had been followed through the tunnel. Lenara spoke, “do you know where we’re going?”

“Let’s worry about disappearing into the city for now.” Thomas hadn’t looked back; his eyes were locked forward. “When I feel confident that we’ve covered our tracks then we’ll find the Pine Grove Tavern.”

They were approaching a street then. Thomas slowed his pace, then peaked his head out to scan the area. Lenara peered past him. There was only a handful of people on the part of the road that she could see. “How does it look?”

“Clear. Let’s get a move on.”

The pair stepped out into the street and began walking towards the center of the city. No one paid them any mind. It was a far cry from when they first entered the city. Lenara walked next to Thomas and with a low voice said, “they’re not staring at us like earlier.”

“We walked out of an alleyway not through one of the main gates. It’s more important to keep track of the comings and goings of people in and out of the city. Still, don’t get comfortable, if anyone here is an agent of Lord Drestin then they’ve taken notice of us.”

Lenara eyed the people on the street. If any of them are watching us, then they’re doing a wonderful job at hiding that fact. She hid her hands under her cloak. I’d feel better with a dagger on my belt.

They continued to wander the streets for some time until Thomas hailed a patrolling guardsman. The guard eyed the pair then said, “what do you need civilian?”

“My daughter and I are from out of town. We’ve traveled some distance and I need a drink,” Thomas said. “I was hoping you could give me a few recommendations.”

Scratching his chin, the guard said, “Well, if you’ve got the money then Pine Grove Tavern is alright. It’s down the main road and to the left, you can’t miss it. My arsehole of a captain drinks there though so maybe it would be best to avoid it. Then there’s…”

The pair smiled and pretended to listen as the man listed more than two dozen other taverns and bars. Thomas patted the man on the shoulder before he could list another dozen. “Well, I think that’s more than enough places to find a drink. If I happen to see you at any of them, let’s share a few rounds, eh?”

“Always happy to drink with company.”

The pair departed as the guard waved them off. They hurried to their destination, hoping not to miss their target. It wasn’t long before they could see the tavern. The outside of the structure looked well maintained. The walls had a fresh coat of red paint and the shingles looked no older than a few weeks. There were several small pine trees planted around the building. Lenara followed Thomas into the building. The smell of meat roasting wafted past the pair and into the evening air. Lenara felt her mouth begin to water. The tavern was bustling. Servers darted with full and empty trays between tables. The tavern keep called out to them, “Just find yourselves a spot and a server will be right with you.”

Lenara scanned the room. She spotted an empty table in the back corner and pointed, “what about there?”

Thomas nodded. “That will do.”

They claimed their table and waited for their server. “Did you spot Lundri on our way in?”

Thomas shook his head.

“What are we going to do when we spot him? We can’t just do it in front of everyone.”

Before Thomas could answer, one of the servers approached them. She greeted them with cheery, gray eyes. “Hello, my name is Sidine! What are you two in the mood for?”

Thomas cleared his throat, smiled, then said, “a pint of ale, and whatever that lovely smell is.”

Sidine smiled. “That would be the roast duck. It’s our own special recipe.” Her black hair brushed her shoulders as she turned to Lenara. “And what will you be having?”

“Water, please. And I’ll have some of that duck as well.”

“I’ll have your food and drinks out to you both soon.”

The pair watched as their server turned and sped away. Thomas spoke, “You’re going to have to get his attention.”

Lenara was taken aback. “What? How? Why me?”

“I’m sure you can put your feminine charm to the task.”

Lenara’s stomach turned. “You mean seduce him?”

Thomas shrugged. “This is the life you started. You’ll have to do whatever it is you need to do to get the job done.”

“So long as I don’t have to do anything with the man.”

“Just get him out back and I’ll take care of the rest.”

Sidine returned with their food and drinks. “So, where are you two from? I haven’t seen either of you in here before?”

“You remember the faces of all your patrons?”

“It’s a skill I’ve picked up.”

“Impressive,” Thomas commented.

“So, where was it you said you two were from?”

Thomas stared at the woman, then smiled. “Outside the city. We had some business that took longer than expected in the city so now we’re sitting down for a meal.”

“Ah, and you said your names were.”

“We didn’t.” Thomas’ words were icy.

“I’m Emma,” Lenara lied. “And this is my father, Bodren. Please, excuse his demeanor, it wasn’t a pleasant trip for him.”

“Sorry to hear that.” Sidine placed a hand on Thomas’ shoulder. “I’ll make sure to put the drinks on the house.”

“Appreciate it.”

Sidine smiled again and left. Lenara shot a look at Thomas. “Why are you being so rude?”

“She’s asking questions and she’s too determined to get answers. You did good with the lie, but you shouldn’t have had to lie in the first place. More than likely, she doesn’t believe what you told her.”

Lenara glanced at Sidine, watching the woman out of the corner like she had been trained to do but could see no hint that she was watching or otherwise studying the pair. “I think you’re too on edge.”

“She might still tip her hand.” Thomas brought his mug to his mouth, then said, “Look to the door. A large man just entered, I need you to look and confirm that it’s our target.”

Lenara turned her gaze to the doorway. Sure enough, the fat, cherub faced man who entered the tavern was Lundri. He wore garb like that of the guards, only in far better condition and embroidered with rich yellow threads. There was also a large badge pinned to the man’s chest. Lenara couldn’t make out the finer details, however its silver surface shone in the lighting of the tavern like the sweat that had collected on the man’s brow. Lundri spotted Lenara looking at him and smiled. She quickly turned away. She could feel his gaze on her. She brought her own drink to her mouth then without drinking said, “He saw me looking at him and is eying me.”

Thomas snickered. “Good, looks like he likes you.”

“This isn’t funny, he’s disgusting.”

“Then I guess I do my part to help him. I’m going to take a piss out back. Do what you can to get him over to the table.” Thomas rose from the table and made for the door.

“No, get back here, don’t make me do this,” Lenara hissed.

She watched Thomas exit the building. Her eyes then met Lundri’s who hadn’t stopped looking at her. Lenara gave him a small smile. He grinned and moved towards her table. Lenara could feel her skin crawl. It didn’t take long for Lundri to close in on her. He sat across from her in Thomas’ seat. The man reeked of body odor. “Hello,” Lenara greeted the man.

“’Hello?’ Is that your best? Though judging by your expression, I suppose you must not know what to say. Don’t worry girl, the feelings are mutual.”

Lenara wanted to vomit, she fought to maintain her demeanor. She sensed someone watching her. She flicked her eyes towards the center of the room. Lenara saw Sidine watching her and the captain. Lenara returned her attention back to Lundri and said, “Well, we can talk about our feelings,” she touched his hand with her own. “Or we can do something about them.”

Lust filled Lundri’s eyes. He moved to grab Lenara’s hand. She pulled away. “What-” Lundri began.

“Not yet, and not here. My father will be coming back any moment. Keep an eye on me. I’ll excuse myself outside, we can spend time with each other out back.” Lenara winked.

Lundri’s fat neck jiggled as he laughed. “You’re more than you let on girl. I’ll see you soon.” Lundri rose from the seat and found a spot near the door to sit at.

Thomas returned soon after. He sat down and drank from his mug, then said, “How did it go?”

“He’s waiting for me to go outside.”

“Good. Don’t leave just yet. Let him wait for you, let him want you. The more he fantasizes about what your body looks like the more distracted he’ll be.”

Lenara bit her lip. She could see the man gawking at her out of the corner of her eye. “Can I have a knife?”

Thomas cocked his head. “Why?”

“Because if he touches me, I’m going to stab him.”

“He won’t have time to.”

Lenara sighed. “And you want me to bring him to the very back of the building?”

Thomas gave her a slow nod. “I took a look; it will be the best place.”

The pair picked at their food and sipped their drinks. Despite being a tasty, well-cooked meal, they both preferred not to have a full stomach for what was to come. Lenara took one last sip of her water, then said, “I’m going to relieve myself.” She stood from her seat and began a slow walk to the door. Lenara scanned the room. Sidine was nowhere to be found. Must be in back. She made herself look at Lundri. The fat man may as well be drooling over his dinner with the look he was giving her. Lenara smiled, then stepped out the door. She could hear Lundri standing up to come after her. She didn’t hold the door for him and let it close. As Lenara closed in on the alley next to the building, the door opened and closed.

“Where are you my little dumpling?” Lundri called out.

Lenara walked behind one of the pine trees and into the shadows. Lundri’s heavy footfalls followed behind her. She reached the back of the building and felt a pair of heavy, clammy hands grasp her shoulders and turn her around. The smell of alcohol hung heavy on Lundri’s breath. How much could he have had drink? Her hands curled in fists at her side.

“Not the most intimate of places but don’t worry, it won’t stop me from giving you what you need.”

Lenara turned away from the man. She stared into the darkness. There appeared to be a subtle shift in the dark alley that her eyes strained to perceive. It seemed as if the shadows themselves moved. Lenara blinked, the movement halted. She heard soft steps approaching from behind Lundri.

“What do you want first? My hands? Or my mouth perhaps?”

Lenara turned back towards Lundri. She looked past him, her eyes meeting Thomas’. Lenara turned her attention back to Lundri. “Your throat.”

A puzzled look came across the fat man’s sweaty face. It turned to horror as the cold steel of Thomas’ dagger pressed at his flabby neck. Thomas yanked the man back then opened his throat. Lundri tried to scream but all that came out was a series of thick gurgles. Lenara watched the man bleed out on the cobblestones.

“I told you I wouldn’t have let him do anything to you,” Thomas said.

“I could have handled this on my own if I had my own blade.”

Thomas peered down at Lundri’s body, then kicked him over onto his back. He reached down and pulled a small, sheathed dagger from the larger man’s belt. He tossed it to Lenara.

Catching the blade, Lenara could feel the ornate design of the hilt. Although she could not see the finer details of the weapon, she could feel the small gemstones embedded in the hilt. Lenara drew the weapon and felt it’s balance in her hand, tested how it felt when she maneuvered it in her grip. The blade would serve her well. Lenara smiled. “I like it.”

“Good, because you’re going to need it. Duck!”

Lenara didn’t have time to think. She dropped to the ground. A pair of razor-sharp blades grazed her scalp. A warm wetness began to spread across her scalp. She felt her blood trickle down her face.

“You’re good. Very good.”

Lenara’s eyes widened. That voice, Sidine? It can’t be. She looked up. Sure enough, Sidine emerged from the shadows, clad in black leather armor, with two long knives in both hands. She wore a cowl but had the hood drawn back.

“I thought you had noticed me when you were being groped by that fool. Imagine my surprise when you killed one of my employer’s henchmen.”

Thomas drew a second blade. “Don’t act the fool. You were suspicious of us from the moment we entered the tavern.”

“Suspicious, but I didn’t think you’d kill him. Seduce him perhaps and turn him into your little agent either through sex or blackmail, then I would have had to kill all three of you.”

Lenara watched the two size each other up, like two predators standing over their next meal. Neither moved, yet the air around them seemed to grow heavier as time passed. She picked herself up and moved next to Thomas. Lenara readied the dead man’s blade in her hand. “Now what are the three of us to do? Stab away and paint the alleyway with our blood?”

Sidine laughed. “Not at all. I’ve lost the element of surprise and I’m outnumbered. I’m not stupid. We would all die here.”

“You think you’d be able to take us down with you?” Thomas said.

“I guarantee it and I’m certain that you can’t afford to try and test me. So let me set my terms. Don’t come back to this tavern, don’t cross my path again, and most importantly, don’t try to kill me.” Sidine pulled her cowl up and lifted a small face covering. She retreated into the shadows and disappeared.