Chapter 15: Head shape that indicates low cunning

Chapter 15: Head shape that indicates low cunning

Two dwarves dragged Dantes through their halls, and out to the entrance of their territory by the maw, then tossed him out. He was battered, bruised, and his plan was in tatters. He made a fist, feeling the sand at the entrance to the pit slide through his fingers. It was familiar, the only difference between being thrown into the maw this time and the last time, was that this time didnt also come with the sting of betrayal.

He stood and looked around. A few scrawny looking dwarves, untouchables hed guess, were already beginning to look at him and size him up. If he stayed there long enough theyd develop enough of a spine to make a move on him. He drew his hood up to hide his face and started stumbling toward the nearest tunnel that he remembered would lead him back to his cave.

Jacopo, are you alright? He asked quietly.

Jacopo didnt respond.

Dantes could feel the rats pain, and his lifeforce slowly flowing out of him like a slow breeze. He began making his way to the same tunnel in which hed stolen the supply drop with a quick blow from a sturdy rock. He did his best not to draw attention to himself as he moved. This was the busiest portion of the Pit, and that was both a blessing and a curse for a man trying to keep himself hidden.

He managed to not attract any trouble until he got closer to the undermarket. It was there that he saw three Elfland Kings moving toward him, heads held high and haughtily looking down their noses at everyone around them. He stumbled to a nearby wall, and stuck a finger down his throat, forcing himself to vomit.

Maybe if his whore of a mother had fucked a dwarf instead he couldve held onto his liquor, joked one of them.

The others laughed and Dantes managed to continue on his path unimpeded for a bit longer, playing the part of a drunken fool for several more stumbling steps. Unfortunately, not long after the first group of elves had moved on, he realized they were simply the vanguard for a larger group, and leading them was Reivare, their Grand Duke of Spring, still shirtless and covered in tattoos of trees and elvish script.

Dantes cursed under his breath, and diverted his course sharply, disguising it as a near fall as he moved toward the entry to the undermarket. He made it past the consortium guards without issue. Once in he began weaving through back alleys, dropping his drunken act in favor of speed.

He encountered a drunken half-orc pissing in an alley between vendor stalls. The orcs eyes widened as they made eye contact. Hey, aint you the one those elves are-?

Dantes drove his knee into the orc's groin, causing him to crumple, and then quickly moved down another alley with a fresh piss stain on his pants. He started to hear some commotion behind him, and even in front of him, as if he was being cut off. He cursed under his breath, and made his way to the Which Wench. The front wasnt being managed by Syn, but Celeste, in the guise of a busty halfling, who he didnt know as well and didnt trust, flanked by a dead eyed orc and dwarf. He went around the building to Syns corner of it and knocked on the wall.

I told you earlier Tel, the first time was a special rate for a friend. Today's my day off anyway, and no that doesnt mean Im free for- a kobold woman unlatched and looked through a small window, her slitted eyes dilated when she realized it was Dantes, it was difficult for him to trust her to help him, but he couldnt see any other choice.

She looked around to make sure no one could see them, then became an orcish woman and held out her hands.

Dantes took them and she hauled him into the room where he landed with a thud.

Why are you here Two-names? The Kings have been searching for you, this is the last place you should be right now.

I didnt even know a gnome could be that big. followed by additional lewd noises.

Big things come in small packages. she replied to herself.

The search stopped and there was some shuffling of feet. I dont want to see whats going on in there.

Sounds like a gnome in there anyway. Dantes mustve made his way around us, or that half-breed orc lied.

Lets go.

One set of footsteps began walking away, but the other one hesitated, and Dantes heard him place his own head against the door for a few moments.

Huh, good for him, the Elf muttered, before following his companion out the door.

Even after they left, Syn kept up the performance for another ten minutes, adding more dialogue, backstory, and plot as she went along even after Dantes had given her the all clear. When she finally finished the ruse with a spectacular climax, she was breathing heavily and sat heavily on the bed, gesturing for Dantes to pour her some water.

Dantes, did so, looking at her with his eyebrow raised as she took the cup.

I got wrapped up in the story, I wanted to see it through.

Fair enough, he said, sitting back down on the edge of the bed. Looking at her he got another flicker of the milk white skin and large black eyes hidden behind the Orcish female form she was still in from lifting him through the window. He ignored his discomfort of the sight. Thank you Syn. I appreciate it.

She shrugged. If it was anyone else, Idve forced a pact from them, but with you thats pointless. Still, you owe me.

I do. Unfortunately, youll have to rely on my honor to pay you back.

That, or I could have a few of our nameless guards beat you.

Fair point.