Chapter 28: I did it very carefully

Chapter 28: I did it very carefully

By the time he reached the edges of collared territory Dantes legs were screaming at him. He had considered, roughly halfway there, seeing how much favor and how many rats it would take to move the small cask for him. He decided against it of course, it was just the impractical thought of an exhausted body.

He checked ahead with a few rats and noticed that two guards were posted at the entrance. Both were alert, and focused on the path hed be traveling down. He took a moment to rest, placing the cask on the ground. He didnt want to look tired when he approached, no reason to show up appearing weak. He pulled a small flask of water from one of his jacket's many pockets and took a long sip. He used rats that surrounded him to keep watch as he did so, making sure no one was approaching from either side.

Once he felt rested, he slipped the cask back onto his back, and walked languidly, doing his best to make it appear as if it weighed nothing to him. When he came into view, the guards looked at one another, and one of them quickly ran back into collared territory to let them know he was coming.

Dantes nodded at the one that remained, and walked right past him.

Wait-

Dont worry, I can get to Merle myself, I know the way. Dantes walked through the large cavern, drawing stares as he went. It reminded him of when he would walk through midtown after a successful heist with pockets full of gold. Everyones eyes were on him, whispers passing between those who watched him as he moved directly to their leaders chamber. He had a rep now, something hed avoided when he first got to the Pit, but which a part of him had sorely missed. He liked the stares, enjoyed the whispers too, and he was planning on maximizing them as much as possible while he was in the Pit, though when he escaped he planned to go back to a low profile, at least for a little while. It would be easier to target his old gang from the shadows.

He stepped up into Merles chamber just as Merle himself was stepping out of them. Beads of sweat were running down his forehead and a rag sat across his shoulders. Hed been in the middle of a workout.

Youve got balls, kid. No brains at all, but balls for days.

Merle, said Dantes with a respectful incline of his head.

A few of Merles massive adherents approached from behind, but Dantes stayed still and didnt react.

So? Im assuming you have something to say? Some deal to strike to make up for the risk you put on us?

You sure youre cut off from magic? Seems like you have at least some ability at divination to me.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Merle chuckled, then his face suddenly became serious. You lied to me about your intentions, took advantage of us, and couldve plunged us all into a war that we wouldve lost. Whatever you have to say better be really fucking good. he gestured with his neck for Dantes to follow him into his chamber, which he did at the urging of the two massive men behind him.

Once inside, Merle sat on his stone workout bench and fixed Dantes with a stare, waiting for him to speak first.

Dantes noticed that he hadnt asked him to remove the rapier at his waist, that was a good sign.

First of all, Im sorry for the spot I put you in. I offer only one excuse, I felt it was the only possible way Id survive.

Merle stayed silent, but began stroking his beard.

To make it up to you, I have a business proposal that might interest you. Dantes slipped the cask off of his back and placed it on the ground. I have developed a steady source of high-quality booze. He took the sample flask off his back and tossed it to Merle, who looked back at him and held it back out.

Dantes took his meaning, and sipped from the flask, before handing it back to him.

Dantes, said Wane, nodding at him.

Pillion ignored him, too offended at the name.

Dantes sat down and put a small bag of dust in front of himself. The same one hed stolen from their guard a few weeks prior. Hed become more tempted to use it himself, and so was hoping to lose it.

The rest of them put their bets in, and Pillion began shaking the dice.

So, you worked things out with Merle? asked Wane.

Yeah, hes a reasonable guy. Didnt have much trouble.

They all nodded, as Pillion put the cup down, and showed the first roll before allowing everyone to change their bets if they wanted to. He picked the dice back up and started shaking the cup again.

So, how did you do it? asked Tel.

Do what?

Come on, you know what Im talking about. Howd you make the explosions happen in the right place at the right time? Did you have some help? Did you rig up some kind of device?

Did you just get really lucky? asked Pillion.

Ill tell you exactly how I did it, said Dantes. I did it very carefully.

They all waited for him to elaborate, and when he didnt they just sighed and watched the second roll.

Do you want to know what happened with the elves after you left?

Dantes nodded. Ive got my sources. I even heard about what happened to Iron. Lost an eye and a rib from a gun misfiring? Thats why I never trusted those things.

Yeah, apparently the Orcs have started sniffing around their territory and trade, they smell blood, said Wane.

Sad you cant join them? asked Pillion.

Wane shot him a look. If I wanted blood, Id break you against the wall. Roll the dice.

Dantes watched the exchange passively. Wane didnt enjoy it when anyone engaged in Orcish stereotypes, Dantes personally thought it was a bit funny that he answered them with threats of violence, but that wasnt really his business.

They rolled a few more rounds, and Dantes successfully managed to lose and regain his dust before there was a commotion that drew his attention. The Consortium had arrived, and theyd brought two elvish bodyguards with them.