Chapter 29: You're not here to kill me I presume?

Chapter 29: You're not here to kill me I presume?

Had Dantes been focused on something other than the dice game, he may have placed some rats in the tunnels between the Undermarket and the Collared, so that he could keep a closer eye on when the Consortium had arrived, seen the elves and prepared for them, but he had no such foresight, and found himself cursing under his breath. Still, he was in a relatively safe situation overall. The Collared weren't a powerful group, but they could easily handle two elves if they needed to, and it wasnt as if the Consortium didnt hire other races to be bodyguards, it was just usually Kobolds or Dwarves.

Dantes moved across the chamber toward them, approaching at the same pace that Merle was in order to ensure theyd arrive together by the fountain in the center of the Collareds cells. He realized as he approached, that the elves were familiar, but he couldnt quite place them until he got closer and heard them speaking to one another. They were the two elves whod nearly found him in the outskirts with Tel. One was older, with white streaks through black hair and a solemn expression emphasized by a scar along his right cheek. The other was clearly younger, with chestnut hair braided down his back and an impudent smirk. Both were wearing blades at their waists, but they made no movement toward them as he came into view.

Looks like you two finally found me, said Dantes, deciding to lean on bluster in service of his budding reputation.

The younger of the elves squinted. How do you know-

Because we got close at some point, said the older of them, cutting him off. He saw us searching for him and he put two and two together. He frowned, bringing a thoughtful hand up to his scar. As a professional, can I ask where you saw us?

In the large chamber with the pews. I ducked behind a row as I heard you approaching.

I told you! I knew Id heard footsteps!

The older one shrugged. You shouldve been more insistent on searching the room then.

Youre not here to kill me, I assume?

They both opened their mouths to speak, but a gnome stepped between them. Not unless you attempt to harm me. The gnome was wearing a silk tunic and a gold coin made into a medallion on his neck. He had a shock of white hair, but was otherwise bald, and wore small glasses that made his eyes appear twice as large through the lenses.

Dantes nodded at him and held out his hand, Dantes, a pleasure.

The gnome took his hand and gave it a surprisingly firm shake. Grimald, Ill reserve judgment until after weve spoken.

Dantes put up his hands. Fair enough. he turned to Merle. Should we meet in your chamber? Or would you prefer to have an audience?

Merle gestured. My chamber would be best. Id ask that your bodyguards wait outside, or things will get quite cramped.

I dont take up much space, one of them will join me inside and the other will wait outside.

Grimald took off his glasses and polished them for a moment. We may be able to work something out I suppose and what is the Collareds place in all of this?

Theyll handle the logistics side of things. Hauling the booze from the brewer to you in the undermarket.

Dantes saw a twinkle in the gnomes oversized eyes.

Okay then. Before we get started on exact payments, I have to ask, how would you prefer to be paid? Have family on the surface you need us to get coin to? Want a pile of dust, or weed? Maybe food?

I want sixty percent of it in goods, and the rest in coin.

That got raised eyebrows from both Merle and Grimald.

Coin? asked Grimald.

Thats what I said.

Hmmm, we, which is to say the Consortium, are the only ones down here that deal in coin.

Then you should be delighted to know that a good chunk of what you pay me will make its way back to you. That was a lie, of course, he had other plans for the funds. He didnt want to be starting from scratch when he escaped.

Hmmm, I think we can figure something out. Lets get down to exact amounts here.

Dantes smiled. The hardest part was just beginning, but it was clear that everyone wanted a deal, and as long as the Consortium thought of him as a source of profit, hed be safe to move freely in the undermarket. All he had to focus on in the short term would be making a profit, and in the long run he could start looking into avenues to escape.

Before we get into details, Id like to offer the first months supply for free, as an apology for the damage done to the undermarket.

An honorable gesture, the consortium will remember that.

Dantes smiled warmly, knowing full well that the gnome thought he was a fool for that offer. That suited him just fine.