Chapter 40: What will it be?

Chapter 40: What will it be?

The gears in Toms mind began to turn as he recalled the sequence of events in his minds eye, piecing together the likely conclusion.

He wasnt trying to attack me, he wanted the coin pouch in my robe pocket.

Thief! The woman repeated, interrupting Toms train of thought. Annoyed, he angled his gaze behind, wondering why she was so agitated when he had clearly subdued the petty criminal.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

To his complete bewilderment, a blonde haired woman in her late twenties met his gaze, eyes clearly alit with fiery rage. Rage that was most definitely directed at him for the woman had brandished her index finger, pointing directly at him.

She is angry. Angry at me. Why?

The illuminating light of realisation flickered in Toms gaze as he considered his position.

Shes in league with the thief, isnt she?

Blast it all, Tom protested under his breath, his pulse quickening as he understood the full breadth of the predicament hed found himself in. Tom couldnt afford to get caught here- not moments after hed gotten his freedom back.

Mentally uttering a word of apology for what he was about to do, Toms gaze firmed. Both his hands shot out, shoving the passerby dressed in a cream tunic and black breeches that had witnessed his actions earlier. From the mans shocked expression earlier, he had definitely not witnessed the real thiefs actions and Tom couldnt even blame him if he had been a little less vigilant, he too would have missed the thiefs deft touch.

The passerby yelped in panic as he was sent careening into another, a young lady that seemed to be in her early twenties. Tom had been gentle with his push, so he expected no lasting harm to befall the two, but their startled cries gave him a much needed distraction. Adjusting his gait to take long, forceful steps, Tom began to muscle his way past the thick crowd.

Coming through! Tom bellowed, loudly enough for those in his immediate vicinity to wince.

Out of the way, out of the way! he shouted out as he forcefully cut past others and used his slender frame to adroitly navigate a path through particularly dense clusters in the crowd of people.

There were more than a few cries of protest, but most people didnt seem too inclined to let the situation devolve to fisticuffs. In fact, most didnt seem all that bothered; almost as if they were used to situations like these.

Palpable relief was visible on Toms visage as he finally managed to break free from the tightly packed section of the crowd, stepping into the seemingly less frequented stretch of the Nameless Districts main street.

He only allowed himself a quick glimpse at his surroundings to sate his curiosity, noting the more mundane selection of goods on display basic provisions, clothing, household items, a variety of herbs and a selection of tools that seemed like they would be especially useful in a dungeon; namely pickaxes, shovels and pry bars.

I left the good stuff behind, I guess. Well, not like it matters.

Tom took off into a mad dash, his surroundings blurring as he propelled himself forward without any hesitation. Instead of accommodating any pedestrians, he simply barrelled forward with the expectation that anyone in his way would be compelled to move aside; slowing down only when he spotted an exit an alleyway that opened up in the gap between two small stores, hopefully leading deeper into the citys interior.

The sound of rapid footfall landing behind him further hastened his decision; Tom had no idea why his pursuers were so persistent, but the least he could do was try to dampen their resolve a little.

Once again, his words were spoken with absolute certainty.

I dont know what youre talking about, Tom retorted, clearly not intimidated by the man. Not after the sort of people he had dealt with and fooled.

I saw you enter the town from the main gateway, The thief cried out, the anger in his tone palpable. Apparently he hadnt been coping well after taking a knee to his abdomen.

I was summoned by a noble for my speciality. If you try anything funny, the lord will hear about it, Tom deflected, the lie flowing with a pompous tone that made it hard to doubt its veracity.

The black haired man chuckled. You dont get it, do you? The people who are summoned to the Noble District go through us by paying a tribute when they return. And you? Ive never seen your face before.

Toms expression darkened.

You must have really messed up if they threw you back here with the common rabble, The blonde womans sinister voice rang out, grating at his ears.

Do you want to fight? Tom asked, unfazed.

Fight? The black haired man muttered aloud, musing upon the rhetorical question. Well, I really dont think youre anyone important but do you know why this place is called the lawless district?

Tom remained silent.

Well you see, the nobles dont really care what happens here as long as they get their taxes on time. Were mostly from different parts of the Syrelore Kingdom after all, so they dont really see us as their subjects, he explained, his tone not betraying the hostility Tom was expecting.The situation, of course, takes a turn if someone turns up dead. Having Royal Knights crawling around this area hurts my business interests, so Id rather we resolve this amicably.

Resolve? Tom muttered aloud, the question in his tone obvious.

We were just out for your money, but you hurt my friend Aelek here. Leave the sword and that gauntlet here and well let this slide, The black haired man proposed.

Zakeran! The thief, Aelek, protested, clearly unsatisfied with the resolution.

Shut up, Aelek, The blonde woman interjected.

So? What will it be? Zakeran asked, the threat in his tone obvious.

Tom gazed into Zakerans eyes unblinkingly.

Blade Manifestation, Tom bellowed, his actions intended to serve as his response.