Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter XXXV - A Black-Briar's Lament

"Wow. This is perfect."

Bishop raised his brow at the paper with the contractor and workers' names. It was exactly what he needed. Now he could find these people easily – much easier than if he had to go through all workers in the city outlined in the files that Raven had procured. He could find out where the contractor lived or stayed, he could go through their records, or eavesdrop on conversations between the workers when they talked shop. There were a lot of options. He had gotten plenty of invisibility potions for his mission from Karliah, which was kind of surprising – they were usually supposed to take care of their own supplies on their missions. Sometimes they didn't even get paid for them. What was even more shocking was the amount of money that Aeyrin had received for the house. But then again, it wasn't really Aeyrin's to keep. Karliah just wanted it for an eventual foothold in the city – a safehouse or a smuggler access route maybe. Aeyrin was basically just an errand girl who bought that house in her name.

Somehow, all this was starting to feel a little less like cooperation and little more like subordination.

Maybe Bishop and Aeyrin had caused this subtle shift themselves. Maybe after they've both kept clinging to their missions as a distraction during their time apart, Karliah just got too used to giving them orders. But... she still asked. They could still refuse her, and it was not like Bishop would complain about reward money or mission supplies. Maybe that was all because Karliah had been getting more and more influential as Mercer's stranglehold on the underground began waning. With more influence, came more money.

Or maybe she was just more and more careful as they have been finally approaching their goal. That was certainly a possibility.

There was no need to think too much about this. They all still had the same goal in this endeavor.

"So he just gave this to you?" Bishop raised his brow at Aeyrin. Even if it was something as ridiculously banal as giving her contact information for the contractor, it still seemed doubtful that a Black-Briar wouldn't ask for anything in return. Then again, Bishop didn't actually know any of them. All he knew were rumors and tall tales. Besides, it was really just some stupid harmless contact and Aeyrin could probably just bat her eyelashes at most men and she'd get anything for free if she wanted.

"Yeah. He said that he was grateful for the caravans. He even bought me this... drink. It was so fancy and sweet. Like something you'd by in the Imperial City," Aeyrin beamed at him in excitement.

"Heh. Yeah, Talen-Jei's drinks are kinda famous here. Never had one. They're fucking expensive," Bishop grumbled a little in response. No matter how good a drink was, it was never worth so many drakes.

"But after that, he offered to get me a discount from the contractor if I do a favor for him," Aeyrin pointed out as they approached one of the more private spots by the railing above the canal, hiding from the crowds at the markets.

Ah... there it is.

"Sweetness, you do know that we're not actually commissioning the work, right? There's no reason to waste any money on that, so you don't really need a discount," Bishop smirked.

"I know. But wouldn't it be weird to refuse?" she gave him a challenging look.

That was actually a good point. Even if they wouldn't have that work done, they still needed to act as if they intended to.

"Yeah... you're right. So what's the favor?" he scowled. It was definitely going to be something stupid and dangerous like it always was. Some dungeon and some shitty long lost heirloom without a doubt.

"It's no big deal. You remember Lynly from Ivarstead?"

Bishop only nodded in response.

"He just wants me to deliver a letter to her," Aeyrin nodded with a reassuring smile. It was a simple task, as long as she avoided the vicinity of Lost Knife.