Blade for Hire

chapter 2

Vivendel adjusts in his seat, taking a good look at the man across from him.  Enoli has his hood pulled up tight, even in the dim bar, Vivendel can see black hair peeking out.  He stands at an average height with a lean, athletic build. His eyes are a bright golden color that glint with a mischievous, sarcastic spark. His face is angular with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and a sharp nose. Enoli carries himself with a confident, almost arrogant air, and his movements are quick, fluid, and precise.

Vivendel took a deep breath before beginning. "The kingdom is in grave danger. A powerful dragon has been terrorizing nearby villages, burning homes and crops, and even attacking the castle itself. The king has hired me and a group I've put together, to stop it before it's too late."

Enoli raised an eyebrow skeptically. "And what makes you think I want to get involved?"

"Because no one on the team has experience with stealth," Vivendel replied sternly.  "With your help investigating the king, we might have a chance."

Enoli snorted. "So what's the plan? Charge in and hope for the best?"

Vivendel shook his head. "No, we have a strategy. you join us, as a swordsman, we report to the king before he'll tell us of the location of the dragon. while we prepare, you snoop around. Find some answers- without getting caught- and report back to me."  

Enoli raised an eyebrow. "Sounds risky. What happens if I fail?"

Vivendel's expression turned serious. "If we fail, I suppose the king will have your head. I'll claim I never knew of your intentions. You understand, I have people to keep safe. Cant do that if i'm dead or locked up."

Enoli thought for a moment before nodding slowly. "Alright, if i agree, I have some conditions."

"Such as?" Vivendel asked.

"First how much am I getting paid - it'd better be worth it. It seems I'm risking more then the rest so I expect extra. Second, you have to provide me with the equipment I need for this mission, should I succeed, I get to keep them." Enoli takes a sip of the ale, " Lastly, I want a house with land. no questions asked and not in my name."  

Vivendel sighed. "Those are some pretty steep conditions, uh" he pauses and looks up curiously, "I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." 

"Enoli."  he says, drinking his ale. "Do you agree?"

Vivendel sits back, draping his arm across the back of the booth.  He ponders the pros and cons for a bit. He needs a spy, someone sneaky, to dig up the truth. Is the truth worth this extra effort?  He also thinks of the rest of the group. Will they understand the need for this stranger? could they keep his extra mission a secret? Would hiring Enoli put them in danger? 

"I agree," Vivendel says finally, "However, the rest of the group can not know of your side mission or the price of it. Understand?" 

Enoli slowly smiles and reaches his gloved hand across the table, "Understood." 

Vivendel sighs before gripping Enoli's hand. they shake once before Enoli snatches his back, not before Vivendel notices how strangely fluffy his hand felt inside the glove.

As they left the bar, Vivendel led the way with Enoli trailing behind him. The change of seasons brought an icy wind, and Enoli pulled the hood of his cloak tighter  to protect his fox ears from the chill. They walked in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.

Eventually, Vivendel broke the silence. "We're headed to the edge of the forest, where we'll meet the others," he said. "It's about a half-day's walk from here. Are you ready for this?"