Of Plots and Mischief

Chapter 10: Favours

Phyllon tried to slowly escape - there was no good being pulled into whatever Gerash was planning.

"Little Phyllon, you might be interested in this as well."

Phyllon paused, squeezing his eyes with a breath before turning with a tight smile. He felt amusement from Gerash and the stranger, and his expression became apologetic.

"I'm afraid the discussion may have little relevance with me."

Gerash finally let his amusement show in his expression. "I tell you what, if you help out with this, I will give you a map of the Caroean Sea and a writ to help you at any ports you may stop at. One valid for as long as I am portsmaster."

Phyllon turned it over in his mind. It was an enticing proposition, given that he could use it long after this trip, but he feared that the task itself would be worth just as much. He sighed before leaning against the door frame. "I cannot commit to anything, but I will hear you out and lend my aid where I can."

Gerash smiled, which made Phyllon feel like he missed something significant. "The task I have for you is one that is beneficial for both of us in the current, situation, and is one I have struggled to achieve. It may be dangerous, but equally rewarding for all of us."

The unknown young man widened his eyes. "Sir, you cannot surely mean to ask him..."

Gerash ignored him before turning to Phyllon. "And you have a greater chance of making it successful. You would find it... interesting."

Phyllon held back a sigh before giving a brief nod.

"I would like you to find a rather elusive mercenary that has been sighted in these ports and convince him to work for our interests. As a prince of the realm, you would have sufficiently gained his interest should he choose to let you, while having sufficient authority to make the offer. I do not expect you to find him so easily, but should you achieve it, it is a task worthy of your person."

Phyllon frowned, wondering what this had to do with anything. "Are you talking about the Rauthian Scourge?"

Gerash started at Phyllon's words before giving a thoughtful nod. "That is what they are calling him these days, isn't it?" He looked at the other man for confirmation. "You have heard of him?"

Phyllon smiled sardonically. "You can hear little else on the port these days."

Gerash gave a nod at that. "So you understand."

The prince narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Gerash turned and looked at him seriously. "He is rather notorious for someone so new to his career, but all reports say that he is as yet unaligned."

"But I thought he was called the Rauthian Scourge."

"He seems to like antagonizing the Rauthian shores." Gerash said wryly.

"And you could not find much intel on him." Phyllon stated.

Gerash shrugged. "There was not much time. We just found he's leaving in three days."

Phyllon thought silently at this. "There is a limit to what I can do with my current resources at that time."

"You have managed to stay ahead of me before." Gerash gave a slight nod towards the prince.

"More by chance and not by much."

"Maybe it would be enough."

Phyllon sighed. "If we managed to achieve this, I assume all required documentation and papers will be ready?"