After receiving their bounties, Javik and Garin both set out for Belmoor, together reviewing the important information as they walked. The snow was deep, but not too bad, though it had already begun to fall again, even as they traveled. “It says here that the assassin we’re looking for likes to claim that he’s of The Order…” Javik read aloud.
“Is he?” Garin asked, shocked that such a bounty would make it so far into The Order.
“Ah… nope… unless Listener Ghiram has turned against us!” Javik laughed. “He was the one who placed the bounty, it seems. Many people approached him and asked about the assassin… he has fully funded the bounty, and even wrote in a description of the man. Evidently, the amateur is ruining The Order’s good name, and is even taking Ghiram’s customers.” He chuckled wryly, “When will people realize that it’s better for their health to simply join us, rather than claim they have joined us? We offer free teaching…”
“They will learn it about the same time they realize that they are not the best assassins in the world, and that there is always someone out there who is better than they.”
“Ah, so otherwise… never.” Javik grinned. “Anyway, how are we going to take out this amateur and the nobleman as well, while still finding time to buy that something for Nadia, and be back for dinner?”
“Where there is a will, there is a way. It is important that I come back in time for Nadia, otherwise I fear that she won’t speak to me.”
“Is this about that time you didn’t tell her you would be gone for three days?”
“I will never make that mistake again.”
***
The sun was high in the morning sky by the time the two of them had arrived in the bustling city of Belmoor. Garin always seemed to forget how much he hated cities… until he would find himself in the merchant district. It always smelled foul. He pulled his scarf over his nose so the stink of horse excrement and that of other animals would no longer assault his nostrils so violently. He caught sight of Javik doing the same, and the two of them took a moment to browse the shops and booths there. Merchants were the best information sources… and great sources for necklaces as well. He scanned over the wares of a particular booth, laden with many sparkles and jewels. The necklaces were like an assault to his eyes, causing him to blink a few times as he gazed at them. Did Nadia want something like this?
“Ah, so you’re after jewelry…” Javik observed, appearing next to Garin after the two of them had parted ways.
“She said she would like a necklace.” Garin grumbled a bit, still staring at the sparkling things.
“Oh, well if it’s necklaces you’re looking for-”
Javik cut off the merchant’s attempt at selling out his wares by holding up a gloved hand. “I don’t think sparkles suit Nadia very much.” He began, moving the hand he held toward the merchant to then clasp Garin’s shoulder. “A simple necklace is more her style, I believe.”
