Severance: Sword and Fang

Sword and Fang {P.IX}

"Creator's ass!"

The Teyrn's language was no less subtle than before, though not many people would be able to contain their surprise if a bloody sack was tossed at their feet.

"Is this truly it?" The plump nobleman bent over, straining himself in the movement and putting the stitches holding together his vest in jeopardy, and retrieved the pouch. He ripped it open without hesitation, a mistake. The stench hit him first. 

"Holy shit!" He heaved and hacked several times over before regaining his bearing, scrunching his nose tightly to help with the odor.

"You actually did it, you bastard! You actually killed the damned beast! But did you have to bring it here? Now I've blood all over my floor!"

The mercenary said nothing, no less silent than before. 

"Right right, proof and what not. I don't think i'd have believed you anyways. Hell I'm having a hard time believing even with the damned thing's head right in front of me. Hmm...it's smaller than I imagined. But then again, I've never laid eyes on a werewolf or it's head before. Here, take it away and mount it up on my wall!" 

The Teyrn closed the sack and held it out for a guard to take. One swiftly stepped forward and snatched the bag from their lord. 

"Well, I can see from the state of your clothing that the battle wasn't easy, but I'm overjoyed you were successful. The town will rest much easier with that monster gone. By all means, tell me how you did it." 

"I killed it, Your Lordship." The mercenary answered resolutely. His voice was tired. "With my sword." 

The Teyrn stared at the him for a long moment. Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter. The same bellow and wheeze pattern he displayed during their first meeting.

"Haha! Of course you did! Simply put! I shan't trouble you any longer, then, you're undoubtedly exhausted. You were gone all night, after all. Someone go fetch me the reward money. How much was it again?" 
"One and a quarter seels" 
"Yes a seel and a quarter, go one of you! Now!" 

One of the guardsmen standing at attention by the door sprang into action and skimped out of the room to carry out the Teyrn's order. The fat noble placed his hands on his wide hips and gazed at the mercenary with gullible admiration. 

"As a token of my gratitude, mercenary, aside from my coin, you may stay here in Glesh at our inn at my expense. At a reasonable cost. I believe you deserve it." 
"That won't be necessary, Your Lordship." The mercenary lowered his head in feigned gratitude. 
"I am leaving immediately once our business has concluded." 

The Teyrn couldn't help but feel slightly offended at the impertinent dismissal of his hospitality, but he allowed the discourtesy to slide. 

"Very well, I fail to understand but I won't stop you. But I can guarantee you that the town of Glesh shall not soon forget the Unburned." 

✹

With his payment secured Saaryn stood by his word and mounted his horse immediately and made for the familiarity of the roads. Which direction he was supposed to travel exactly, he had a difficult time remembering. But once outside town limits the mercenary sighed heavily and slumped slightly in the saddle. He was physically drained of energy, thoroughly exhausted by the events of the previous night, but he knew he couldn't stay in Glesh any longer. The accursed town was ridden with bad omens, and he felt dolorously nauseous.

Worse than that, however, his neck was stiff as wood and painfully sore.

He pulled down the collar of his black gambeson and rubbed the side of his neck. Beneath gloved fingers he prodded at the two fang sized holes.  

His horse snorted anxiously.