The Iron Teeth: A Goblin's Tale Den of Beasts 8

Den of Beasts 8

Blacknail and Mahedium were walking through the city alone. It was a cloudy afternoon in Daggerpoint, as the pair made their way down one of the citys main streets.

Several days had passed since the hobgoblin had rejoined Herads band. Hed spent most that ti lying around, healing, and stuffing his face with food.

It was just after noon and the roads were crowded. Crowds of of bustling people were everywhere, so Blacknail wore his long dark brown cloak. With the hood up it completely concealed his form, and prevented him from drawing unwanted attention. The two of them still got the occasional second glance though. They made for an odd looking pair.

Mahedium was dressed up to impress. He wore a set of fine clothes including a red shirt with long loose sleeves. He had also shaved and gotten a haircut, which made him look much different than the disheveled and distracted man he usually seed to be. Most importantly, he wore several pouches around his waist, and was carrying his staff.

Even though everyone on the street was ard, and half of them were thieves and killers, no one bothered them. A mage was more than the nearby thugs and pickpockets were willing to tangle with, and they didnt know what to make of Blacknail.

The crowds grew thinner as they neared the Central Quarter of the city. The border was obvious in the dayti, but Blacknail had only been here at night before. Not only were the houses larger and better maintained there, but there were far less people on the street.

Several n with helts who were holding long spears and wearing steel breastplates watched everyone who passed. Their choice of equipnt made them stand out. Spears and shiny tal werent popular with most the other humans in the city, probably because they made it harder to run away.

The tal wearing humans didnt stop anyone from passing into the Central Quarter, but only a few people seed to want to walk past them anyway.

Blacknail noticed that the shiny n got a lot of hostile looks from other people on the street. Even though they were badly outnumbered by the nearby crowds no one tried to start anything, though. Obviously, the spearn werent very popular, but they were respected warriors nonetheless.

As they were walking Mahedium turned to Blacknail, and pointed at the steel clad humans.

Those are the Governors n, and were entering his territory. He allows anyone entry, but they have to obey his rules. Mostly, they involve keeping the streets orderly and clear. Stick by , and dont draw attention to us, the mage told the hobgoblin.

Blacknail gave the mage an annoyed glare. That had been his plan anyway. He had obviously been doing that the entire way here, so why did Mahedium feel the need to ntion it? Humans, other than his master, must just really like to hear themselves talk.

As they crossed the border Mahedium started to look nervous. He was very obviously staring at the guards out of the corner of his eye, and hed grown twitchy. Blacknail on the other hand just strolled casually by; he didnt see a reason to be nervous. There were already plenty of humans around, and these were just a few more.

The mage and the hobgoblin made it past the Governors n unimpeded; the spearn didnt try to stop them. As they headed deeper into the inner part of the city the houses and buildings began to get larger and fancier.

There were noticeably less people out and about as well. The humans here were better dressed, but the occasional group of thugs and miscreants still could be seen wandering around. The crowds were also quieter, and there was a lot less shouting.

As Blacknail observed the surroundings, a patrol of half a dozen of the armored n from before ca down the street. These ones had swords instead of spears, but they were obviously from the sa tribe as the border guards.

We should be near the right place. Keep a look out for any signs that ntion our destination, Mahedium told the hobgoblin as they walked.

I cant do-ss the reading thing, Blacknail pointed out.

Ah, of course you cant. I should have realized that; youve obviously never had a chance to learn. Maybe Ill teach you the basics soti, Mahedium replied as he looked around.

Blacknail snorted. Why would he want to learn to read anyway? All his ti was spent doing chores and learning useful things, like cooking and sword fighting. There were so many things he had to practice already. Reading seed useless to him anyway; he would be better off burning books for warmth, or clubbing people over the head with them.

Ah, there it is, Mahedium exclaid as he pointed to a building up ahead of them.

It was a large mansion surrounded by a wrought iron fence. The inner section of the city was where all the larger and better maintained hos were located, which in Daggerpoint just ant they were more than one story and werent in imdiate danger of falling down.

This ho however looked to be in good repair. There wasnt a single shingle missing from the roof. The only obvious flaw was that the grounds were overgrown, but the fact it had grounds at all was impressive. Most the other buildings just had a large patch of mud out front.

The yard behind the iron fence had several large trees scattered across it. A long wild looking row of hedges ran along the path; up from the gate to the front door of the residence. There were also a few overgrown flower beds full of weeds. All the unkempt greenery cast a lot of shadows in the afternoon sun, and gave the building a sinister air.

Blacknail barely gave the house and yard a second glance though; his attention was focused on the large rough looking man standing on the other side of the gate. He had a sword at his hip and a an look in his eyes that reminded Blacknail of the more dangerous bandits from Herads band. The man was without a doubt an experienced killer, and not one of the Governors n.

The hobgoblin eyed him carefully as he and the mage approached, and he couldnt help but growl softly. The fact that such a human was being used as a guard made him more than a little uneasy. The owner of the house wasnt ssing around when it ca to security.

The guard wasnt looking their way, but Blacknail wasnt fooled. He could tell by the mans posture and movents that hed noticed the two of them approaching. The man was good not great, but still good. Mahedium didnt seem to notice Blacknails concern, because he walked right up to the man and announced himself.

Im Mahedium Loggart and I have an appointnt with your master. As per the agreent I have co ard and with one escort, the mage declared confidently.

The guard gave Mahedium and Blacknail a brief look over. His stare was intense, but also indifferent at the sa ti. Blacknail had to stifle another growl; the mans condescending attitude raised his hackles.

Without a word the man then stepped over and unlocked the gate, before throwing it open.

Enter, he told them emotionlessly.

Mahedium hesitated and an uneasy look flashed across his face. He was clearly thrown a little off balance by the guards attitude. After a few seconds though, he unfroze and walked through the gate. The hobgoblin shadowed him closely while keeping careful watch on the guard. He already didnt like this place.

He certainly wasnt a cheery fellow. The master of this abode should really consider getting so friendlier staff. Theres sothing to be said for basic courtesy after all, the mage muttered as he walked up the path to the house. Why would anyone want such inhuman thugs around?

Blacknail t Mahediums gaze. The mage blinked and stared at the hobgoblin for a second before sighing.

Right, never mind, he then muttered to himself.

The hedge lood to their right as they approached the end of the path. When they got to the entrance Mahedium knocked politely. It was a massive wooden double doors. Almost imdiately they began to swing open. The mage looked nervously through the entranceway. Another guard similar to the first one stood on the other side, and had opened the doors.

Please take a seat, he told them before stepping aside.

The room on the other side was huge and dark. It was two stories tall and large enough to fit dozens of people. A pair of staircases ran up the walls on either side of the room, and led to the second floor. The windows were few in number however, and had curtains on them that blocked the light. As a result, the corners of the room were dim and shadowy.

Mahedium threw Blacknail a nervous glance, but the hobgoblin just shrugged. The mage had been the one that had wanted to co here, and hobgoblins could see in the dark. With another sigh Mahedium stepped into the house.

A flair for the dramatic is pretty common in mages, but this seems like overkill, even to , he muttered to himself.

Plush red furniture lined the room, including several couches and chairs, so Mahedium headed for the nearest set and sat down. Blacknail sat down beside him, in a chair that was as comfy as it was ornate and red.

Just as he was settling down, a casual breath brought an unexpected scent with it. The building slled of human blood. Not just one person either, but many different humans. Blacknail was unsure of what to make of it, so he decided to ask.

The hobgoblin casually leaned over towards his companion, and whispered in his ear.

It slls of human-ss blood here. Many different people-ss, Blacknail told the mage.

Mahedium looked rather uncomfortable and wary of having Blacknail so close, but after the hobgoblin finished speaking his eyes narrowed and he frowned uneasily. He appeared to be thinking sothing over.

Its probably nothing; dont worry about it, the mage replied after a few seconds.

Blacknail shrugged and sat back down in his chair. He could tell the mage wasnt being entirely forthcoming, and was sowhat concerned about sothing, but he didnt really care. It was probably just so pointless human thing anyway.

After a few minutes of waiting for sothing to happen Mahedium began to scowl impatiently, and Blacknail grew bored. The hobgoblin could only amuse himself by examining the contents of the room for so long.

The guard by the door was particularly boring, as all he did was stare straight ahead. The hobgoblin was tempted to throw sothing at him, just to see what would happen. He doubted Mahedium would approve though.

Blacknail shifted restlessly in his seat. At least the chair he was sitting in was very comfy. As he moved the plush cushions made him spring up into the air slightly. He smiled at the unusual sensation, and did it again on purpose.

Soon the bored hobgoblin was bouncing up and down on the chair and snickering to himself in amusent. The chair was just so soft and springy! He needed to find a chair like this to borrow when no one was using it, or around to see him.

Blacknails antics finally caused the man by the door to turn towards the visitors. He began scowling at the hobgoblin in annoyance, and with more than a little disbelief. Mahedium noticed as well.

Stop that, its impolite. Just sit still, he whispered to Blacknail.

The hobgoblin sighed but did as hed been told; it had been getting old anyway. Once Blacknail had settled down, they only had to wait a few more minutes for their host to arrive. A set of doors across the room were thrown open and two n stepped out.

The first was an older man, even older than Saeter. He wore immaculate black clothing with silver lining, was bald, and sported a neatly trimd short white beard. His face was wrinkled with age, but his eyes were sharp and his movents swift and full of purpose.

Behind him ca another man who looked to be another one of the houses guards. Like the others he was a large man with a cold focused stare. He also wore the sa black and grey uniform. Blacknail could tell by the warriors body language that he was subordinate to the white haired elder.

The pair quickly crossed the floor of the room, and drew near their guests. Mahedium politely rose to et them and Blacknail followed suit, mostly because it made it easier for him to fight or flee.

As the mage stepped forward the hobgoblin fell in behind him in mimicry of the old mans guard. By doing so he made his role obvious, and was thus much more likely to be overlooked.

Welco, you must be Mahedium. Thank you for waiting. I simply had so other business I had to attend to. Im known as Master Avolus, and that is how you may address , the older man told the mage.

He then reached out and extended a white gloved hand. After a second of hesitation Mahedium extended his own arm and they shook hands.

Ah, its a pleasure to et you Master Avolus. Pardon , but you must be the mage I corresponded with, then? Mahedium asked respectfully.

Indeed I am. I must say that Im also glad to et you. Its been a while since Ive had an opportunity to converse with a colleague. Rogue mages with an interest in thaumaturgic research are very rare. The guilds are usually very successful in weeding us out, and of course theyre not the only ones who benefit from monopolizing magical knowledge, Avolus said with a smile that didnt quite reach his eyes.

Mahediums eyes narrowed slightly at the other mans words and tone. They were more than a little suspicious, and Blacknail was sure he detected a hint of threat in them.

Yes well, Im a skilled combat mage with quite a few powerful crystals at my disposal. I could show them to you if you like. I was also very lucky in coming across Mistress Herad, and in being allowed to join her band. In fact she expressed interest in this visit herself, and wanted to tell her all about it as soon as I got back, Mahedium replied dryly.

Well then Id better be on my best behavior, Id hate for her to think badly of , the older man said with a faint smile.

Blacknail didnt like the older mans grin. He looked like he knew so secret joke no one else was aware of. The hobgoblin hated not getting a joke.

He also didnt like what the body language of the old mans guard was telling him. The huge thugs face was calm and unreadable, but his posture betrayed his contempt for his masters guests. Yet, the bodyguard was also looked ready to act at anyti, as if he expected a fight of so sort to break out.

I feel like sitting, Avorlus then remarked.

He snapped his fingers and pointed to a small nearby table. Instantly, the guard by the door hurried over and picked the table up. He rushed over at put it down in front of the older man. Avorlus then pointed to a nearby chair, and the guard brought that over as well.

Mahedium nodded and both mages sat down across from each other at the table. Avorlus guard took up position standing behind his masters chair. Blacknail copied him again, and stood behind Mahedium.

Well then, now that weve been properly introduced, feel free to make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss, the older mage told them.

This is a rather nice ho you have here, your business must be quite profitable, Mahedium politely comnted.

It certainly pays the bills and keeps fed. Theres always a demand for elixir in Daggerpoint, and the city is short on suppliers. What about you, how are you finding the city? Avorlus replied with a smug grin.

Well enough. Its nice to be out from under the guilds, and take destiny into my own hands. There are no lords or guild masters here to exploit , and tell what I can and cant learn, the other mage answered.

Very true. I myself found them quite stifling as well. Daggerpoint of course is not without its own dangers, Avorlus replied.

Obviously, youve managed to prosper though, the younger mage remarked.

You seem to know a fair bit about my own operations, but I know next to nothing about you. May I enquire as to your own knowledge and background? Your note was intriguing, but severely lacking in detail, Avorlus asked.

Now it was Mahediums turn to smile knowingly.

Im sure theres not much I could tell you that you dont already know. A man so obviously as intelligent and successful as yourself would have already looked into my history as soon as my note arrived. Its also not like my past is a secret. You, on the other hand, are quite the enigma though, the younger mage replied.

Straight down to business it is then. When you first contacted you suggested an exchange of knowledge would be to both our interests. That seems unlikely to , but Id like to know what you have to offer anyway. As youve already correctly determined Im a maker of Elixirs, Avorlus said.

And youve amassed yourself a fortune, by secretly selling them to bandit chieftains using interdiaries, Mahedium remarked.

Avorlus nodded in response, so Mahedium continued speaking.

My own area of expertise lies in a different area of research. I specialize in creating spell crystals. I have the skills and knowledge to grow them from scratch, Mahedium told the other man as he reached into his coat.

The old mages guard tensed at Mahediums movent, but didnt act further. Master Avorlus barely reacted. His fake looking smile didnt falter at all.

The younger mage then pulled out a small pouch and emptied it onto the table. Half a dozen transparent crystals rolled across the table. Avorlus white eyebrows rose slightly in surprise.

They are a gift, from to you. A token of my respect and an offer of friendship, the younger mage explained.