'You killed the sorcerer?' enquired the Guild Master. He was average height, but quite portly. He seemed to be in a good mood today which was unusual, but not unwelcome.
'Yes, him and his Gromellek servant. They weren't easy to put down, not at first. If it weren't for Nelevin here, they would have summoned more spirits.'
'So you couldn't have done it without him, eh? The mighty Rizdok does need help after all!'
Rizdok looked flustered, and a quick glance at Nelevin told him his new friend was enjoying watching him squirm. He scowled at the Guild Master, and spoke through gritted teeth.
'I would have put them both down on my own, make no mistake. I just wouldn't have been able to do it as swiftly, that's all.'
'It's alright, Rizdok. I understand what you are saying. It's good that you have found a partner, just in time. I don't want to hear about any more missed targets. Now your next target is a bit of a tricky one: Guadelin, the High Priest at Allchun has made himself some very powerful enemies with his recent 'aggresive sermons', and needs to be taken care of. This is a high priority mission, and pays double the rate of your last job. But you must not be seen, nobody can know the attack has come from a rival. If you can make it look like suicide that would be better, otherwise you will need to make it look like somebody else, someone unconnected.'
'Is that it?' Nelevin interrupted, 'I mean, did I pass a test or something? Am I now a member of some highly secret organisation?'
'Ha ha!' the Guild Master boomed, slapping Nelevin on the back. 'I like your spirit, young lad. Yes, I suppose you did pass the test! Old grouch-bags there has been making a few mistakes recently, most likely due to his stubborn lone-wolf mentality. The council decided that he had to find a partner, or he would be expelled. If he has picked you, Nelevin, then you have passed his test, and ours.'
Rizdok caught the stare from Nelevin and shrugged, grinning. 'If I had told you everything, you wouldn't have come. Good job you did, too!'
'And now you want me to continue risking my life with you?' Nelevin did not show any of the humour that Rizdok did in his face. He felt like he should be furious, that he was deceived into playing a part in this surreal experiment, but he didn't. He wasn't happy about it, not really, but he did feel like he belonged here.
'What else is there? I watched you for weeks, saw your skill with the bow when you were hunting, and how you made your own weapons. If you don't join me, you will be back to the struggle, back to poaching and stealing. It is your choice.'
Rizdok knew he didn't really have a choice, but still found himself silently hoping that the new addition to his one-man army would actually stick around. For too long he had wallowed in solitary self pity, trying to drown his anger and guilt in the blood of others. The council had offered him a chance to change, turn over a new leaf and he didn't want to miss the opportunity.
'At least I am going into this with my eyes open.' Nelevin said.
'Good! Now that we are all friends, let's get on with business. Larah has details on your target, and you can see her about the bounty for your last job too. Now go and enjoy yourselves, the tavern is open!' The Guild Master dismissed them both with a wave, and sat back in his chair.
'Do you mind explaining a few things to me?' Nelevin asked, after they had collected their pay from Larah.
'Sure, shoot.'
'Well, firstly I have to ask exactly what is this place? And what are we, assassins or something?'
'This is The Guild. It has been here for centuries, helping those that need help - if they can pay, that is. We aren't assassins, but sometimes that's what we do. We are more like heroes! We get tasks and we complete them, and that's what we get paid for. The jobs we do, like the one in the forest, come from people who go to the Guild for help. Maybe it's a farmer who is having some pest problems, and needs someone to get rid of them. Or maybe there is an army of death mages that has to be destroyed. Whatever the problem, The Guild will offer to sort it out.'
Nelevin thought about it for a moment, then looked at Rizdok with more questions in his eyes.
'Why did you pick me? How long have you worked for them? What if we fail?'
'Alright, one at a time! I picked you because I had seen you around with your bow and it got me interested. I followed you for a long time, just watching what you did. I got to tell you, I was impressed! I saw that you had something that the others didn't have, strength of character, or something. I don't know really, I just felt drawn to you.'
'That sounds creepy!'
'Shut up! You know what I mean! Anyway, when I left you the note to meet me, it was because I thought we could help each other. I was right, so-'
'Yes, I am grateful for your help. What happens if we fail?'
'Ah yes, that. It all depends on the job. I mean, if it was like last night, most likely we would be dead. If it's a smaller job, one where death isn't likely, or if we were to just run away like cowards, well the Guild Master would decide. We might end up dead anyway, depends what mood you get him in.'
It was obvious from the look of horror on Nelevin's face that he wasn't expecting to consider the prospect of dying. This was all new to him though, unlike Rizdok who had pretty much grown up working for The Guild.
'It won't happen, not while you are with me.' Rizdok said, slapping a hand on his partner's shoulder.
'Death? Or Failure?'
'Both! They mean the same thing to me. Come on, let's get a drink at the tavern and forget all this talk about failing!'
Rizdok marched into the tavern, followed by a sheepish looking Nelevin. Neither of them were aware of the dangers they were about to face.
Don't miss next week's episode!
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