Negotiations


"I have decided that it is time to take the fight to the enemy instead
of sitting here waiting for them to bring it to us.  If you guys are
up to it, I want to raid Rasputan's place tomorrow before dawn.  I aim
going to put a stop to these attempts on my life.  I am also not very
happy about my place being torched.  I plan to repay the favor after
we are done there.  Have any of you been by the townhouse?  Are we
going to need anything to get in?"
	Bash had apparently taken his own look at Rasputan's abode.
"It is a three story job; real skinny and real long.  There is an
narrow alley down one side, but the other is butted up against its
neighbor; so much for the torch.  You know anyone who does explosives?
Anyway, the doors look pretty tough.  If you want to get in quiet, I
think you're going to have to bring in a second story man to open the
door for you.  As for manpower, I don't know what he has in there.
How early are you planning on hitting it?  That'll make a difference
for us."
	"Gods.  You make the place sound like a fortress.  Probably
is, with the way he's been acting.  Any chance that there is a vacant
place next to the building?  If I'm going to hit the place, I'm going
to need to know more about who goes in, and who comes out.  And I am
curious as to how the time affects you guys.  Do you not like to be up
early?"
	"If we're going to hit a house, I want it to be dark."
	"I see.  Well, I want some more information on Rasputan and
his home.  Need someone to take care of that.  Myself, I'm going to
try to flush out my double.  Any of you care to take a walk with me
downside to the Rat's Nest?  I hear there's a guy who hangs out there
who would be good for the job."
	"I'll go with you," Bash replied.  "Owl, take Smash and Crash
on a little recon work."

On there way to the Rat's Nest, Silk explained his plan to Bash.  "I
was just thinking that it might not be a bad idea to soften up the
opponent a bit.  My double has performed deeds that are not socially
acceptable, knowing that I would get blamed.  I plan to see that the
tables get turned around a bit.  It should be a simple matter get
someone to pose as an angry customer looking for a refund; someone who
would prefer to take part of the refund in blood.  If my double gets
it bad enough, who can say?  Anyway, William gave me the name of one
who sounds like he might be right for the job."
	Silk and Bash were well received in the Rat's Nest; almost
>from his first words Silk had the barkeep and a couple of the
customers in stitches.  Wiping his eyes, one of the yokels went off ot
find Jubal.  While Silk waited, the barkeep filled him in on Jubal's
story.
	Jubal was a pit fighter, a very good pit fighter.  So good, in
fact, that he had won his freedom.  However, Jubal liked to hurt
people, so he continued to fight in the pit.  He sold his muscle
because, quite frankly, fighting once a week was not often enough for
him; that, and the money was good.
	The yokel soon returned with the ugliest mass of scars Silk
had ever seen; Jubal Freedman, better known in these parts as Jubal
the Ugly, even to his face.
	"I have a business proposition for you, Mister Freedman.  Care
for a drink while we discuss it?"
	Jubal nodded and Silk led him to a table as Bash brought along
three pints of grog.
	"A problem in my family has gotten out of hand," Silk
explained to Jubal by way of lying.  "My brother has apparently
cheated some very powerful people out of a sizable chunk of their
fortunes.  Nothing wrong with that, in my eyes, but he has cast the
blame on me, which has put in a very uncomfortable position in a
number of ways.  He thinks that he is quite clever.  I think that he
has underestimated my anger.  I would like you to pay my brother a
visit and break a few of his bones.  Unfortunately, I do not know of
his exact whereabouts.  He can sometimes be found around the
university and that stretch of the Emperor's Highway, sometimes in the
company of one Rasputan.  He is my twin, and has dressed himself to
look like me to the last detail.  You'll know him when you see him.
Of course I will compensate you for your time and effort.  What do you
say?"
	Jubal furrowed his brow for a bit, trying to remember all the
words.  He pondered at them at length before speaking for the first
time.  "Ah, now I see the problem.  What happens if I beat up you?"
	"Yes, that would be a problem.  I don't want to be beaten up.
I want my brother beaten up.  Hmm.  How does this sound; if you see me
or my brother anywhere north of the river, go to it.  If I have to go
north of the river, then I take my chances."
	"North," Jubal said slowly, thinking.  "Other side.  Oh, okay,
that's simple enough.  Now then, five crowns to rough him up, ten for
him to hurt for a couple of days.  For fifteen I'll crack a few ribs.
You said broken bones; that's twenty, twenty-five, depending on how
many you want broken.  The neck costs you fifty.  Now then, how much
are you going to pay and when do you want it done?  By the way,
payment is in advance.  Oh, you're not from a family or anything, are
you?  That doubles the price, at the least."
	"What do you mean?  You give family discounts or something?"
	Jubal burst out laughing, and continued to do so for quite
some time.  "No, no," he said, shedding a tear.  "If the guy you want
hurt is connected, the price goes up."
	"No, nothing like that," Silk said impatiently and with some
alarm; Jubal was slow, but his mind covered all the possibilities; a
very dangerous man.  "Tell you what.  I'll give you fifteen now, and
if you lay into him real good, I'll have another ten brought around.
Can you do it tomorrow afternoon?"
	"That's not the way the game is played, but..."  And there he
sat for a long time, not responding to any outside stimuli except the
taste of his drink.  "Ah, there it is.  You said he hangs around the
university.  You said you want it done tomorrow afternoon.  You want
it done tomorrow afternoon, you'd better give me a more specific
local.  However, if you want it all to hinge on me finding him, I'll
be happy to work on a half now, half later, no refund basis."
	Silk counted out some coins onto the table.  "Here's fifteen.
If you will be here at noon tomorrow one of my friends or myself will
tell you were to find my brother and give you an additional ten
crowns.  If you are here for an hour and nobody tells you where to
find him, do your best.  If you don't find him by sundown then you can
keep the gold, but you'll miss the fun."
	Jubal was silent for a few moments, then, "Da', okay.  But
only if you buy me another drink."
	"You drive a hard bargain," Silk said as his motioned for the
bartender to bring another tankard for Jubal.  Silk then excused
himself and Bash.
	"Come on, Bash.  Let's make some tracks.  This area always
gives me the willies."  Silk headed for O'Malley's, with Bash tagging
along.  Oglethorpe was there and, judging by the way he was sighing
and staring into his beer, he was apparently waiting for Silk.
Cloaked and hooded, Silk approached him.  "Shall we walk, or would you
like to go somewhere and sit down?"
	"The back room not good enough?  I'd much rather sit."
	"I suppose the back room will do."  Silk followed him in back.
Once there he caught Oglethorpe up on the events to date.  "Sorry I've
been out of touch for so long.  I am currently planning to take out
both Rasputan and my double tomorrow, if that is possible.  I've hired
a man who should do a good job of beating the tar out of my double.
However, in order to get at Rasputan, I will need some help.  We have
located his home and are currently checking it out in more detail.  We
hope to hit it the morning after next.  We need a good second story
man to get us in.  Who do you know that would be up for the job?  And
please tell me if you have any better ideas.  Sometimes you are able
to see things better than me."
	"Terrence is pretty good.  I also know of an elf that is
supposed to be real good; has to be for an elf to get away with it.
As for plans, if you tell me what you have in mind I might be able to
come up with something."
	"The plan so far is to have a thug break a few of my double's
bones, then hit Rasputan's townhouse that night.  The second story man
will let us into the place.  We will then take Rasputan and attempt to
find out why he's got it in for me.  If he doesn't want to talk to me,
he won't talk to anyone again.  Oh, `we' means myself, Bash, and his
lads.  Now then, I know that Terrence has no love for Rasputan, but
has had some dealings with him.  He would be useful if he was
interested in helping.  Even so, he's somewhat of a hothead and not
great at keeping his mouth shut."  Silk turned to Bash.  "Would you
care if an elf did the job?"
	Bash shook his head.  "Your gold, your choice."
	"Sounds like a good sketch," Oglethorpe said thoughtfully.
"But tell me, how are you planning on getting the thug and your double
together?"
	"He was last seen hanging around with Rasputan.  I suspect
that we should be able to pick him up again.  Bash has two men
scouting the area around Rasputan's for a place to keep an eye on
Rasputan.  If we are lucky and find such a place, it shouldn't be as
difficult to spy out the surrounding region.  Unfortunately, a lot
depends on my double showing up again," Silk finished with a sigh.
	"I'm afraid that I'll need some more cash as well," he said
after a moment's silence.  "I hope that we can get this cleared up
soon so that we can get back to business.  Speaking of which, how have
you been doing?"
	Oglethorpe showed Silk a silver and gold braided necklace.
"Paid fifteen for it."  As Silk examined the necklace, Oglethorpe
continued, "I can give you forty crowns or so, but that's about the
last of it."
	As Oglethorpe spoke, Silk nodded.  "Nice," he said of the
necklace when his partner had finished; Silk estimated the necklace to
be worth sixty crowns.  "I need gold for the second story man.  Hmm,
how much?  Depends on how interested he is in picking up a blade, I
guess.  If you give me twenty, I shouldn't need to bother you for
more.  And tell me where to find the elf.  I'll probably use Terrence,
but I'd like to know; just in case."
	Oglethorpe began counting gold.  "The elf's name is
Shadowchaser.  Don't laugh, you should hear his real name; and, no, I
can't pronounce it.  Anyway, he hangs out at the Tree and Leaf.
That's a tavern on the other side of the emperor's palace.  Lots of
elves and minstrels and such.  I've only met him once, but his
personality did not match his reputation; frolic is a word that comes
to mind.  His rep is that he is very serious about his work."
	"Thanks much, Oglethorpe.  Watch your back."  Silk rose and
exited the room.  He stopped a moment to survey the bar.  Slick was
there, although looking a little blurry-eyed.  Oddly enough, he did
not have any of his women with him.  Neither Terrence nor Buster were
there, but...
	"Well, well, well, if it isn't Narts; and two body guards,"
Silk said to himself.  "What are you up to, my little mouse?"
	Narts was making a point of not looking at Silk, who had left
his hood down.  Silk moved carefully across the room, heading for the
door.  "What's the matter, Slick?  You don't look so good," he said in
passing, keeping his eye on Narts.
	"Uh, well, only one of my girls got any action last night,
and, well, the others kind'a decided that I needed to try out my
wares, and, well..."
	"It's a rough life, isn't it?  Looks like O'Malley has some
new customers.  I don't want to scare off his business, so, later..."
Silk continued on, muttering, "Beg pardon," as he passed by Narts.
Narts, who had been watching the door, turned to watch the bar as Silk
passed.
	Outside, Silk arched a brow.  "Curiouser and curiouser.  Well,
let's get over to the Tree and Leaf.  Shall we stop on the way and see
if any of the others are back?"
	"No," Bash answered.  "Lets go straight over.  Its quite a
walk and we might as well get started.  Besides, Owl can keep things
in line."
	"Very well.  Let's get moving."

There was some excitement on the other side of the street.  An armored
man, older and rather gruff looking, sat astride a horse, watching the
entrance to a cheese shop.  Two members of the city watch stood on
either side of the door.  As Bash and Silk looked on, another watchman
exited the building, woman in one hand, child in the other, and gave
them a shove up the street.
	"Be gone!"
	The gent on the horse sighed in disappointment and looked
around.  Spotting Silk, he brightened somewhat.
	"You there!  Yes, you, with the patch.  Be a good citizen and
come over here."  Not having any immediate exits, Silk had little
choice.  "Closer.  There's a good man.  Now then, lets see what's
under that patch, shall we?" The armored man leaned over and lifted
Silk's quilted patch, only to scowl.  "Well, you're ugly as sin, but
your not hiding any mutations.  Be off!"
	Just then two of the watch pulled a man out of the building.
	"We found the mark on him, sir."
	"Right, he burns."
	As Silk headed up the street, he overheard, "And burn the
shop, as well."
	"But sir, what of the adjoining stores?"
	"What?  Oh, bother.  Well, get some axes, cut the shop out
>from between them, then burn it."
	"I certainly feel safer knowing Larry the Witchhunter is on
the job," Bash said with considerable sarcasm.  "Don't you?"
	"Huh?  Oh yes, quite," Silk said with an edge in my voice.
Memories of Red Sheol came back to him in a rush; Hell literally
breaking loose as that scruffy halfling smashed Red's helm, or was
that Ardak who smashed the helm?  "Much safer," Silk said tensely, and
quickened his pace.

They arrived at the Tree & Leaf a little early for dinner.  As they
walked through the door it was obvious that they did not fit in very
well.  Not only was everyone else better dressed, but they all
looked...  flighty.  There were a half-dozen elves in the place, and
nearly a score of humans.
	"Aren't they precious," Silk thought to himself as he took in
to clientele and the expensive looking bottles of wine on some of the
occupied tables.
	Silk summoned what few manners he had and, stepping up to the
bar, hailed the barkeep, who was entirely too slender for a human
barkeeper.  "Excuse me, sir, but I am looking for an elf that goes by
the name of Shadowchaser.  Would you be so good as to point him out to
me?"
	"No.  Would you care to buy something to drink before you
leave?"
	"My errand is of some urgency, and you do yourself a
disservice with your welcome.  I shall be happy to rid you of my
presence if you will first direct me to Shadowchaser.  And no, I shall
not require a drink."  The last line was added somewhat coldly.
	The tavernmaster sighed apologetically and backed down.  "Very
well, he's not here; and that's the honest truth.  Now then, I don't
believe you belong here."
	"Oh, I can tell that I don't belong here.  I'm not completely
blind.  And I'm not just real comfortable here myself.  However, this
is the place where I was told I could find him.  If you tell me when
and where I can find him, you may see me once more, and never again.
Otherwise, I may have to return several times to look for him, and I
don't think that either one of us enjoys that prospect."
	"If he comes in tonight, it will probably be in an hour or so.
If he doesn't come here, I don't know where to find him.  You want to
order something to drink and wait?  Have venison for dinner," the
tavernmaster offered.  "It's a bit early for me for dinner, but I
think I could do with a drink now.  A pint of mild ale perhaps?  And
one for my silent friend here."
	Silk collected the overpriced but excellent drinks, and he and
Bash adjourned to a corner table.  An hour went by and their drinks
had long since been sipped away, when the tavernmaster caught Silk's
eye and nodded towards an elf coming through the door.  About six foot
in height, the slender fellow was actually rather tanned, and,
strangely enough, it did not appear to be makeup; however, his long
hair was far from natural, being white flowing into silver.  He was
smiling and laughing and dressed in black with lots of silver buttons
and studs.
	Silk acknowledged the proprietor's signal with a slight wave
of the hand, then slowly approached the elf.  "Excuse me, but are you
the one that is called Shadowchaser?  If so, would you do me the
kindness of joining me for a drink and some conversation?"
	Shadowchaser immediately lost his smile.  "Oh bother, work
again?  Why is it always work?" he cried, placing the back of a hand
to his forehead.  Then he flung himself into the nearest chair and
stuck out his lower lip in a pout.  Almost immediately he burst out
laughing, snatched the nearest glass and took a sip.  "What can I do
for you?"
	Silk smiled.  "It's rather straightforward actually.  I need a
door opened.  The door is barred from the inside, and I cannot get in.
The lower windows are shuttered.  The only way to get inside is to
break the door down or to climb through an upper story window and open
the door from the inside.  I'm not much for heights, but I have heard
that they don't bother you."
	"If it is so straightforward, I doubt you need me...  or
cannot afford me; if it is a boring job, it has to pay well.  Still,
I'll take your drink..."  Shadowchaser ordered up a glass of wine that
cost Silk a crown and moved to the corner table.
	"Objectives are straightforward, but realizing them is often
another matter," Silk countered.  "The job is not without its risks,
and if excitement is a prerequisite, that probably could be arranged.
As you say, there is the matter of a price.  You are likely right in
saying that I cannot afford you.  However it may be equally true that
I cannot afford not to have you.  Best tell me how coin you normally
would ask, and how much of the rest of the story you care to hear."
	"Well now, I'll have to think about that.  You see, I don't
normally do contract work.  I have cleared over 1000 crowns on a
single hit; and that was my take, mind you, not the value of the
stones.  However, my all-time best work netted me nothing more than a
merchant's belt purse; 47 crowns I believe it was.  Might even have
been a shilling or two thrown in.  Do it again in a heartbeat, too;
bastard deserved it.  Now then, how much to open one door?  Well, I
really don't know.  100?  200 maybe?  It will really all depend on who
it is and where it is and how much of a challenge it is."
	That Shadowchaser spoke so freely of his occupation, Silk took
as a measure of the elf's skill.  "Impressive.  Well, the story goes
with the drink.  Recently I seem to have acquired a double; a twin if
you will.  Looks like me down to the last detail.  Disturbing, but not
as disturbing as the way that I found out about it.  One day I was
picked up off the street and taken before a merchant who accused me of
stealing his wife's jewels.  His wife confirmed that it was me she
saw, and I was nearly killed on the spot.  I was released on the
condition that I find the jewels and return them.  Just two days
later, I was ambushed by a group of footpads under suspicious
circumstances.  Further investigations confirmed the existence of my
double and that he was working with one Rasputan.  Coincidentally,
Rasputan has been acting erratically of late, and is quite paranoid.
Rumor has it that he is on zip.  It is he that I wish to visit, to
determine why he has taken such a sudden dislike to me.  He lives in a
three story townhouse and would not be likely to greet me pleasantly
at the door.  You see now why I require the services of someone like
yourself."
	Shadowchaser arched a brow.  "Interesting, I must say," he
said sincerely.  "Well, I wish you well, but I do not do drugs, I do
not do blood-vengeance, and I do not do dopplegangers.  Thank you for
the drink and the story, but if you will excuse me..."  With that the
elf departed, apparently intent on starting a party.
	"I should have known better than to come chasing all the way
out here," Silk said to Bash while rising from his seat.  "Let's get
back."

"We saw Rasputan once today," Owl informed the pair when they had
returned to the apartment.  "In the company of four bodyguards, no
less.  No sign of you though.  Smash and Crash are still keeping an
eye on the place.  We found some good spots to watch from and I'm
certain we have not been made.  I just came back to report.  Any
instructions?"
	Silk made no attempt to hide his frustration at the day's
events.  "Can't find anyone to take the door for us, no line on my
double, and four goons around my target.  The gods are trying to
punish me...  Ah, well, I'll see if I can find Terrence again
tomorrow.  Otherwise, I'll just buy a ladder and do the job myself.  I
don't believe I just said that.  Um, instructions...  oh yes, if any
of you see my double, stick with him.  I hired a man to do a number on
him, and I want him to be able to perform his job expeditiously.
Report back to me here just before noon tomorrow even if you don't
find him.  I plan to spend most of my day tomorrow in the Low Quarter.
One of you should meet me here an hour after sundown tomorrow and
we'll head over to Rasputan's place.  Can I get any of you anything
whilst I'm about tomorrow?"


					Jeff Stehman