Semari knocked on the door in a complicated sequence of taps, almost long enough to be a tune by itself. A metal grille slid back, suspicious eyes appearing on the other side. ‘We’re full.’

‘You’re never full! Because your place is shit, and it’s not, like, really even a place. Um, “the medusa shoots her arrows”. I think that’s the passcode?’

There was a long grumble before metal clanked and clicked, with several bolts opening and the door opened. They stepped inside, Janaxia dragging Kita behind her – the poor thing still seemed quite dazed and shocked, not even having cleaned the blood of her face still, one eye bulging and injured-looking.

Inside, the room was cramped and dirty, filled with what was technically “loot” but could more be accurately be called “garbage”, the sort of items even the most desperate adventurer would pass over rather than burden themselves with. The heaps gave out a rather distressing odour, probably indicative of something dead and decaying in the lower strata. A head poked up from a trapdoor, that of a grubby-looking urchin, who then promptly vanished from view.

Part of the wall shimmered and vanished, an illusion blinking out of existence, and a man strolled through. Unlike the doormen, in his slovenly trousers and shirt, with even his club being a simple lump of wood, this man was dressed well, if a little gaudily – his fingers were covered with gleaming rings, a silk shirt on his over-large belly, unbuttoned to show a rather distasteful amount of thick and curly chest hair. His hair was pulled into a short and tidy tail, golden wire wound about it.

He looked at Semari. ‘That gods-damned dark elf better not be pulling a job here without telling me!’

‘Nah, least not that I know of, I don’t run with her anymore. This is needing a favour.’

‘Favours? I’m not in the business for favours. I’m in business for business. And nothing moves through Belazaan without my say-so.’ He looked at them, his eyes lingering longest on Janaxia. She preened, making sure to show her best side, glaring at Kita until she managed to pull herself together and look vaguely alive and aware herself. He kept staring at Janaxia as he spoke to Semari. ‘So, one of the fancy and her maid got caught up in a marriage she doesn’t want, something like that? Or something to do with whatever shitshow went down last night? Seems like the sort of thing you’d be involved with.’

‘Well, yeah, a bit of…’

Janaxia interrupted her. ‘Kindly do not speak over me, I can talk for myself. Yes, we need passage out of the city, as soon as possible. For which you will be rewarded, handsomely.’

His eyes narrowed, and he raised his ringed hand to his lips, before twisting a gem. A green glow appeared, before shooting towards her and then fading, without effect. ‘A wizard? Well, I don’t really need more money, I’m more in the market for services.’

‘Well, I appreciate the compliment, but you are not entirely too my tastes.’

Semari snickered, even Vrintar’s lips curling slightly.

‘You’re attractive, especially for a chantling, but I can always go to the fleshpits for that sort of thing. I need rather more specialised tasks doing, that my own men can’t do. Or when I want something done that I don’t want linked to me. Getting you out, that shouldn’t be a problem. Even if they close the gates and raise the walls, I’ve got a few backchannels. But payment first. Guess you’re not strangers to getting your hands dirty?’

‘I will not stoop to menial labour, but we are experienced in martial affairs, if that is what you are alluding to.’

‘Good. I need someone dead. You do that, then I get you out of here. Nice and easy.’ He smiled, although Janaxia noticed that several other of his rings were now glowing with soft magical lighting, as defences were activated. ‘There’s a dockman, goes by the name of “Wendal Perionor”. Bit of a shadow, so you’ll have to track him down. He’s running goods in somehow. If you can find that out, I might even give you a bonus, but I want him dead. You’ll know him by his mark – got crossed swords tattoed on the back of his right hand. Fights well, already taken down a few of my men, but runs a decent and tight crew himself. Tried to get a man on the inside, but he makes them vanish.’

‘That seems… rather straightforward. I was given to understand such matters were normally wrapped in rather more dramatic ambiguities?’

He shrugged. ‘This avoids miscommunication. I don’t want him “taken care of”, I want him dead. Nice and public, so that everyone knows about it. String him up along the docks – and make sure the body is recognisable. Deal with his associates as well, in case anyone has any bright ideas about picking up where he left off.’

Semari spoke. ‘What’s the catch? Why not send your boys to do it?’

‘I said, didn’t I? Slippery bastard, can’t catch him. Always manages to get out. Pretty sure he’s using magic to do it, and the Crystal Guard keep a close eye on any decent wizards, so I can’t get a look in. And they take nasty to any corruption, so the amount of money I’d have to throw their way makes it more than it’s worth. But, well, couple of adventurers like yourself, you might be able to do it. And if you wind up dead yourself, then no skin off my nose, is it?’

‘Rogue’s sanctuary until the job’s done? We need somewhere to kip, and this one gets pissy if it’s not a fancy bed and stuff.’ She jerked her thumb at Janaxia. ‘Food’d be nice as well! Girl gotta eat.’

‘I have places you can stay, but they may not be that nice. And, of course, don’t let anyone know that you are associated with me. And whatever shit is going on, keep your heads down. I’ve heard that some fancy priestess has shown up, blasted through some weird monster that attacked a party. That anything to do with you?’

‘We look like the sort to go to fancy parties?’

He looked at Janaxia, taking in her full outfit. ‘She sure does.’

‘I can assure you that, at no point, did I step into that event. It sounds like it was… something of a chaotic mess. But, rest assured, I have no desire to encounter that particular priestess.’

Semari spoke. ‘Hey, you know if she’s got anyone with her? Probably got, like, a retinue or something? You know people like that, never travel alone.’

‘Yeah, think she’s got a few with her – a wizard, an elf and a fighter, I think. Why, you on the run? Anything I need to know?’

‘I do not think so. We will eliminate this man for you, and then allow you to complete your end of the deal. And I think it can be taken as read that a betrayal, on either side, would likely make matters very complicated for the other? Not the most refined of resolutions, but enough to ensure a modicum of good faith?’

He turned back to Semari. ‘She like this all the time? She must be paying you well to put up with it!’

‘Yeah, this is pretty normal for her. She’s, like, super-noble or something, she’s got all ancestors and everything like that. Even met some of them! You mind, like, getting us away though? She bailed straight out of someone’s bed, they’re after her. Nobles, right?’

There is no need to sling such accusations! You make me sound like an entirely base creature. Nevertheless, Janaxia tried to smile and look vaguely ashamed. ‘Now, if you could kindly convey us elsewhere? I imagine you have tunnels throughout the city or similar?’ She shuddered in anticipatory dread – her outfit was scarcely suitable for such environments, nor were they pleasant to begin with, frankly. But some distance between herself and Carissia might be wise!

‘You’ll have to move carefully, the Guard know about them. There’s enough exits they can’t seal them away or keep me out, but don’t dawdle. And don’t head into the deep tunnels. Don’t know what’s down there, don’t want to find out.’

‘Ancient guardians, no doubt. But not germane to the current issue. Very well, we accept your terms.’ Is it customary to shake or somesuch, Semari? Semari rolled her eyes. Clearly, that was a no. ‘Shall we depart?’

‘I’ve got better things to do than show you around myself! Hithin, get up here, time to do some work.’

The urchin remerged, seemingly having managed to get even grubbier than their first appearance, face now covered in smuts of coal-dust. Janaxia couldn’t even tell what gender they were – a combination of age and malnourishment, and the grime covering their face and baggy clothing.

‘Show this lot to the Undergarden. Stay out of sight. And let them know anything they want to about Wendal.’ The urchin nodded, probably too overawed to speak. ‘Follow this one, give them a slap if they need it. Get the job done, I get you out. Other than that, we never met, right?

‘Of course. And the issue shall be dealt with imminently.’

He stepped back from where he had come from, the wall reforming behind him. Semari kicked at it, her foot ricocheting off solid stone – so the thing wasn’t simply an illusion. Impressive, and it probably allowed for the basement or wherever they were, to be plausibly disassociated from the main body of the building above. Certainly one way to separate one’s personal life from the workplace.

The urchin gawped at her. Well? You have been given an order – convey us to our destination. They looked about uncertainly, trying to identify the location of the sound they were hearing, before Semari grabbed them by their head, clamping her hand in place as she spoke.

‘Take us to the Undergarden. I’ve heard about it, sounds pretty cool. And no “funny” shortcuts. Unless it’s only funny for the one with horns. Like, if there’s a really narrow thing to walk over, with a sewer beneath? That’d be great.’

Ignore her, and convey us by the most direct route. Shall we be off?

The urchin shivered, still looking about in confusion, before ducking down the trapdoor. ‘Iffin you be following?’

There was the inevitable maze of tunnels, sewers, crypts and caves beneath the city – there was no sign of life other than other furtive shadows flitting past, always on the edge of vision. Those moving around down here likely didn’t want to be identified, so a mutual and unspoken agreement between those involved to stay out of sight prevailed. Their guide opened hidden panels and passages, stone blocks sliding out of the way before moving back once they were through. Some of the passages were marked, symbols chalked onto the stone, that probably meant something to the rogues that made use of these passages.

A few times, the urchin scampered ahead, a whispered conversation ensuing, before something was opened or unsealed. It was like a toll road, although rather more covert. Although having to guide Kita through the probably-dark areas was rather tiresome. Having what seemed to be a very deep drop in a dark room seemed a little harsh, but Kita didn’t need to know that was only a misstep from death, so Janaxia didn’t tell her, instead simply guiding her forward by the shoulders.

The passages wound around, heading deeper and deeper, the walls turning to old-worked stone, worn away by generations of wear and tear. Another stone wall slid aside with a gritty hiss. The sounds of water and… was that laughter? She had been expecting some form of rudimentary barracks, simple stone bedding, maybe gruel, all lit by thickly smoking torches. But the place was light with shimmering magelights in a rainbow of colours, clear water dappling brightly.

Terraces were carved out of the walls, a circular canal flowing around a centra green. Trees, lush and thick with growth, overhung the flowing water, their leaves rustling. It was like a pleasant square, except underground, and the “houses” were carved out of the rock. Although the shadows rippled and shook as the magelights shifted and bobbed, it was light and pleasant, for a cave underground. Although there were a number of rather burly individuals around, lounging with deliberate care, making sure to be seen, without actually doing anything overtly violent.

One wall was clearly a market, wooden stalls set with goods. The background conversations were absorbed into the flow of the water, but after the cold silence of the passageways, the sound seemed warm and welcoming.

Semari ran forward and vaulted over the dividing canal, before shouting back and pointing at a doorway cut into the rock. ‘I bet this place does great food, come on!’

There was little choice for it but to follow her inside. Janaxia was greeted by the spitting, hissing scent of cooking meat and the warmth of coals. A cat was lounging on a high shelf, lazily stretching out a paw in greeting.

Meat was slapped onto plates and twisted towards them, some thick sauce ladled on top. The chef was a large man, burly and shirtless, torso thick with scars. Although he appeared to be friends with Semari, judging by how they greeted each other.

‘This is surprisingly pleasant. I was expecting rather more of a den of thieves, this appears much more civilised.’ It looked like there were even bottles of wine on offer, although from the lack of explicit labelling it likely wasn’t of notable vintage.

‘Bodies drift down the water sometimes. But as long as everyone stays, like, polite then things don’t get bloody. But the folk down here don’t take kindly to interruptions, so any shit tends to get shut down fast.’ She skewered her steak with a fork before lifting it to her mouth and biting out a hunk of it. ‘It’s old and weird though, so you should be comfortable down here. Don’t go, like, eating the magic or anything though. Be really dark down here with the crystal lighting everything!’

Janaxia cut herself a piece of the steak. It was juicy and tender, the sauce creamy and rich. ‘This is most pleasant. I assume you were here with Kethys? Although I dread to think quite what you were doing here, and would rather not know who you were dispatching. Kita, you should eat as well, to keep your strength up. You may yet be pressed into service.’

Kita wolfed the steak down, probably glad of something other than the bland fare she was used to, although she still kept her eyes downcast. Semari reached over and skewered part of Kita’s steak for herself, until Janaxia gestured and returned it, the meat limned in eldritch energy as it hovered back towards Kita’s plate. You shouldn’t let her bully you so much. Stand up for yourself a little. As long as Kita didn’t try and stand up against her!

‘Docks are probably filled with gangs and shit. Those places normally are. And if this guy hasn’t already been dealt with, then he must be good, or at least good at, like, staying hidden and shit.’

‘I concur with Semari. I doubt this person will be simple to find. And if Carissia is after us, then it would be best to deal with the matter swiftly. She is said to be powerful and merciless.’

Janaxia shifted awkwardly in her seat as Vrintar stared at her, trying to hide her nervousness and discomfort. ‘Yes, I concur. It would certainly be best to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible. I certainly have no desire to face her in combat!’ From the tales she had heard of Carissia, it would be an entirely one-sided contest. ‘So, Semari, after we have eaten, perhaps a visit to the docks? You seem to have friends everywhere, then perhaps there is someone that can be lent on for information?’

‘You need to pay first.’ Semari gestured at the cook, who was now idly holding an excessively-oversized cleaver, which he used to hack a slice of meat away from an hanging carcass. ‘Your job, your bill, right?’

‘Ah, well. I left my money at Anytha’s and have not yet had a chance to reacquire any. So I do not, as such, currently have any resources.’ Not that her outfit permitted her anywhere to keep such things either! Kita, pay the man, I presume that you have some money on you? I rarely have to deal with such things myself.

Kita shuddered and shrunk in on herself.

‘Do you not have any money either? That indicates rather poor planning on your part, does it not?’

Kita looked even more woebegone, as though she were about to cry. The cleaver hacked at the meat again, making the chain supporting it clink.

‘Would either of you be able to cover this?’

‘This is a job undertaken at your request, so it is your responsibility to pay.’ Vrintar’s hair decorations clicked in time with the swinging chain. ‘And I must confess to a certain disquiet as to this course of events. Carissia is significantly more potent than we can deal with, and has legitimate cause to be aggrieved. We must be careful, or else we’ll be destroyed.’

‘Yeah, best we go see what’s going on. You can stay here Janaxia. Do, like, some cleaning or something to pay the bills. Probably best you don’t really go out when you’re all evil looking and stuff. Don’t want to have to carry you away from another mob. We’ll take Kita as well, in case we need, like, magic stuff doing. She’s probably better at normal stuff than you are, and doesn’t stand out as much.’

‘There’s no need to be hurtful.’ Kita, you are to go with Semari. Try to avoid undue risk or danger as you are currently more useful to me alive. You are to report any untoward happenings to me as soon as possible. Is this understood?

Kita gave a slight nod of the head, before Janaxia turned to the cook. ‘It appears that I have, sadly, misplaced my purse. I can assure you that I will, of course, pay as soon as I am able, but I have urgent business to attend to, but will return as soon as possible.’

He slammed the cleaver into the meat with more force than seemed necessary, cleaving out another chunk and throwing over onto the coals, where it started to steam and hiss.

‘Ah, well – I imagine that my skills would best be used to attract customers into your fine eatery?’

He jerked his head at an open door, through which could be seen a stack of dirty dishes.

‘That seems awfully… menial. Are you…’

He slammed the cleaver into the meat again, in what seemed an unnecessarily aggressive fashion, as Semari clapped her on the back, far harder than was needed. ‘Best get cleaning! Think of it as hiding out, undercover. Least you probably can’t, like, call up a demon or anything down here.’