He was not having a good day and that had left him in a foul mood. His plans for the evening to finally attempt at ‘moving on’ were thwarted not because of the guards’ stupidity to catch the kids, but because of the disappearance of that…sick girl from the cell. He’d locked her in, he’d done his job, yet he was somehow expected to answer for her escape like it was his fault.

‘A’ Yikensworth we hold ourselves to a better degree than the rest of our neighbours.’

Of course, he should’ve seen where that conversation was going with the way the sadist began, but he stood there like a tree and took whatever was thrust upon him. Now, looking back at that, he regretted it sorely.

‘I get it, you’re a new transfer here, but since your arrival we haven’t seen any promised changes that your superiors spoke of, in fact, you’ve been more detrimental to the others if the reports I receive are meant to be believed, and in light of recent events I think they should be.’

He was so wrapped up in replaying that moment in his head that he didn’t see that he was approaching a corner till it was too late. He collided with the armoured man and almost fell back from the shock. Had he not let his armour be taken he wouldn’t have been rattled as he did now. Looking up he saw a tall…mercenary in black armour with a red cape wrapped around him.

“Excuse me,” the man with a thick northern accent bowed slightly before brushing past him. This was just a coincidental encounter, but something in Guzmund’s gut told him otherwise. His men, before they were assigned to another leftenant, spoke of a man matching that mercenary’s appearance and their concerns that he was hiding those street rats.

‘Unfortunately, I will have to demote you to grave duty until such a time when you can prove yourself to be a proper member of the Yikensworth guard.’

If Guzmund hadn’t been in such a foul mood, and if he had not taken offence at how easily that mercenary brushed past him…he still would’ve interrogated that man. He would always keep his emotions separate from his duty, but on rare occasions like this one they lined up he could finally let loose.

“Stop mercenary,” he called out as he turned. Walking up to him he began; “I’ve received some reports of a man, matching your description, who’s interfered and even harboured a few criminals from the guards of Yikensworth. Declare and give up your arms, and come with me or else we are going to have a problem. Do you understand?”

“О чем ты говоришь, маленький человек? … Excuse me, my Ansdrovean not so good,” the merc responded.

“Wha-hmph, forget it. I arrest you for harbouring criminals!”

“Sorry, I can’t un…understand.”

“Bullshit, I’ll show you,” Guzmund took out his sword in frustration and pointed at the man. “Now do ya understand? You’re under arrest in the name of the law.”

“What did I do wrong?” he asked, walking closer.

“Stop!” Guzmund shouted, his sword scratching the man’s waist.

“You are arresting me? Okay, where is jail?” the man offered his gloved hands in surrender.

“G-good, now turn around and start walking,” Guzmund said thrusting his sword to give him some incentive to lead.

“Yes, guard.”

It was getting dark and he still had to report in at the graveyard. The fastest way to the jailhouse was through the alleyways, but taking an armoured criminal through them could very well mean his death since they would be out of sight from any witnesses if he decided to retaliate. One the other hand, due to the mercenary’s large size he couldn’t do much in the narrow space between the buildings. Eventually, Guzmund took the risk and pushed him into the nearest alleyway.

“Keep going, and don’t look back,” he ordered. Fortunately, the man was smart and obeyed without a struggle. Guzmund led him through alleyway-to-alleyway, scowling at the shadows as they quickly stretched to cover the streets.

’30 days since I came here and I’m still not used to this sudden darkness.’ He thought as he led him through a, particularly dirty alleyway. It was littered with garbage like half-eaten fruits, and fluids which attached his nose with full force, but he pushed through. He had to get his suspect as quickly as possible and if it meant walking through filth to save up on time to avoid punishment from the warden than that’s what he would do.

“Where is it!?” A sudden shout from beneath them froze him in his tracks. “Where is it, you thieving kids?!”

‘Thieving kids?’ Guzmund wondered. ‘Criminals? Wait, no that could just be a father being coarse with his children.’

“I should’ve never interfered. It must’ve fallen at the Townsquare. Did the guards get it?” The speaker had begun speaking to himself but had failed to notice that he was still very loud.

‘Or maybe he’s closer to us? I was at the Townsquare and my team were the only guards I saw there, does mean us? Old man…is that the vomiter?’ His scowl deepened.

“You weren’t supposed to get caught! It was just that girl I’ve been fattening up-”

‘Girl? Getting caught? If he is truly what I think he is, then this is better than taking a suspect like him. That'll be great, I bring back this many criminals the hour after they demoted me, I can even get my old position back…what to do?! Argh, they’re both suspects until proven guilty but the prospects too good.’ Guzmund knocked his skull a few times. ‘How should I go about this? The old man seems to be surrounded by the other kids, all of them to be harder to catch unless…’

“Hey, big guy?” He whispered. “You’re interested in earning some money?”

“Hmm?” the addressee turned slightly.

“If you help me out here, I can pay you money.”

“No jail?” he asked, uncertainly.

“Yeah, no jail. Just help me get them to jail and you won’t be arrested.”

The next few seconds were the most heart-pounding. It shouldn’t take that long to answer. It was a simple question, and the man seemed to understand it well enough…unless he planning to run.

‘If he so much as twitches wrong I’ll stab him.’

“What’s taking so long?” Guzmund growled.

“Let’s do it.”

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

He had to be careful. The kids he’d heard of below were likely to be the same ones he’d helped. If Ollie’s story was true then that old man below was the leader, and he had found his Release plate missing.

If he tried running away, then that would likely lead to being attacked by that guard behind him which would mean he’d be branded a criminal for resisting. Probably worse if the local’s reaction was any indication. Since he’d become a mercenary in this city, it meant he’d be easier to find if they searched the mercenary guild, and that was a matter of when not if. They could make him a criminal in all places where a mercenary guild existed which that meant every kingdom except the Chimerean.

If he followed the guard in he would have to make sure to knock out those kids before they could recognize him. It wasn’t impossible, but if he failed then he would likely to locked up as a result of their previous dealings. At least the latter option meant he wouldn’t have to kill anyone. Finding solace in this small detail, he nodded at the guard crouched next to a set of basement doors he’d found amongst all the dirt and garbage.

“One, two, three-” he whispered. “GO!”

Barreling through the doors he broke and splintered the wood before crashing into what seemed an underground house. He didn’t have much time to hesitate as the children, standing in a circle around the old man began to run away.

As gently as he could, he delivered punches and kicks to their heads and stomachs, knocking them unconscious or out of breath. He heard a cry from behind him and deftly turned around to find the guard punch the old man across the jaw, knocking a few teeth loose which collided with his armour. Quickly scanning the area, he was relieved to find that all six kids that he’d met before were accounted for.

“Alright criminal, you’re coming with me. You got the kids mercenary?”

“Yes,” he answered picking up the last of the kids on his left hand. “Lead the way-”

“No, you’ll lead. I’ll tell you when and where you have to go,” the guard smirked and pointed towards the stairs leading back out while he adjusted his grip into the old man.

“You think you can keep me in there?” the old man suddenly shouted. “I’ve got friends in high places, ya hear? You can’t keep me locked up, I’ll walk away, I tell you. I’ll walk out as soon as you put me in there, and then I can watch the look on your face when you realize that this isn’t your city, but mine! Hahaha-”

“Crazy filth,” the guard murmured, wiping the blood off his hand as he lugged the unconscious man around before spotting him looking his way. “What’re you starin’ at? Get moving.”

“Yes sir,” he replied and quickly carried the children up into the street. “Where to?”

“Go down that road, I’ll tell you when you get there.”

The mercenary obeyed without a word. He followed his instructions down half the road until they were met another group of guards coming around the corner. Their surprise in seeing them quickly morphed into smug happiness. They seemed eager to take the criminals off his hands but Guzmund stepped forth.

“Hey, get on with your patrols guys, I got this,” he motioned to them.

“Guzmund,” the man exclaimed as if he was just now seeing the short guard. “Heard you got demoted to the graveyard shift, sorry about that man. How about we young’uns help you out? We can send them off to the jailhouse, while you get on your way to relieving the guards there.”

“How dull can they be?” he murmured to himself, but loud enough so that everyone heard it.

“What’d you call us?” another one of the guards stepped up.

“I said yer being dull,” he scowled. “I caught them, I know where their hideout was, I know what happened when I captured them. Only I can make a proper report for the captain.”

“Don’t worry about that, everyone knows that it doesn’t matter how they were caught, only what they’re-”

He was suddenly pulled back by his companions. Each took an ear and began to whisper in hushed voices, but the mercenary heard it all.

“Shh, he’s not broken in yet. We’re not supposed to tell them that stuff.”

“And what would that be!?” he growled.

Apparently, so did Guzmund.

He punched the old man a few times across his face before throwing him into the wall, freeing his hands. He quickly pulled out his sword and stalked forward.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“You young ones wanted to help your senior, right? Well then, help me understand what it is that I shouldn’t know.”

“You’ve not been broken into the ongoings of this city,” the lead guard said with a sombre expression. “Speak any of this to anyone and you’ll end up dead, understand? I can now see that you need no help taking them to the jailhouse, so we’ll be just on our way.”

“Hey, I’m not done with you three yet!” he shouted. He tried blocking them but they suddenly turned around and ran away.

“Remember Guzmund, speak of this and you’re dead,” the lead guard warned before he disappeared into an alley.

Guzmund turned around and saw the mercenary - still holding onto his seven criminals, and the old man who was beginning to stir awake cursed in defeat. He sheathed his sword, before manhandling the old man to stand up.

“Honour-less curs,” he whispered. “The heck was all that about?”

He pointedly stared at the mercenary and motioned for him to continue walking. He took the lead while Guzmund grumbled and muttered to himself in the back. However, just when he thought he’d be done with this episodic annoyance a small ball of limbs in brown clothes jumped in his way from the alleyway. The small man rolled over his feet, causing him to lose balance. While the midget ran away from the shouting Guzmund, the mercenary tried to steady himself until someone collided into him from behind. A woman’s shriek was heard as the colliding body straightened him out.

Turning around he saw a woman lying on the ground behind him, trying to catch her breath. Under the moonlight, the building’s shadows extended far out onto the street, and they just so happened to cover her in their darkness preventing both mercenary and guard from properly seeing her. But that didn’t stop Guzmund from acting out.

“Halt mercenary,” Guzmund said sternly, “You are interfering in the arrest of eight criminals. This is a serious offence of the law, please leave before I arrest you for interfering.”

“My phyles!” ignoring the guard, the woman shouted. She was kneeling over what looked like broken mud pots spilling their contents on the floor. “They cost me a fortune!”

“Rose?”

At the mention of her name, the woman looked up in surprise. “Guzmund? What’re you doing here? You made me lose that midget thief!”

“What midget? You mean that was a person…I’m sorry for that Rose, but this arrest is too important for me to deal with this right now-” he said.

“Deal with! These cost me a month’s worth of a saving up on drinking. I haven’t gone to the taverns for months ‘cause of these pots!” she accentuated by kicking the remnants. “You’re paying me for this. Right now!”

“Come on mercenary, we’ve wasted enough time as it is.”

“Hey, get back here,” the woman, Rose moved forward to grab his arm but the guard quickly dodged back and pulled out his sword while maintaining a grip on the knocked out elder.

“Really? After all we’ve been through you’re gonna pull out a sword?”

“Yes.” He said a matter-of-factly. When she wouldn’t budge he begrudgingly explained; “We’ve only worked together a few times, and as it stands there is not much I know about you other than that you are a mercenary with courtship problems-”

Unbeknownst to the men the woman’s cheeks became tinted with a slight blush as she thanked God for the shadows hiding her features.

“-and mercenaries only move where the money flows.”

“What’re you trying to say?”

*Sigh*“Miss Rose, I simply don’t trust you enough to keep you around arrested criminals. Especially ones of this calibre.”

“But you trust him!?” she shouted, pointing incredulously at the mercenary.

“He is a wuss, a son of a rich merchant playing mercenary. I can handle him, but not you.”

“Jeez Guzmund, is that how you treat someone who’ve saved your life” she frowned.

“We fought together and helped one another, not owe a debt,” Guzmund tried keeping it even but his anger was beginning to seep into his voice. “However, Miss Rose, I am very busy right now, and would appreciate if you could please…leave before you force me to use my sword.”

“Alright, I get it. You’re busy,” she announced, slowly moving towards the alleyway the midget had run into. “But this isn’t over Guzmund. You owe me for this one. I’ll come for my payment when you’re done with your stupid arrest.”

“Goodbye, Miss Rose,” Guzmund said sternly. He kept watch as the woman sunk into the shadows, and only when he was certain that she was gone did he order the mercenary to move again.

They finished the rest of their trip in silence.

Once there, the mercenary unloaded the children piled atop him and let the guards take them into their cells. They were carried off in a line with a rope tying their hands in succession. Seeing this the mercenary quickly sought out Guzmund who was reporting to a bald man with a leather apron.

“What sort of punishment?” Guzmund asked softly.

“Well, the good news’s that you’ll get no more demotions. Its gonna be a quota ya havta fill, within the week.”

“But I got you the ringleader and all his beggars we’d encountered in the morning. That’s at least twice as much as what Gillard got.”

“Gillard wasn’t late ta his post, he didn’t let a prisoner escape.”

“I didn’t-”

“Guzmund! Is this insubordination?!”

“A-I, no captain.”

“Good, now give this ‘ringleader’ to Gabe so he put him in his cell,” his eyes lingered on the old man’s bruised face before leaving for the stairs leading up to the battlements.

Guzmund handed the man over to an archer with long blond hair, who gave him an apologetic look which he brushed off. A few times the blond man opened his mouth to say something but each time he stopped short after a few nondescript sounds. Eventually, he gave up and left with the prisoner to the cells. The mercenary waited until this exchange ended before approaching the guard.

“What will…the boys?” he asked.

“What’ll happen to the boys?” Guzmund frowned. “Depends on them. Normally theft is punishable by cutting off a hand, but since they’re children they may just be disciplined a little before they’re sent to the orphanage where we get our recruits from.”

“Disciplined?”

“Just a few scares and slaps, nothin’ major I’m sure,” the guard sighed in frustration before rubbing his face tiredly.

“Reward?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, your reward. Yes, uh…wait here a moment,” he said before leaving for the far-side rooms. The mercenary took this time to look up at jailhouse properly. From outside the jailhouse looked like a complete stone structure, but seeing it from the inside revealed to him that it was an illusion. The bottom floor was small all stone but the upper ones were wooden from the inside. There was a set of stairs leading up to the balcony on the first and second floors, decorated with banners carrying a dot within a circle, probably the coat-of-arms of the nobility reigning over the fiefdom.

“Hey.”

The mercenary had just enough time to bring up his arm to catch a coin purse. It was heavy. He turned to see a less than pleased Guzmund glaring at him.

“I’ve paid up, now leave,” He pointed towards the raised portcullis. The armoured man saw the guard’s arms sag when he looked over to the gate. A woman with deep red hair was standing behind the bars as if waiting for someone.

“What a wonderful night this is turning out to be,” the guard murmured to himself as he set towards her.

“She is a good mercenary?”

“Huh, uh…yeah. She’s a Two-Strike mercenary so she’s got plenty of experience, and she’s strong for women her age but carries a lot of emotional baggage – something about her last man cheating on her. So isn’t very popular for partnership. I mean you already have to risk your life on those silver ranked jobs but with her, you also have to hear her nag on and on about this man of hers. Why you askin’?”

“I want quick job with lots of money. Yeekensworth is…unfamiliar to me, but she knows it and if is willing to split half I can…make night more wonderful, for you.”

“Hmm, so you help me with her and what? There’s gotta be a catch.”

“Please introduce us.”

“Sure,” he agreed, but then muttered. “At least that’s one problem solved.”

Guzmund led the mercenary to meet with Rose who was now expectantly glaring at them.

“Rose,” he greeted with a stony face.

“You’ve gotten your criminals in now. No excuses Guzmund,” she unfolding her arms.

“Yes, here he is.”

“This ain’t funny Guzmund, I said I won’t be taking a-”

“-’No’, yes I know. This mercenary is the payment.”

“I’ve heard that one before.” Rose crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes as she glared at the mercenary. After a minute she asked him to explain. “I am not taking care of a foreigner, especially one that’s the son of a rich merchant. I want payment. Get lost kid.”

“Not your junior. Not rich son of merchant or a useless mercenary also.”

“Well, your still just a one-strike mercenary so you’ve got a lot to learn before you can butt in. This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

“He’s the mercenary that knocked you down just by standing, your phyles got broken because you ran into him,” Guzmund said. The mercenary looked down at the guard in surpassed surprise.

‘Is that how he’s doing this?’ He thought.

“Ha, so he’s heavy enough to knock down a lady”

“So if anyone’s to pay up for it, he is. I already paid him what I owed for his help so I don’t have much to give anymore.”

‘He is.’

“Just hand over the coins then, greenhorn.”

“I want to work to pay.”

“Listen, greenhorn, you clearly haven’t got no problem with a coin. I mean your armour must’ve cost you a lot of money to make so just hand over 20 silver Ansdreks and things don’t have to get messy-hey where you going?”

Guzmund, who had begun walking away, turned around in surprise.

“This is between you and him now, I've a post I’ve got to get to.”

“You’re not leaving me here with…this!” She shouted, pointing at the mercenary.

“If I stay any longer I’ll get punished for it so I gotta go. Look on the bright side, at least he’s capable enough to take down a gang of criminals.”

“Children, Guzmund, you caught children. We’ll be fighting beasts and giant animals, if we’re lucky, you said he’s a wuss.”

“You’re already thinking of the job? Good, so just give him a chance. If anything he can act as a meatshield for yer escape. Besides, you’re acting like I haven’t lied before.” Guzmund nodded before continuing to walk down the street. However, before he could leave Rose ran to block him, her sword drawn.

“Miss Rose!” He shouted angrily before she could even speak. “You don’t like this situation, I get it, but he is new here and needs a guide for the mercenary guild. You are here ‘cause he broke your phyles. He’s willing to split the money of his jobs if you accompany him so he can take higher ranked jobs. What is the problem?”

“Guzmund-ah,” It looked as if Rose wanted to argue further but couldn’t come up with a response.

“Do you think you can get away with raising a sword at me? I may not be a leftenant anymore or well-liked in the barracks, but remember that if you attack me you will be hunted by every single guard in the city. At least of that, I’m certain.” Guzmund huffed before pushing past her and disappearing down the street.

Rose stood still, sporting an expression like she tasted something very better. Finally, she sighed in defeat and too huffed; “F**k.”

After a moment of silence, she quietly walked back to the mercenary and scrutinized him for another before asking; “So what’s your name?”

“…Drac”, he said after a moment of hesitation.

“Alright, Drac, where you stayin’?”