Jysan Ryderan, Faerie
Shadow Guild
The Rusty Shield Tavern, Savire, Dyrin

Ever since Vrell took over, rumors were floating around. And now I was starting several of my own rumors that were already making their way out of the tavern and into the streets. I saw my dwarf friend was back, who still hadn't introduced himself to me, but eh, I didn't care about that. He was now with some of his friends, a burly, bald-headed human and a stocky, shorter human with a survivalist beard. Definitely had to be his shipmates.

"I take it you're the one starting rumors around here?" the burly human asked with a gruff voice. "You'd better not be messing around, because I could crush you into a ball with these hands!"

"Gentlemen, relax," I smiled, knowing he wouldn't be doing that even if I failed this negotiation. "I've got nothing against any of you. It's Vrell I'm after. He wants to tear apart the magic clans and he wants to turn your way of life here into a bidding war. I don't think any of us want that."

"We ain't declaring war on that bastard!" the dwarf shouted. "I'm a shipbuilder, not a soldier!"

I could see where he was getting at, but there were other issues at the table.

"Take it from me, I'm sure you'd rather be a soldier than a slave, am I right?" I asked them all. "It doesn't have to be formal. In fact, if all you do is refuse to support the Platinum Crusade and join up with Ianku to separate from the kingdom, that's already a big help."

"We never considered ourselves part of his damned kingdom," the bearded man snarled.

"The papers that were signed said you did," I corrected him. "Now, all I'm saying is we need to be all in this uprising together. If only a few of us are, then we're just going to be executed for treason while the rest of the cowards just continue living out their lives in indentured servitude. Doesn't sound good, does it?"

They were silent and just looked at each other with suspecting glances.

"And what exactly are you going to be doing during this whole thing?" the bearded man asked me. "I very much doubt a faerie like yourself can stand up against Vrell's armies."

"Please, I have my ways," I smiled and shrugged. "My ways usually go along the lines of getting them to distrust each other and baiting some traps. You don't always need to fight a war with weapons."

"Prove it, then," the bearded man told me. "If you think so highly of yourself, I want to see it."

"Sure, give me a target," I told him, knowing I could have some fun with this one. "Someone high on the food chain that is close by. Let me know where they are and when, and I'll make it happen."

And I already had some fantastic ideas in mind.

"Fine, you have yourself a deal," the bearded man told me. "By the way, the name's Captain Blackwood. If I get word you've tricked us, I will find you and make your last moments of life very miserable."

"Oh come on, enough with the threats," I shrugged with a casual smile. "It won't come to that, I promise."

"It better not for your own sake," Blackwood told me.

Sheesh. Really now. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity for my own enjoyment. Why would I ever pass up on that!?