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It strikes me as ironic how my office is half the size of James’s flat, contains nearly the same amount of information, yet somehow manages to remain spotless and orderly. This was of course the fault of my secretary, Sheam, a young female ex-street urchin, ex-wench, whom I noticed enjoyed organizing the trash on the street in her spare time. Well she wasn’t going as far as organizing it, it was just very neat and tidy trash. Though the activity may seem a tad insane to most, I saw her as the perfect choice for a person to keep my office in order. I hired her, and now the once dirty little street rat has a well paying job, comfortable shelter, and three square meals a day. See what talent can do for you if the right person sees it? I’ve also come to the conclusion that a good percentage of The Circle’s guests (not the majority by far, mind you, but quite a few) do not come to browse the displays, but chat with the owner’s pretty secretary. I didn’t mind. After all, she enjoyed it, and a happy employee is a productive employee!
She looked up from the stack of papers she was sorting. "Daniel, there’s a letter for you here…" She handed it to me. "And please tell those Hammerite delivery boys that it’s impolite to stare?"
I shook my head, smiling, and took the letter from her hand, disappearing into my office, all while trying to contain my laughter. Oh, joy, a message from the Hammers.
FROM:
TO:
OUR SCOUTS HAVE RETURNED FROM INVESTIGATING THE STRUCTURE, THE LOCATION AND NATURE OF WHICH YOU INDICATED TO US DURING THE EMERGENCY SESSION OF THE HIGH COUNCIL OF THE ORDER OF THE HAMMER ON 09.07. YOUR SUSPICIONS WERE CORRECT. SAID STRUCTURE DOES EXIST, AND IT BEARS MARKINGS OF OUR ENEMYS, THE FOLLOWERS OF THE NOW DECEASED TRICKSTER, THE PAGANS. HOWEVER THE BUILDING SEEMS TO BE ABANDONED, SAVE ONE WOMAN WE FOUND TRESPASSING ON THE RESIDENCE. THIS WOMAN APPEARED TO BE A THIEF, WHOM WE CAUGHT DURING HER RAID. SHE WAS CONVICTED ON FIVE ACCOUNTS OR RESISTING ARREST, BREAKING AND ENTERING, TRESPASSING, THEFT, BEARING FALSE WITNESS, AND CONCEALMENT OF EVIDENCE. SO FAR ALL OUR INTERROGATIONS OF HER HAVE ONLY PRODUCED HER NAME, "LYTHA". WE SUSPECT THAT THIS IS NOT HER TRUE NAME. THIS WOMAN IS ALSO A SUSPECTED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BURGLARY OF THE WESTERN BRANCH MONASTERY SEVERAL WEEKS AGO. SHE IS BEING INTERROGATED FOR INFORMATION INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMATED TO, THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: HER PRESENCE IN THE STRUCTURE, HER POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE PAGANS WHO MADE RESIDENCE THERE, THE LOCATION OF THE EVIDENCE SHE UNDOUBTEDLY STOLE FROM THE RESIDENCE AND IS NOW CONCEALING, THE MENTHOD IN WHICH SHE BROKE INTO THE MONISTARY (SO THAT CORRECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES MAY BE TAKEN), THE NUMBER OF, NAMES OF, AND LOCATION OF ALL HER CONSPIRATORS AND CO-CONSPIRATORS, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER INFORMATION WHICH MAY SERVE US IN DETERMINING HER PAST CRIMES, THUS INFLUENCING THE SEVERITY OF HER PUNISHMENT, AND THE METHOD OF HER EXECUTION.
AT NOON TODAY, THE TASK FORCE WHICH HAS BEEN ORDERED TO DEMOLISH THIS STRUCTURE SHALL SET OUT ON IT’S JOURNEY. I ASK THAT YOU BE THERE, AND ACOMPANY THE FORCE ON THE ENTIRETY OF ITS MISSION. YOUR ABSENCE FROM THIS EVENT SHALL BE CONSIDERED A DIRECT INSULT TO THIS ORDER, AND WILL BE ANSWERED ACCORDINGLY.
IN THE MASTER BUILDER’S NAME
MEMO- 09.08 08.23
I felt like ripping the letter to shreds, I was so mad. There are times when I truly respect the Order of the Hammer, and times when I hate them with extreme prejudice. Right now I felt the latter. Lytha, the poor old woman who lived in the forest, and warned me about the dangers or The Lady was going to die a slow painful death at the hands of those monsters, and it was a result of my actions. I had to do something. Should I risk blowing my cover to save but one life, and endanger countless others whom I shelter if the Hammers realize my allegiances to the underworld? My contemplation was cut short by Sheam.
DISPATCH NUMBER 47542542
ORDER OF THE HAMMER
COURIER REGISTRY 54-AF
RAFAEL MORTANGRO STEINKLAW,
HIGH PRIEST, THE ORDER OF THE HAMMER
LORD OF STEINKLAW MANOR
DANIEL ELIAS TODD, ALIAS "NIGHTFALL"
MASTER, THE CIRCLE OF STONE AND SHADOW
LORD OF UNNAMED ESTATE, REGESTRY NUMBER 543-AD4
LORD RAFAEL MORTANGRO STEINKLAW,
HIGH PRIEST,
FIRST IN THE ORDER OF THE HAMMER
"Master, there is a man here to see you."
I was tempted to ask her to send him away, but I needed something to take my mind off of the problem at hand. It was most likely some rookie thief proudly asking for me to display the stuffed burrick head he stole. "Send him in", I told her.
She paused, seeing the disturbed look in my eyes. "Are… are you all right, Daniel?"
"I’m… fine, Sheam.. just the usual Hammerite propaganda. It gets to me sometimes."
She nodded, not believing that lie for a second. She turned her head and motioned to a man standing by her desk to come in. "Master Nightfall, Captain Els."
I stood at the name of Jyre’s friend. The man walked in, his face pale and dirty, with dark circles under his eyes. He wore a half a suit of badly beaten scale mail armor. I immediately extended my hand to greet him. "Captain Els, it is a pleasure to finally meet the companion of Jyre. Please, have a seat."
He took my hand and gave it a weak shake. "Thank you sire, the pleasure is all mine."
"Not sire, please, call me Master Nightfall."
He smiled a little, "Yes, Master Nightfall." He looked like he was about to decline my offer to sit, but after glancing at the leather chair, and realizing how tired he was, he plopped himself down. I sat as well.
"What brings you here? I trust Jyre is all right… she left in quite a hurry last time I saw her."
He looked like he was about to say something, but then stopped, thinking better of it. He then opened his mouth to speak once more, paused, and closed it again. Finally he tried to say something, but instead of words, out came a torrent of coughs and chokes.
"Sheam, get Els something for his cough, quickly!"
She nodded from her desk outside my door, and ran off.
Els finally came out of it… "Please excuse me, I am still… still… recovering."
"Think nothing of it. Sheam will get you something to help."
He smiles and nodded a thank you.
"Now, your reason for the visit?"
"Oh yes, Jyre… "
I became outwardly restless at his lack of words to describe what’s going on, and then suddenly seemed to remember something.
He produced a letter from his belt. "This will explain everything." He said after I took it from his hand. I unfolded it, and read it.
Master Nightfall,Refolding the letter, I looked up at him grimly. He read the expression on my face all too well.This letter comes to you via my trusted friend, Els, and is written in his fair hand. The reason for the first will become apparent as you read on. As for the latter, I feel it is important that every detail of my day be passed on to you and I fear my own ability with words would make such a thing impossible.
Let me start by telling you that after bumping in to you this morning I proceeded to the market where I had myself a wander and, I must admit, picked a few pockets along the way. Feeling a thirst in my throat from the heat I took myself to the Red Dragon Inn, where I ordered myself an orange juice (Jyre does not consume alcohol. She claims it is bad for the reflexes - Els). I had just taken a quiet seat at an out of the way table when a rather portly man sat himself down beside me without so much as a 'by your leave'! I was not even given the chance to object before he spoke.
"Allow me to introduce myself." He held out a hand which I ignored. If I said he sounded would you understand my meaning? His response to my refusal was a twitter. "I am Ramirez. Perhaps you have heard of me?"
Oh, I had heard of him all right. During my time in the guard he had been described, if you will excuse my language, as a pompous bastard. His staff were underpaid (I had heard rumors that his guard got but half the pay of the Lady's own). He was considered by many as somewhat of a money hungry dandy. And if that wasn't bad enough I had heard tell that, during my time away, he had gotten himself on the wrong side of a notorious thief called Garrett and was robbed by the man in his own home!
I looked this Ramirez up and down and wondered what one such as he was doing in a dark, smoky tavern that had a reputation for being a hangout for the city lowlife. He had a light weight hooded cloak draped over his shoulders and was sat with his shoulders hunched up, no doubt trying to be inconspicuous but failing miserably.
"Leave me be." I turned my back to him and took a sip of my juice.
"I have information concerning a certain female acquaintance of ours."
I guess he meant for his words to sound intriguing but his tone only made me want to laugh. "Of course you do." My sarcasm bit. Deep.
"Don't pass me up on this, Jyre. It would bode ill for you."
I spun around to face him. "How-?"
He smirked. "You're getting quite a reputation for yourself. I'd be careful if I were you, least the wrong person hear of it."
I recognized the threat for what it was and despised it. Only the lowliest coward had need of such things. "Spit it out, Ramirez." I didn't try to mask the anger in my words.
"I have heard that you are seeking information on a former employer of yours..."
'Blackmail?' I wondered. "You want money, Ramirez?" I asked out loud. "Take a good look. Do I look like I've got money?"
Ramirez shook his head. "I am not interested in your money, though I won't deny I will profit if you take this up." Just then a passer-by jostled our table. Ramirez actually flinched! I couldn't help but laugh.
"What's wrong? Afraid Garrett might come after you again? Last I heard he'd gone into early retirement."
Ramirez pulled in his paunch and squared his shoulders, trying to prove he wasn't afraid. I wasn't fooled. "It is not fitting for a man of my standing to be seen in such company," he muttered. It was a lousy excuse.
"No. We're too good for you!" You should have seen his face when I said that. It was comical! But I digress. I took another sip of my juice and waited. he never spoke. "Are you going to tell me why you're here or not?"
He leant forward and lowered his voice. "The family of our esteemed acquaintance used to reside in the abandoned quarter."
"So?" I didn't get it.
"It is said they left in a great hurry. Many things were left behind in the confusion. Books, letters, scrolls. All abandoned."
"And much treasure, no doubt." I tried not to let my growing interest show.
"That too. I would pay you commission on any such that you find."
'So far, so good,' I thought to myself. Only one thing remained unsaid. "Rumor would have it that the abandoned quarter is haunted."
"Oh, indeed." Ramirez actually sounded pleased! "But it is not so bad as it once was. Garrett managed to deal a great deal of damage when he passed through. I will, of course, provide suitable provisions just in case you should stumble across one of the few remaining undead."
"You have a map?"
"My source was unable to acquire one. Just a brief description of the area. The house you seek is opposite the cloister gates of the deserted cathedral. It is a large many house, not easily missed. Interested?"
I was nodding before I realized I had made a decision! Within the hour Ramirez had supplied my with water and fire crystals, as well as a half-dozen flash bombs. I returned to my small abode to inform both Els and yourself of this development. By the time this letter reaches you I will already have left. I will be in touch again as soon as is possible.
Your servant,
Jyre.
"She’s in grave danger, isn’t she."
I nodded. "Ramirez is the last person in this city to trust. He would turn in his own mother if there was a bounty on her. Doing any job for him is ill advised, let alone to the forbidden sector!"
He broke into another coughing fit, just as Sheam came in with a steaming mug. "Here, sip this," she said, handing it to him. As soon as he caught his breath, he took a sip, and his eyes lit up.
A sound of pure delight and relief came from him. "What, what is this?" he asked her.
She just smiled and walked out.
He looked at the swirling steamy liquid. It seemed to have a slight yellowish orange glow to it."
Just a little something she likes to whip up, I said with half a laugh. In diluted form it works wonders to soothe the throat. In it’s normal form, the drinker is in for one hell of a ride.
The captain didn’t seem too worried about Jyre anymore, he was just interested in this strange liquid he was now sipping. "Captain Els?"
"Huh? Whahh..?"
I spoke calmly. "I suggest that you make haste in rescuing Jyre. She is in grave danger. You know the way. I would leave now if I were you. Ask Sheam and she can tell you who to go to for supplies. Tell them that Master Nightfall sent you, and they will send the bill to me. Go, now"
**
My face was on the cold stone floor. I twitched, scared by the cold feeling and the pain in my left side. I tried to make myself in a upright position, but the chains between my hands hindered my attempt. Both feet and hands were shackled.
I looked around the place. I was in a very small cell, lightened by a very intense electrical light. It flickered irregular. Walls and ceiling and floor were made of solid stone. Behind the bars of the door, I could see into the opposite cell. A very tall, ugly man was there imprisoned, staring at me.
**
To The Circle I went, Star in hand. There are two places in The City that are set apart from the other building around them; two places that exist in their own little world, separated from the tightly packed buildings, the noise and pollution and the teeming masses. One of these is the Hammerites’ Cathedral. The other is The Circle of Stone and Shadow.
The Circle, as it is usually referred to, was seated between the business district, and the wealthy uptown area. It sat in the middle of a very large circular yard, with at least an acre of land between it and the fence separating the clear grassy field from the cobblestone road. The Circle itself was round in shape, with a form that can be most accurately described as gear-like. Eight vaulted structures arranged in a radial pattern around a central two story chamber. The entire design of the structure screamed accessibility. Eight gates on the fence lead to eight doorways on the side of the circle, each with a brick walkway leading through the field to its respective door. Another walkway formed a circle halfway between the fence and the building, linking all of the straight walkways, forming a radial grid pattern. Though The Circle and Master Nightfall’s tower both seemed to be constructed from the same type of stone, using the same architectural style, the extreme repetition, symmetry, and order of the structure formed a sharp contrast. The only irregularity was the one "tooth" on the gear which had no door, and the one right next to it, which had its door sealed.
The interior ring of The Circle was the only part of the place that was truly "The Circle of Stone and Shadow", even though the entire structure was commonly refereed to by that name. It was just as orderly as the exterior. There was a central circular corridor, with doors leading to each of the eight room. Some rooms were partitioned, some open, but each was filled with elaborate displays and presentations. Not only artifacts and artwork was displayed here, but information, and a wealth of it. With a collection such as this, one would wonder why this place was never robbed. Truthfully, it is robbed constantly, yet somehow, as if by magic, the items stolen never seem to leave the building. It was an oddity, and few cared to attempt to explain it. The room which was sealed from the outside was sealed from the inside was well, with the sign, "under construction - coming soon" on the door, but the room with no door on the outside had a very prominent and accessible door on the inside, leading to Master Nightfall’s office, my destination.
In the center of The Circle, was a room known as The Keepers’ Annals. Truthfully, it has nothing to do with the Keepers, the title was just used for name recognition. In this room, where was posted on the walls all sorts of news on every topic. Much of it was directly related to The Circle, telling of additions, events, and so on, and then there was the news telling of events in the city, be it rumors, announcements, or even warnings. Opposite each doorway to each chamber was a stairway, which lead up and down. The lower floor, underground, was one room, fondly refereed to as "The Foot Pad". It was here that things of a more underworldly nature occurred, such as Master Nightfall’s book of prophecies, archives of old news from the Annals, and all sorts of illegal stuff.
The upper chamber was similarly one very large room, and was sort of a bar/lounge type of place. Though it was quite nice, it was usually rather vacant, except for one strange cloaked man who rarely spoke, other then saying hello. He had a name tag that said "Keeper", of all things. He just stood there, day and night, without sleeping or eating, taking notes! Some people just like to stand and watch over his shoulder as he wrote down everything anyone ever said or did. Sometimes he would spontaneously just vanish, which we all found very disturbing when it happened. The other oddity was when the Master Nightfall guy came in, sometimes suddenly Keeper would spring to life and have conversations just like normal. Some people speculate that he is no more then a puppet, and that Nightfall knows how to pull the strings. I don’t know., and don’t really care. I’ve only been to that room once or twice anyway.
I took a short stroll through the Annals, which was where most of my fellow guests were loitering. After briefly glancing at the posts, making note of any new news, I continued on my way to Nightfall’s office. In a sort of pre-chamber to his office was another office, and in it sat a young attractive girl of about twenty one. Resisting the obvious urge, I simply stated my business. I pulled the Star from my pocket. "I’m here to deliver this to Master Nightfall," I exclaimed proudly.
She looked up with those big green eyes. "The Master is currently seeing someone. He should be done in just a moment." Truly, I wouldn’t have minded waiting in that room at all, but unfortunately the guy who was chatting with Nightfall staggered through Nightfall’s door.
"Immm… " he blinked several times, and then took hold of the wall to keep his balance. "Mas-.. umm.. Master Nightfall says that you will take me to gear up." I wondered what was wrong with the bloke. He looked to be slowly recovering, but he obviously wasn’t well.
She nodded to him, and guided him out of the office and down the hall, telling me that I may go in now was she went past. Damn, I hope that Nightfall sends me with her to go gear up too!
I walked in.
"As yes, come in Ghost. I trust you have the -"
I whipped the beaut up into his face. The guy grinned at it, and took it out of my hand with that black glove of his. "Excellent, I shall set it up tonight. Thank you Ghost."
"Hey, no problemo! Just as long as this tribute to me and such pays off!"
He suddenly started to concentrate heavily. So much in fact that it bugged me really badly. "Ghost, are you occupied tonight?"
"Hell yeah! I gotta go break my fence out of Cragscleft!"
"PERFECT!"
I jumped backwards about an inch as he sprung to his feet.
"I’ll give you one thousand gold coins if you break out another prisoner for me."
Okay, my jaw doesn’t normally drop, but it just did. "Who?" was all I could say.
"A friend of mine. She’s being held in the maximum security interrogation hall. That’s why the high price."
"The price is right," I told him with a grin.
"Excellent. Time is short. I don’t want her to suffer any more then she has to. I shall reimburse you for any equipment you expend during this mission."
I was starting to like this Nightfall character after all. Free gear, an ultra challenging jailbreak of a damsel in distress, and a huge reward. Money, women, and adventure, what more could I ask for!!
Needless to say, I was off in a flash. Time to kick some serious Hammerite Arse.
On to Chapter 8
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