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VI The tavern had a diverse array of patrons that night, or so it seemed to Hagen, ex-Lieutenant Hagen. A band played in the background, while a middle-aged man served drinks at a wooden bar. Hagen glanced across the tables, summing up their occupants with a few looks. Mostly petty criminals or thieves. If Hagen had still been a policeman he would have arrested the lot, but seeing as he wasn’t and he was meeting someone here he decided not to try it. His contact sat at the far side of the crowded, smoky room. A deep blue cloak covered his young, yet weathered features. Gnarled hands clutched a glass of beer firmly, and a smoking pipe rested in a dish on the table. Probably illegal thought Hagen, then smirked to himself. Making his way through the tables Hagen seated himself opposite the undesirable. “You’re late,” snarled the man taking puffs from his pipe. The blue smoke wafted in Hagen’s face, causing him to cough. “Stuff disagrees with you, does it?” sneered the man. “I got here as fast as I could!” protested Hagen. “Besides. Half the force is on my back after Truart issued that reward for any man that captured me. Even the crooks around here will sell me out. You’re my last contact!” “I don’t care for your personal problems, Hagen!” said the man, emphasising his name as an insult. “Keep it quiet. Do you want the whole city to know what my name is?” “I think they already know with all your wanted posters adorning every street corner.” “I need help,” continued Hagen. “Anything. I gotta’ get out of this infernal city. I need somewhere to lie low until things cool off. Then I’ll come back, give you what I owe, and start a new life. Is there a problem with that?” The other man paused for a few moments, then replied with a question: “Have you ever considered being a thief?” “No,” mumbled Hagen, taken aback by the bluntness of the man. “Being the law before, I never considered changing. But now you mention it, it seems a good idea! No restrictions, no taxes, no orders. Just do what you feel when you want! I like it!” “Good, because you would not leave this room alive unless you accepted. Understand?” “Yes.” “I have friends, good friends if you accept others such as myself as being trustworthy. We are planning a break out of here, across the sea. I have heard the Sultan has a few jobs for us in his private domain. With your expertise in the world of defending the city, you must know every trick in the book?” “Well, I suppose I do. Anything’s better than staying here at any rate. When do we leave?” “Soon, but before my accomplices will be convinced, they want to see some work on your part. What do you mean?” asked Hagen. “We need passage on that ship ensured. A certain merchant can do that for us with a little persuasion. Get what I mean?” asked the man. His stale breath sickened Hagen as it wafted over him. “Yes I do. Why doesn’t one of the others do it?” |
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