Chapter:102 Brooding Thieves

Jonathan: “A Mimic…….. in this forest?’

Bandit: “Yes sir, I seen it myself.”

In a part of the dungeon, far from Nathan, tents were set up as a temporary base for Jonathan and his underlings. At the moment, one of his men were debriefing him on Nathan’s current positioning. They strayed a bit from the tents to avoid prying eyes and ears, he may be in charge of them, but it would be foolish to find completely loyal members in a guild of vagabonds. Ever since they entered the dungeon, they had been tracking Nathan, being careful not to stray to close in fear of detection. However, they had lost him upon his entrance into the forest, only relocating him later, when he was battling the Mimic.

Jonathan: “Where is the Mimic now?”

Bandit: “The adventurer Zane, sent it over the edge into the abyss.”

Jennifer: “She was swallowed by a Mimic and was able to escape. I never heard of such a thing was possible.”

Bandit: “Several times throughout the fight, she would periodically fire off a spell of purple or yellow goo.”

Jonathan: “That’ the poison she used on us.”

Bandit: “Every time she was successful at getting it into the Mimics mouth, the Mimic would move as if it was hurt.”

Jonathan: “Mimics are weak to poison.”

Jonathan though about it for a moment, if that was true, this information could prove valuable. Mimics are incredibly dangerous, but at the same time incredibly valuable, due to they are one of the three living treasure troves and like all of them, house a variety of treasure or if the information is correct, tamed and used for security. There have been no documented cases of anyone successfully capturing a Mimic, let alone killing it. This information could greatly expand the thieves’ guild’s ambitions. Which is why it must be kept a secret.

Jonathan: “………Does anyone else know about this?”

Bandit: “I don’t believe so, just me and my squad members here.”

Jonathan glanced at the three other men standing behind the one talking.

Jonathan: “That’s good.”

Bandit: “Sir?”

Jennifer: “The Hero showed up, were you able to locate him?”

Jonathan: “That’s right.”

Hearing the potential profitable news about the mimics, it had completely slipped Jonathans mind that the Hero did in fact show up.

Bandit: “S-Sorry but no we weren’t able to find him at all. We only felt his presence for the briefest of moments and if we searched for him, we would have missed the fight between the Lycanian and the Mimic.”

Jonathan: “Well that’s fine, the information you’ve obtained is way more valuable than the Hero for the guild. You all did good.”

Jonathan turned towards Jennifer and nodded to her. Stepping forward, Jennifer retrieved her dagger.

Jonathan: “Which is why is truly regrettable you all have to die.”

The faces of the Bandits contorted upon Jonathan’s word, but before they could a word out, Jennifer had disappeared.

*Swoosh**Slash x4*

In an instant, blood sprayed from the necks of the four men and before they could comprehend what had happened, they were already dead. Jennifer took out a small cloth, using it to wipe clean her dagger before placing back in its holster.

Jonathan: “Burn the bodies, wouldn’t want them re-animating. Tell the men we will be moving, we’ve been compromised, betrayed by our comrades and our location leaked to the Lycanian.”

Jennifer: “I’ll report the information to Master Simon immediately.”

Jonathan: “Not just yet. If Mimics are indeed weak to poison, then once tamed they could be extraordinary assets to the guild, but we can’t go on their word alone. Is it all poisons? A specific one or is it just what the Lycanian could produce? We’ll need to verify these accounts ourselves before making any plans about telling Simon.

Jennifer piled the bodies atop each other and then with a single Flare spell she set them ablaze. Absolutely no emotion as she went about her task of erasing her comrades.

Jennifer: “How do we do that? It’s not like there is another Mimic just sitting around.”

Jonathan: “Yes...there is that. Maybe Shane knows where we can find one, he was once an adventurer. Where is he anyway?”

Jennifer: “He said he was going for a walk. It would be great if he did not return.”

Jonathan sighed upon Jennifer’s comment.

Jonathan: “Can you at least try to get along with him...?”

Jennifer: “No.”

Jonathan: “Not even an ounce of hesitation in your response.”

Jennifer: “Just showing my sincerest thoughts on the subject.”

Jonathan shook his head, as they both strolled away from the burning corpses.

-=O=-

Ashley: “*sigh* That was so scary.”

Ashley spoke out loud as she shelved various books left by the library’s visitor. Although she absolutely didn’t mind, in fact she loved it. It had a calming effect for her and after that meeting with her superiors, she needed some time to calm down.

Ashley: “Why would Master Simon call me? Anyone could have read that report?”

Though she said that, it was obvious she would be called to explain. Gideon’s death might have been closer to Borice, but seeing as how it didn’t have a library nor a Thieves Guild informant stationed there. Most of the information that happens in the area, go’s to her. Compared to Midheim, Hyborne and Silverein, Loegrey didn’t have a heavy deal of information coming through, so she jumped on the position immediately. Her primary duty was to get any new information from the library, that was stored and in secure locations, and relay it to the Thieves Guild, which was rather simple since after a few years ago, she gained clearance to enter all restricted areas of the Library.

However, in recent months her precious peace had been stolen from her. This was all thanks to the Lycanian, because of her constant meddling, the Guild had lost some valuable commodities; a business deal was destroyed, and the leader’s own son was killed. It was if the Lycanian was actively starting a conflict with the Guild.

Now the order had been given to kill her and all activities and updates about said venture were funneled through Ashley and thus she blamed everything on the Lycanian. She’d met the Lycanian a few days ago and hated every minute of it. Just remembering the way the Lycanian bullied her the entire time.

Ashley: “Maye I should ask for a transfer to Hyborne.”

Cheria: “You want to quit?”

Ashley: “Ah, Cheria?”

Ashley turned to find her fellow librarian and only friend at work, Cheria. Like always she was wearing her large framed glasses and the libraries customary white robe.

Cheria: “Is there something your uncomfortable with, would you mind telling me?”

Ashley: “No, No, No, I-I’m just fine.”

Cheria: “Are you sure, you just said-“

Ashley: “P-Please disregard, I was just thinking of places for some down time.”

Ashley spoke quickly and through har teeth, trying to convince Cheria otherwise and failing. Cheria clearly heard her say ‘transfer’.

Cheria: “(But she seems to be trying hard to avoid, so I let it slide for my cute subordinate) Is that so, well alright.”

Ashley gave a sigh of relief, having successfully fooled her, Cheria having a quiet laugh at her relieved face.

Cheria: “Anyway, why don’t you take a break...?”

Ashley: “A break?”

Cheria: “Yes it’s seemed a friend has come to visit, she’s waiting at the front desk.”

Ashley: “Huh, a friend.”

Ashley quickly realizing who it was, immediately finished her work and followed Cheria out. No matter how fast she wanted to arrive, she needed to walk the long halls to the main hall. Except for them, there was no one else around, so Cheria made conversation.

Cheria: “We have received confidential information from the Guild, after lunch as always I need your help sorting and sealing it.”

Ashley: “Confidential information from the guild?”

Cheria: “Though I can’t go into detail, the Guild wants the information sealed in the Vault.”

Ashley: “The Vault?”

Ashley thought that this was her moment. She had received a mission from her guild and that mission was to send them any, and all information, from the Adventurers Guild that came through. The guild usually keeps documents and such sealed tight within their walls. However, some secrets are just too important to be kept in such an unsecure place, that’s where the ‘Library Vaults’ come in.

There was room for debate, the Library vault was impenetrable. Any and all documents placed within was guaranteed to stay secure for as long as the client so wished it. And all manner of documents were sealed, rather they be illicit or otherwise, as long as the client provided the funds, there secrets were guaranteed to remain out of the light.

Ashley: “(If they brought it here, it can only be the contract surrounding the Lycanian.)”

It didn’t take long for people to find out that the Lycanian had signed a confidentiality contract. The Thieves Guild had tried several times to hire the Lycanian for any personal quest, only to find that any information on the Lycanian, such as her magic affinity, party members and race, were all withheld.

This was unusual since, they were the two things, most Quest-givers were allowed to know, to let them understand who exactly they were hiring and who was best fit for the job. However, the only information allowed to anyone was level and rank within the guild.

Ashley: “(What exactly would the Lycanian need to keep hidden…….. doesn’t matter. Maybe after I find out Master Simon will give me a break.)

Ashley sighed dejectedly; she knew the answer to that without even asking. Coming down the long hallway and reaching the front desk she smiled seeing the Therian girl waiting for her.

Ashley: “Viola.”

Hearing her name, Viola, turned to find Ashley waving and rushing over to her. Smiling back to her friend, she began walking towards her, meeting her halfway. Ashley and Viola had been friends for a few years now, becoming close after a particular incident.

Whenever they could, they would just meet up, talk and spend time with one another, usually Ashley talking about how experiences dealing with the many adventurers that come through and Viola laughing at Ashley’s reactions when she told her about how she stole from said adventurers.

Ashley: “Viola it’s so wonderful to see you, it’s been so long.”

Viola: “Yes, it has, but you’re always so busy lately, it’s hard to visit.”

Ashley: “Yes it has, will you listen? Life is so hard.”

Viola: “Actually, Ashley, I need some advice.”

Ashley: “Advice from me?”

Viola: “I haven’t been feeling well lately. Someone told me that I should speak to a girl about it and you’re the only other girl-friend I know and since you’re so smart I figured you’d know what’s wrong with me.”

Ashley: “Well I don’t know how much help I will be, but if I can help, I’ll be glad to.”

Ashley wasn’t the best giver of advice, in fact, she couldn’t recall one time where she’d ever gave anyone advice. However, her friend was willing to give her a go, so she would try her best. More than that, she believed she knew exactly what’s wrong, its typical for girls to have this problem, hence why she wouldn’t go to a man for advice. However, Ashley recalled they were around the same age, give or take two years and such problems have already occurred within Ashley, but she soon let it off as Viola being a late bloomer.

Viola: “It’s about this boy.”

*Glass crack*

Ashley: “A B-B-B-B-Boy!?”

Ashley’s confidence instantly shattered, as the single toughest topic amongst the spiraling mass of inquiries the universe could blink into existence was suddenly thrown in her face. In the wake of such a monumental topic, Ashley had frozen to the spot she was currently occupying.

Viola: “Ashley?”

Ashley: “………………..”

Viola: “Ashley if it’s too much, we don’t have to talk about it.”

Ashley: *Gasp*, NO, ITS NOT TOO MUCH!”

Viola: “R-Really?”

Ashley: “Y-Yes of course, but let’s move somewhere else to talk, I’ll buy us some lunch.”

Viola: “Ah, okay, thank Ashley.”

Ashley: “N-No problem. (OH CRAP, OH CRAP, WHAT AM I GONNA DO? I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT B-B-BOYS. IS IT SOMEONE SHE LIKES..? OF COURSE IT IS, WHAT ELSE WHAT IT BE WHEN IT’S A TOPIC ABOUT B-B-BOYS. SO, SHE NEEDS ADVICE ABOUT LOVE. IT’S ABOUT LOVE ISN’T IT? BUT I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE WHATSOEVER. THIS THE WORST POSSIBLE TOPIC FOR MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE).”

Ashley felt she was walking to the guillotine; she knew nothing on this topic and soon Viola would know as well. She could only imagine how Viola would react when she found out she knows nothing.

Ashley: “(SOMEONE SAVE MEEEEEEE!)”

Cheria: “Oh-my, this seems like a rather interesting topic, do you mind if I join you?”

Ashley: “C-Cheria, w-here did you come from!?”

Viola: “She was standing there the entire time, you didn’t notice? Hello, I’m Viola. Nice to meet you.”

Cheria: “Cheria, and the pleasure is all mine. So, do you mind if I join? I may be able to help you come to understand what’s wrong.”

Ashley: “(Cheria, you angel sent from the heavens above; thank you for coming to my aid).”

Viola: “I don’t care, if it will help the more the merrier. Ah is this okay, Ashley I originally came for your help, but I acted on imp-”

Ashley: “IT’S FINE!”

Viola was startled by the sudden scream, which made Ashley read just from her tone.

Ashley: “I-I mean you can never have too much advice and it might be better to have two different viewpoints to help better understand what happening to you.”

Cheria: “Then that’s settled, thank you for allowing me and lunch will be on me.”

Ashley: “Then, shall we be off?...”

On that note the three headed out of the library. Ashley breathed a sigh of relief as she descended the stairs, one that Cheria caught onto.

Cheria: “(Ashley is so cute when she panicky.)”

From the way she was acting, Cheria figured Ashley had absolutely no experience with men. She also figured she would be doing most of the talking when they began their chat. But she didn’t mind, she was more than willing to help out her cute subordinate.