Game On
Chapter 6
~From the Journal of Vito~
It's been about a week since we arrived at Red Rock City, and the dwarves have been warm and welcoming so far. The dwarven leadership has rolled out the red carpet, allowing my people to buy supplies on good faith, trusting that I’ll repay them one day, and I plan to. On a more personal note my friendship with Riggor has come along nicely. He took me to his favorite tavern last night. I must admit this is the first time I've ever gone to a bar with a friend before. Riggor wasn't satisfied with the visit until we were both three sheets to the wind; I surprised myself with how much I could put away with this body. Riggor still drank me out from under the table, but he is a dwarf.
On a different note I've made a few choices to better not only myself, but my camp. I've asked the dwarves if they'd be willing to teach those of my camp who are willing the ways of war. Too long now I've been risking the lives of the untrained farmers, bakers, and other professions under my care. If I am to keep risking their lives, I must have them trained as soldiers. Jacob has continued to go above and beyond my expectations. He’s gone from a merchants son, to a competent archer in almost no time flat. Yet, I still have more need of him. I've arranged special training for him. I want him to be trained as a leader, so that he might one day captain my archers for me. I had to ask a favor from Riggor, but he was willing to oblige. He’s lending me one of his best captains to put Jacob through his paces and teach him to lead.
Now more in line with personal plans, I’ve had people looking into this mage Riggor told me of. It seems that about a week and a half ago she was in fact at the little farming village we saved from the shadow demons. I've managed to find a few people in my group that have some talents for finding people out looking for her, and it would seem that today is my lucky day. I just got word that they found her, serving as an emergency healer in a small town that’s about a two days ride, or so i’m told, from Red Rock. My plan is to head out to meet her, and with any luck, bring her back with me. My hope is that she will teach me the ways of magic. It's a weapon I will be needing in the future.
“That's enough of this journal entry. This dragon is getting hungry. Time to go see what's on the menu for breakfast today.”
Vito looked up from the page, idly looking around his room. The dresser, made from hardwood, and the large bed which was ironically just big enough for him. He had a large bag on it at the moment, his few possessions scattered about it. He was currently sitting at a small two person table. With a stretch and a yawn, he looked back at the page he had just written. Satisfied, he put it away in his binder, returned the cork stopper to the inkwell, putting it away with his quill pen.
Hearing a knock from his door Vito got up out of his chair. “Master, are you awake?” a familiar feminine voice asked.
Vito quickly responded with, “I am. Please come in.” The door opened to reveal Jessica on the other side of the door. Vito gave her a warm smile. She was wearing a new outfit, a long flowing light green dress with a bit of frilly white lace trim. Vito gave her a once over. “That looks nice on you, did you buy it at the market yesterday?” he asked.
She nodded happily. “I did,” She said, giving Vito her usual bright smile “The innkeeper let me do make beds and do a few nights worth of dishes, and a few other smaller task around the inn for some spending money. He's such a nice old dwarf.”
'What a good kid.’ He thought to himself. ‘Rather than asking me for the cash, she earned it, despite the things she does for me deserving some cash; if I had her kind of work ethic back in my old life, I'd have been better off than I was. At the same time if I were different back then I'd lack what I know to save this world . .. huh.’
“Hey I want you to get ready to leave.” Vito said getting up out of his chair.
“Leave master?” Jessica asked, giving him a puzzled look. As she watched, Vito walked over to the large bag on his bed, knowing he had his clothes and other larger items inside.
“Yes I've got a lead on the mage that I’ve been looking for.” He said, getting ready to get out of what passed for his pajamas. “I need to learn magic if I am to save this world from the demons. The fact they say she is absolutely beautiful is just a bonus,” Vito grinned snidely. “And has no bearing on why I'm going to get her myself rather then send someone to get her for me.”
The elf rolled her eyes but gave a playful laugh. “Well then, I'll go let my parents know and gather up some things.” She said, and turned to leave.
She gave a quick nod, the elf turning and leaving the room behind. “God I'm a wuss.” Vito said as he looked down at his bed with a bit of a sigh. Vito knew he shouldn’t have had any issues with undressing before she had left, but that little bit of his old self shone through. Vito resumed getting dressed, putting on a nice woolen shirt and trousers, the outfit more fit for a noble than a gamer. “When in Rome right?”
Vito recoiled inwards to his mind space as his body went about getting ready. 'Not sure I would trust this autopilot thing in battle but eating and getting dressed should be fine.' He thought. Tuning into the information he was getting from Jacob, Vito watched from his perspective. He was currently sitting with his father, who was talking business with another merchant. Vito smiled inwardly, watching the man bartering with the merchant for the supplies he had asked him to get 'Ah, so that's who he needed to go see. Well, I hope he can get the arms I wanted for my troops. Hope he makes sure we have the food and supplies we need first though.' He continued to watch the scene through Jacob's eyes.
Vito idly wondered how someone who didn’t have a body could trip and fall on nothing. Then hitting a box he didn’t even know was open, exposing to him things he didn’t know he could do; it was all way to convenient. “Isn't it, Storyteller?”
There was a humorous light hearted chuckle telling him he was right, but he pushed it aside. It was just part of learning the ropes. He looked back over at his own feed, seeing himself eating some food, and hearing the innkeeper's daughter talking to him.
“Would you like anything else with your food sir?” she asked have since introduced herself as Nilo.
“Something cold to drink” Vito happily responded from his mind space, his body parroting his words, “What do you have?”
Nilo thought about it for a moment before saying, “Well, we have many fine ales, meads, and wine, all served ice cold. If you'd like something with less alcohol, we do have many fruit juices, also on ice.”
Vito couldn't help but grin, looking at Nilo through his feed. “That sounds nice, what of the fruit juices would you recommend?” he asked.
She stood there thinking for a moment “The Raspberry juice is my personal favorite.” She suggested with a warm, coy smile.
Vito nodded, “Then please bring me some of the Raspberry juice.” he told her.
Nilo nodded and excused herself with a practiced bow. “As you wish sir, I will be right back.” He gave her a nod. Vito turned back toward his other feeds, examining Jessica's more closely. Vito would have given a smirk had he currently a face with which to smirk with in his mind space. Watching the girl talk to her mother, she packed away a few items that she would need; clothing, a small supply of trail food items, some lacy looking underwear which caught Vito’s eye, as well as other smaller items. Vito noting when her mother scolded her, telling her to keep her pack light.
He gave a nod then pulled himself back into his own body to find Nilo had returned with a mug in her hands. “Here you go sir,” She said cheerfully as she handed Vito the mug, “One ice cold raspberry juice, I hope you enjoy it.” He smiled appreciatively “Is there anything else I could do for you?” she asked after making sure he looked up at her.
“What is it you're offering?” Vito asked as he lifted his left eyebrow at Nilo.
“Well let’s just say I'm looking to get some extra spending money,” She coughed, clearing her throat. Then going on in a more hushed tone, she said, “and I'm willing to earn it.” Vito knew what she was offering. She wasn't being half as subtle about it as she thought she was.
Vito grinned. 'I've always wanted a blow job. Well, ok maybe a little more than that, but how much time do I have?' He quickly pulled himself into his mind space. Looking over at what Jessica was doing. He saw that she was already on her way to his room, having eaten a meal before she started packing. Had it really been that long? “It's a fine offer Nilo,” Vito said as he shifted back, “one I will certainly take you up on,” He raising his brow at her suggestively “But next time however. I fear my time is limited today.” She gave a nod. Vito noted the look of disappointment in her eyes. Vito however reached into his bag, pulled out a few coins “I do have a tip for you,” He said, handing her a pair of gold coins. Vito caressed her hand before pulling back. “I hope it'll help you keep that offer on the table when I return.”
Nilo nodded accepting the coins. After making sure there was nothing else Vito needed, she excused herself. Nilo opened the door just as Jessica approached, Nilo greeting Jessica then excusing herself to go about her chores and other duties.
“Master, my I enter?” Jessica asked, walking into the doorway.
Vito flashed her a bright welcoming smile, “You may, however if the door is open in the future please feel free to enter without asking.”
Jessica gave a nod then walked into the room proper. “Well I'm ready to leave master, do you need a hand getting ready?” she asked, walking over to Vito. “No I'm ready to go too, I just want to finish my breakfast.” Vito replied holding a strip of bacon in his fingers.”
Vito tossed the bacon in his mouth. He could only smile at the same great bacon taste he knew and loved, and shoveled the last few bites of his scrambled eggs into his mouth. Setting aside his plate, he quickly drank down his juice. It was indeed delicious, just as Nilo had claimed. “Alright, let's get going shall we?” He asked Jessica. Nilo had told him earlier that she would return later for his plate, and to just leave it on the table near the door. Taking a moment to attach his sheath to his sword belt, he fished for belt loops on his pants not even looking at them. Vito forgot these were not jeans and had no belt loops, laughing to himself of the old habit; Then putting it on around his waist pulling it snug. He looked over to the rest of his armor, he figured he wouldn't need it. He wasn't planning on going into battle and a dragon was already going to draw a lot of attention as it stood, let alone a dragon clad in armor.
With a quick nod to Jessica, Vito picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. “Alright let's go,” Vito said giving her arm a pat, taking her bag from her, slinging it over his shoulder. Jessica nodded, following after Vito telling her He needed to give her mother a message. Vito heading to the families room where Marry was at.
Noticing Vito carrying her daughters bag as they walked in, Marry remarked in a coy tone “My what a gentlemen” giving her daughter a knowing grin, Jessica blushing over from ear to ear.
“Can you pass on a message to your husband for me Marry?” Vito asked as he gave Marry’s arm a soft pat. Marry nodded, Vito then saying, “Let him know that i'm going to chase my own objectives for a few days, and that I leave the group in his hands and better judgment. I will return as soon as I am able.”
“I'll make sure he gets your message my lord,” Marry said with a smile, “is there anything else?”
“Yes tell your son that someone will be here in the morning for him,” Vito said with a grin, “I have plans for him now that he's become a capable marksmen. I need him groomed to lead and Chancellor Fireheart has agreed to loan me the services of his second in command, Ginn Steelbeard, to train him as a capable captain.”
“Oh my, is my son that important to you?” Mary exclaimed, beaming with pride.
“Yes he is.” Vito said with a nod. Pating the woman's arm once more, “And needless to say,” Vito stopped turning back to Marry for a moment, “no one will harm your daughter while she is with me, I give you my word.” He said a quick goodbye, then turned to leave with Jessica on his tail. Marry calls to her daughter before she could get to far. Jessica with an ‘oh yeah’ look on her face gave her mother a quick kiss before following after Vito and closing the door behind her.
Vito walked along the upper floor of the inn till they reached the staircase making the short decent, “So master are we walking,” Jessica asked as they went down the staircase, “how long do you think this will take?”
“I'm not sure how long it'll take,” Vito said, looking back. “But don’t worry, we'll not be walking. I asked a favor of the villages mayor, Martin Goldcrest. He agreed to loan us a pair of horses.” Vito suddenly realizing 'Despite the fact I've never actually ridden one.' Jessica nodded as Vito pulled himself into his mind space, then saying aloud, ‘Storyteller, I need to ask you something.’
“And what is it you want?” It took a moment but eventually the wolf showed himself.
Vito gave a quick nod or would have, “I need to know how to ride a horse,” Vito said as he looked at The Storyteller “Can you allow that?”
The storyteller gave Vito a knowing look. “That I can, but you already know this is going to cost you, right?”
“I'm aware” Vito stated, “But I don't have the time to learn it. I already have enemies moving against me, I need to make my move now and I need to be able to move fast to do it.”
The Storyteller shrugged his shoulders, “So be it.” A flurry of pages flew around the storyteller, till he found the one he was looking for. He snapped it out of the cloud of papers as though it was nothing then materialized a feather pen of pure energy.
Vito felt a strange kinship to the page The Storyteller held. It felt like every time his heart beat the page pulsed with energy. “That's my character sheet isn't it?” He asked feeling the page follow the rhythm of his heartbeat.
The Storyteller shot him a knowing smile, “the master copy yes.”
It was over in an instant, The Storyteller writing down new information on the page, “Enjoy your new skill,” The Storyteller said, grinned, “And the price you will have to pay for it.” Vito watched as the Storyteller vanished in a flurry of pages. Returning to his flesh, Vito noted that in the time it took for the Teller and himself to have their little chat, he and Jessica had made it to the stables just outside the city gates.
Vito, after taking a moment to get his bearings, approached one of the stable hands, “Good morning, I'm here for a pair of horses. Mayor Goldcrest told me he'd send word ahead of my need.” The young dwarf nodded and called over another individual, an older dwarf who introduced himself as Felt, the Stable Master. Felt told Vito that indeed he had indeed received word, and promptly showed him to the horses he was promised.
“This one here is Sable,” Felt said as he pat the horse’s side. “The one in the stall next to him is Jasper, and they are Mayor Goldcrest’s own, personal steeds, so I, and he, expect you to take excellent care of them.”
“Naturally.” Vito said, and walked over to Sable to introduce himself to the animal. Vito suggested that Jessica do the same with Jasper. Vito pat the horse’s neck, then ran his fingers through the horse’s mane. “Well then, I have an important task to take care of,” He told the horse, the creature looking back at him, “and it might just be for the good of this world. I'm now in your hooves my friend.” The horse gave something of a snort of understanding, the horse in the next stall sounding the same kind of response. Jessica gave out a bit of a startled shout a moment later when Jasper gave the braid Jessica had hair in a playful tug.
Vito’s eyebrow arched as Sable put his head over the stall’s wall and nipped the younger horse making in jump in surprise, “Yes Jasper is Sables little brother,” Felt quickly said with something of a laugh, “Sable is a bit more straight lace, his brother is still young and likes to play. Sable does his best to keep him in check. They’re both capable horses and Sable is even battle trained, treat them well and they'll take good care of you.”
Vito nodded “Do you have saddles for them?” he asked, looking back to the dwarf in question. Felt gave a nod then let out a sharp whistle to a few stable hands. Coming over, they got the horses ready to go, making sure the saddles were properly fitted. While the horses were made ready to leave, Vito went into his bag, and grabbed his map. Setting it on a nearby barrel, he filled Jessica in on his intended route. He wanted to see what she knew of it; Maybe she knew of a faster one. Jessica admitted that she had been a bit of a home flower and didn’t do much outside of whatever town her family called home. Once the horses were ready to leave Vito helped Jessica get on to Jasper, and Vito got on Sable and left the stables behind.
“So what's the plan master?”Jessica asked a short time later, pulling Jasper along side Sable. A light breeze swept Jessica’s hair around behind her.
Vito carefully pulled his map out of the saddlebag, shielding the paper from the wind. “Well if the map is correct there will be a small village along this road.” Vito looked up from the map and over at her before continuing. “We should reach it well before dusk, and we'll stop there to rest the night. My goal is a city about a day and a half away from where we're stopping tonight. We'll need to stop and get some sleep tomorrow night, we’ll look into some camping supplies in town.” Jessica nodded. The rest of the ride that day was rather uneventful. Outside of a few merchants passing them in a few wagons, Vito was not surprised when he shocked the passersby that he was in fact a dragon.
Once they arrived at the gate of the small town, again Vito drew all sorts of attention. Some of the guards were unsure of what to do. Whispering to themselves, the guards watched nervously unsure what to do about him, but he wasn't harming anyone and so let him be. Vito and Jessica found the stables not far from the gate and paid to leave their horses there and for them to be fed. It wasn’t long after that Vito heard a growling noise. Turning around, he saw a bright red blush creeping across Jessica’s face.
“Huh I wonder what that was,”Jessica bashfully said trying to play it off.
“Nothing to be ashamed about Jess,” Vito said, laughing and he pat her on the back. “I'm hungry too. Let's go find an inn and get some food.” Vito and Jessica sought out an inn thinking of what they might offer for dinner.
Unknown to the two travelers, three shadowy figures loomed in the darkness of an alleyway. One was injured, arm hurt, and blood dripping from their wound. The second was binding the wounds of the first and the third regarded their underlings, trying not to look worried about the wounds.
“Gah sorry boss, I almost got caught,” The first said with a gruff male voice, trying to motion with their injured arm. “We're in trouble. Those bastards are all over the city, and they're watching the gates. I doubt we'll be able to get out any time soon.” The third figure nodded, disappointed with the whole situation.
“Stop moving damn it,” the second figure scolded, the female tone unmistakable, “You're bleeding all over the place, and you’re gonna make it worse.” The first figure let out a pained gasp as the second tightly wrapped his arm. The groups boss looked around, making sure no one was within earshot, and that they were safe from prying eyes.
“You guy aren’t going to believe what I found out though,” the wounded figure said looking up at their leader. “You know that new guy that's been making waves among the empires nobles?” The boss looked back around at the wounded man from where the boss was spying around a corner, giving a soft grunt.
“I just saw him, he just entered the village with an elf girl in tow and he really is a fucking dragon.” The boss looked down rubbing their chin for a moment. Like the other two, their face was covered with fabrics and leathers.
“Alright, I've done what I can,” said the second person. Being much shorter than the person she was tending, they looked up to the wounded individual. “Take it easy or you might reopen the wound and bleed out. We can't afford to lose you.”
Looking to their boss, the second person asked, “So what's the plan?”
The two watched their leader as they mulled things over for a moment. “This dragon might just be our best bet If what we've heard of him is true. Find out where he's going; check the inns, stables, and stores. There must be a reason he’s here, and he has to be staying somewhere,” the boss said, making up their mind. The other two nodded then split up doing their best to stick to the shadows as they looked for Vito.
It didn’t take Vito and Jessica long to find an inn. The village, while small, was an important crossroads, and therefore had two inns. Of the two inns, they chose the cheap one, but it was still quite nice. The two ordered food and drink, and relaxed after a long day of hard travel. After eating their fill, Vito inquired after a room. The innkeeper bustled off, soon returning with a key and a room number, pointing Vito to the second floor.
They climbed up the staircase and approached their room. Climbing the stairs, something made Vito’s scales crawl. 'What is this weird feeling i'm getting?’ Vito thought to himself, ‘Not sure I've ever felt this before. It's almost like apprehension... maybe danger?' Taking the key he was given, Vito unlocked the door and walked in. In an instant, more reaction than thought, Vito drew his sword, and seeing an intruder in the darkness of the room, moved to pressed the flat of the blade to the neck of the shadowy interloper. The person gasped in both surprise and discomfort. However, a startled cry from Jessica told Vito this wasn't the only intruder in his room.
“Put the sword down, dragon.” Commanded a gruff male voice. Vito looked towards the source of the voice and saw a man shrouded in shadows on the other side of the door way from where he was, holding a knife pressed against Jessica's throat. His arm was bandaged, but he gave no indication that it was giving him pain. Vito glanced back at the figure he had pinned to the wall with his own blade. The figure Vito had pinned was shorter than the one who had Jessica. However between the dark and the heavy fabrics shrouding the individuals face and body, he could only make out a pair of vivid green eyes that registered fear, he pushed against, her he discord when he made contact with tits, harder when he herd more footsteps.
“Damn it Tank,” a third figure snapped, “Let her go." The figure stopped looking at Vito holding their hands up. "Please we're not here to start a war.”
Vito looked over at the figure, Tank responding defensively “But he's got Jacky.”
The third intruder walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder, “Everything we know of this man says he's reasonable. Please dragon, we mean you no harm,” The group's leader stated, looking at Vito. After a breath, the intruder continued. “In fact I've come to you with a business proposition.”
Vito looked at the leather wrapped person and remarked, “Oh? Sneaking into my room seems like a poor choice to try and ask someone a favor.” The person nodded and once more and snapped at Tank. He let out a sigh and let Jessica go. Vito in turn let his blade up off of Jacky's throat, leaving a red mark behind. The other two returned to their bosses side, while Jessica fled to Vito’s side and hid behind him, looking around the room in a panicked flurry.
“Alright,” Vito said, sizing up the intruders, hand resting on his hilt to look threatening, “So you're here to ask me something. Speak.” He tried to posture, but he only managed to exude anger.
The boss nodded then said, “If you're the kind of person I think you are, you'll like what I have to suggest.”
Vito raised his eyebrow, wondering if this was actually happening right now. Interrupting the intruder, he said, “Stop blowing smoke up my ass and tell me what you want.”
The figure nodded. “I can respect that,” they said. “I want your protection. In return I offer you my services, and that of my guild.”
Vito looked at the them. The man, Tank, was still suffering from the wounds to his right arm, blood had starting running down his arm, having reopened his wounds by grabbing Jessica. The one next to him, Jacky, was currently standing funny; she was either already hurt and he made it worse, or she had been holding it in. And their boss, who was playing it close to the chest but open and upfront, almost without contest, they clearly didn’t want to fight a dragon.
“You want my protection,” Vito said sarcastically, wondering what their angle could be, and sizing up the group. “But who, pray tell, the hell are you?”
The figure nodded, responding in turn, “Me and my guild are whatever you want us to be: spy's, thieves, assassins...” Vito nodded, but continued to be on guard even as he listened. “I'm the guild master of the Shadow Children, and I want the protection of a man with aspirations of being a king. I'm sure one such as yourself could imagine the benefits of having a group like mine in your back pocket.”
‘True,’ Vito thought. 'The information they could provide me with would be a huge advantage. If they're up to the task to back up their guild masters talk that is.’ He looked at the three again Jessica trying to keep behind Vito but gripping a broom she had found nearby, and glared at Tank. She was sharp enough to know they were in no shape to contend with Vito having seen him fight, but she was still on edge about what had just happened. ‘What the hell is this?’ Vito questioned suddenly ‘Three intruders.’ He glanced at the three one after the other, ‘Tank, male, with a badly wounded arm, and looks to be the tallest of the group. Jacky, female, clutching her side and favoring one leg. And then there is the boss. Doesn’t seem like he or she is hurt at all.’ “And what was it you wanted in return again? Protection?” Vito asked. “Ok, enough trying to sell yourself, why are you here?”
“OK straight up it is” Their master nodded then said, “My guild has been involved in a war with a rival guild. Things were going rather well for us. We were winning, up until about a week ago.”
“Show me your face,” Vito demanded, interrupting the guild master. Moving into the room and turned on the lanterns in the room. “I’m tired of talking to a mask, shrouded in shadows.” The guild master sighed and started to peel the leather that she had wrapped her head in. Taking the wrap off first exposed medium sized black furred cat ears that flexed a little upon being released. Vito let out a gasp, his eyes raking over the girl's ears to watch them twitch. Next revealed was soft, pale skin. She looked like she would be soft to the touch. Then to her tail; it had been coiled around a leg, but now that he saw it, he couldn’t look away from it’s metronome like swaying. The woman recoiled, feeling his eyes hungrily roam her body.
'Sexy,’Vito thought. Her ears and tail twitched behind her. ‘Fucking jackpot.' After eyeing her for a moment longer, Vito asked, “Got a name?”
“Well my guild members all call me by my code name, Muffins.” Vito had to bite his lip. It was almost too typical a cat's name that it hit his funny bone, but he held it in.
“So you said the war with this rival guild was going well”, Vito questioned, trying to understand the situation. “If you're here now asking for protection, then what changed?”
Muffins nodded, “The guard is what changed.” Her tail swung agitatedly back and forth, as she nervously bit at her nails. “Those fuckers somehow convinced the Imperial Knights to raid our headquarters. Tank and Jacky are only not in chains right now because they were out on a scouting job for me. Now we're on the run, and the rest of my people are in prison.”
“Alright, I understand the situation,” Vito nodded he was getting a clearer picture as he was trying to put the pieces in place, “So you want my help,” He paused for a moment. “How do I go about helping you? How many people are there to be broken out?”
“About forty seven, all well trained.” Muffins stated rather pointedly. “If you're following the path I think you are then you'll be heading right into the city I need you to be in.”
Vito nodded, relaxing his guard a little and setting his bag down. Taking a seat at the table in his room, he gave the one next to him to Jessica, wanting her close. He then offered the other seat to Muffin. Tank and Jacky stood behind her, Vito noting their formation seemed a bit practiced, like they had done this before. “Alright so let us assume I agree to help you. How would I go about doing that? Do you have a plan?”
Muffin took the offered seat. “You just being there is all I really need from you.” Vito raised an eyebrow. Seeing his confusion, Muffins clarified. “You're an unknown. One that has been making waves, and the nobles have been whispering. Are you aware that as we sit here speaking, there are about twenty guards watching this inn just because you're here? This town barely hosts a garrison of forty five men, and just about half are watching you.”
Muffins motioned to her left, and Jacky peeked outside. “Thirty now." She quickly counted, "The lord of this town must be really jittery. Doubt he’ll have the balls to make a play for you though, he’s a coward.”
“Thank you Jacky,” Muffins said. Returning her attention to Vito, “You’re headed to Gerith correct?”
“Yes,” Vito replied.
“My people are being held there,” Muffins continued. “You arrive in town and more then enough of the guard will pull away from the prison and the town walls to keep an eye on the big bad dragon. There is some kind of silent pact among the lesser nobles to take you, in doing so gaining clout with the more important nobles.” She stopped for a moment setting a little thimble on the table to represent himself no doubt. Taking a wooden tile from her bag she set it near the candle on the table. “Me and mine will sneak into the prison to free my people and get out without a sound.” Vito nods, letting her go on, wondering if she actually needed him for anything. Muffins then placed her finger on the thimble, “You just have to avoid a fight with the guard while making yourself the center of attention.”
Vito nodded, a solid plan indeed, but it was too easy, she just wanted him to be there? If that was true she didn't need to approach him at all he was going there anyway. “Ok, so what's the catch?” Vito asked.
Muffin smiled coyly. He was as sharp as she had hoped, “Our rivals are all over the town right now and they want us dead. I need your help getting us out or we'll be slaughtered trying to escape. We can’t stay here too long either, or they’ll find us anyway, and we’ll all die.”
Vito rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he mulled it over in his head. Indeed, the benefits seemed to outweigh the cons, leading Vito to ask, “Ok, what's the plan to smuggle you three out of town without getting caught by your foes?”
Muffin wrung her mind for a few moments, trying to figure what resources she had. Holding a finger up to Vito, she whispered some things to her underling. Vito loudly cleared his throat then started drumming his fingers on the table. Muffins looking back at him and gave nervous smile “Please one moment.” She spoke to her underlings to see what they had till, “There is a merchant in town that owes us a favor,” The cat stated, returning to normal volume. “We’ve been running off some of his competition for years now. We'll go talk to him and call in the favor. In the morning you and your companion will go and take ownership of a cart. We'll be stowed away in the undercarriage and the cart will be loaded with our liquidated assets in trade goods.”
Vito looked at Jessica. Getting the feeling he was looking for her input. She gave him an, “I don’t know” kind of shrug. Vito figured that’s how she would respond, but was grateful for it anyway. She was just a merchant's daughter after all, she didn’t have any experience dealing with thugs.
Reaching over and patting Jessica’s head protectively, Vito sat there for a few moments and absently scratching his jaw. 'A guild of thieves and spies. It would be a great advantage. Half of a four X game, hell any strategy game is the information you have. You can't make plans and strategize if you don't know what your opponent is doing.' Letting his inner strategist run wild, he analyzed the scenario, trying to get a grasp on possible outcomes. “Alright, you got yourself a deal,” Vito stated extending his hand, Muffin in turn accepting his hand and giving a firm shake. “You and your guild belong to me, and I will protect you.” Muffins nodded and looked up at Vito. “Also, I want you in general. Always had a soft spot for cats, I think it's time I got myself a special little pet.” The cat girls ears perked up in surprise, with a similar reaction from Jessica. He got up and moved around the table, and started to pet her ears. Muffins tried to pull away. Vito grinned and went after the underside of the girls ears almost instantly getting a loud purr. The girl got a few snickers from her crew but after a sharp look from their leader, they hushed up. “Alright shall we go over what's going to happen tomorrow in detail?” Vito asked. Muffins nodded, then went into details with the ideas of what they would have to do tomorrow to get them out of the village.
Come morning, Vito and Jessica woke in their shared room. After exchanging good mornings and getting ready for the day, they had breakfast down in the common room of the inn, nothing special but it was still decent. Once they were fed and ready to leave, Vito and Jessica made the trip to the market. It was still early, and the shopkeepers and other merchants were only just starting their days. Not many people were out just yet, a few early birds, looking for special early morning deals.
It wasn't too hard for Vito to spot the members of the enemy guild, now that he knew what to look for. To many people were idling around the plaza, window shopping, but obviously not interested in the wares on display. Stealthy figures kept tabs on anything that moved from shadowed alleyways and rooftops. The rival guild was already here, and in force. Still, Vito followed the plan. He knew that more than a few eyes would be on the new power player on the scene. Especially while hanging about in a small town market buying supplies.
Vito and Jessica met with the merchant in his shop. Inside was a stocky, opulently dressed man with well groomed black hair pulled into a tight ponytail. He was setting up a few items on display shelves when they walked in. It was not even a minute before the man turned to them. He greeted Vito, with a bit of false surprise.
“Hello, sir. You must be Vito. I’ve been expecting you. My name is William Danforth the second, but you can just call me Will.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” Vito said, extending his hand for a shake. Will grabbed the proffered hand and they shook with a firm grip.
“Your people have already been in touch, to tell me that you would be passing through and would be in need of supplies. I already have everything ready to go in a cart outside, if you wish to take a look. All that remains is to haggle.”
Vito and William talked money for a while, Jessica surprising Vito when she stepped in calling out an obviously over priced item. Vito knew it was just an act for the watching eyes, Will and Jessica’s practiced demeanor was impenetrable. So intently were they watched, that he could feel them burning into his back. Jessica and William’s back and forth was bought however. Vito knew that they were all fooled when he stopped feeling the eyes on his back.
Once the song and dance was done and a ‘price’ had been agreed upon, William shook Jessica's’ hand telling her quietly, “You’re good, I shudder to think what it would be like if I actually had to negotiate against you.” Vito told Will he had horses to hitch to the wagon, he nodded and after a moment had a runner sent to the stables to have the horses brought to the shop. Once the horses arrived the stable hands that brought the horses hitched them to the wagon then stowing the saddles inside it.
A quick knock from under one of the crates told Vito his special cargo was stowed away snugly already. It didn't take long after he and Jessica got into the cart to reach the gate on the other side of the village. Sure enough the gate was also being watched by more than just a few of the local guards. Vito almost didn’t notice them, but shady people were scattered all over the area, with all eyes glued to everyone coming and going from the gate. Vito took a moment and talked to the guards as they examined his cart, knowing they had most likely been paid off to help the guild look. Once they took a look at the dragon’s cargo and found nothing but trade goods and other supplies, they let him go.
Vito looked back almost an hour later. The village was now well behind them and was small on the horizon. Moments later, he heard a ‘thunk thunk’ from inside the cart. Vito looked around, making sure no one was around but themselves. Satisfied that there was no one following them, he knocked back. After a moment, a concealed hatch in the back of the cart slid open, and the three assassins pulled themselves out from the inside the crawl space. Muffins stretched into a yawn, seemingly having just awoken from a cat nap. Finishing her stretch, Muffin looked over to Vito and said excitedly, “We got away! It doesn’t even seem like they're following us!”
“Not yet,” Vito chuckled, “doubt it’ll take long though. I noticed several people who were not guards watching the gate. I can only assume they had people watching the other gate when we came in. Seeing as I didn't come into the city with a wagon, and suddenly bought a cart load of goods from a small town merchant, while staying at the cheapest inn last night had to appear suspicious to say the least.”
“I would agree,” Muffins said in agreement, only a touch of concern betrayed on her feline features. Leaning over the dividing wall between the cart and the drivers bench, she rested her head on Vito’s arm, tail swaying lazily back and forth. “It would be foolish to assume that a guild that rivaled mine wouldn’t notice we are no longer in town. They’d have to be blind. Still, I hope it at least bought us a day, maybe two. Anyway you kept your end, I'm yours now. Do you have a title or some kind of pet name you want me to call you by?”
Vito chuckled and reached over to pet Muffins ears, which made her knees knock together audibly. “Master is fine, or you can call me by my name, Vito. For those moments where things need to be more formal however, use ‘My Lord.’”
“No worries,” Muffin nodded, putting on a relaxed smile, “It won't be my first time working from someone playing a political game. I can read a situation and know when to keep it formal.” Muffin jumped over the back wall of the cart and into the front seat between him and Jessica. Muffins cuddled into Vito’s side. Vito smiled, rubbing muffin’s side before idly wondering how cat like she really was. He opted to see how she'd respond to a little petting. His hand slid down her side the same way he would any normal cat. He was a little more then surprised when she responded similar to how he would expect. Until he reached her lower back. A grin stole over his face. He wanted to test a particular reaction. He looked down at Muffin. She was purring, and she seemed as surprised with herself as Vito was. He pet his way to the base of her tail then gave it a tender rub. He expected to get a raising of her hips, to have them push back into him. What he got was a moan and a loud one at that.
Vito's hand retreated almost on the spot. Muffins’ cute cry drew the attention of Jessica, Tank, and Jacky. “He's good.” Tank teased with a chuckle. Jacky snickered her agreement as Muffin’s face lit up like a lantern.
'Ok, wasn't expecting that,’ Vito’s thought. ‘Guess there are differences between these catgirls and cats from my world.'
“Don’t do that!” Muffins snapped, her face still beet red, her ears now folding onto her head. “No one has ever pet my tail before.” Muffin stated sharply, but unable to contain the loud purr defiantly ringing out of her throat, “Not even sure how many people know that our tails are sensitive.” She looked up at him a dark red blush still across her face, “How did you even know about it?”
“Like I said,” He stopped to let out a nervous laugh. “I have a soft spot for cats, I've had more than a few of them as pets in my past.” Vito looked away for a moment scratching his nose ‘I should have expected it though, its only one of the biggest anime tropes when it comes to tails.’ Muffin looked up at him before letting out a loud sigh, opting to cuddle into him provided he kept away from her tail. Vito looked over a little while later more than a little surprised when he saw Jessica’s reaction. She had been rather close to him, till Muffin took her spot. It wasn’t hard to see she was jealous; she was pouting even. It was rather cute the way her cheeks were puffed out, looking away with her arms crossed over her chest. Vito couldn’t help but chuckle, looking back to the road once he caught Jessica looking at him with a bit of jealous longing, 'Huh, Muffin is going to be even more useful than I expected.' With his newest companion purring loudly as she laid her head on his shoulder, Vito drove his cart on his original objective still ahead of him.
~End of chapter~
