by Logan Jacobs
“Don’t lose ‘em.” Selius grinned.
“I think I can manage, halfling.” Ava smirked as she put on her hood. “I better get going, but I’ll remain in touch with you as much as I can.”
“Good,” I said as I watched Ava move toward the stable door. “Stay safe and see you soon.”
“Of course.” Ava nodded, opened the door, and vanished outside.
“I’m finally leaving too,” I said as I gestured toward the door.
“Lemme go with ya!” Selius shouted. “I ain’t a girly painter.”
“What makes painting girly?” Penny wondered.
“I didn’t mean … I just don’t wanna paint,” Selius looked up at me. “I think I can help Wade more.”
“How so, kid?” I asked.
“I have an idea where you can find Wilimar.” Selius raised his eyebrows at me.
“You know him?” I asked.
“I do,” Selius replied as he bobbed up and down on his toes. “Not well, but I’d know where to find him.”
“Hmm,” I turned to face Cimarra and then glanced to Penny. “Do you mind if I take him with me?”
“Not at all,” Cimarra said with a smirk.
“I’ll make sure and save a few spots for him,” Penny added.
“No need, Penny, really.” Selius stepped closer to me and widened his eyes. “So, am I goin’ with ya?”
“Yep.” I nodded. “You’ll come with me while Penny and Cimarra stay focused on anything theatre-related.”
“Will do.” Cimarra nodded.
“Selius, grab anything you might need, and let’s get a move on.” I nudged the kid toward his hooded cloak on the table. “We don’t have a wagon, so we’re walking.”
“Got it, boss.” Selius scurried over toward the table and threw on his brown hooded cloak over his long green tunic. “I’m ready.”
“Alright.” I waved for the kid to follow me. “We’ll meet you guys back here tonight.”
“Be safe.” Cimarra blew me a kiss.
“You too.” I smirked toward both of the women and stepped out of the stables.
Then it was just Selius and me walking down the road toward the Halfling District. I hadn’t been back since the night Dar and I stayed on a roof running from the elves, but I doubted that would be the case again for me and Selius today.
“You said you didn’t know Wilimar well, but you do know him, right?” I asked Selius as we passed the hanging bodies on the corner of the street.
“Ya,” Selius began. “Before I joined the guild, he was wantin’ me to join his crew.”
“Is that so?” I mused as I shielded my face from the bright setting sun. It looked like the night elves had the advantage today. “Why did you even join the guild?”
“I thought I’d make something more of myself, ya know?” Selius wiped his nose with the back of his arm. “Plus, gang life seemed pretty borin’ from what I’ve heard.”
“How so?” I asked.
I wanted to get as much info as I could about Wilimar and his crew of alley pups. They were around forty in halfling years, so that made them around ten in human years. Not the most intimidating bunch, but they were effective in their methods.
“They try to earn anythin’ doin’ stupid jobs, thievin’ anyone they can, and sittin’ around a lot,” Selius said. “That’s why I think this job you’re offerin’ them will be perfect if they want to make some good coin.”
“I hope,” I breathed, and then rubbed my hands together. “So, where do you think they’d be hanging out now?”
“Um,” Selius scratched at his neck, “it’s evening, so they’re probably scroungin’ for some food somewhere.”
“Any idea where they like to eat?” I wondered.
I thought it was interesting how Wilimar lived like an orphan even though he had a mom and home to go back to every night. If I had my choice, I wouldn’t pick the orphan life, that’s for sure. There were many nights my stomach rumbled from hunger, and there was no pillow to lay my head on. I wasn’t bitter about the hard times, though, because those difficult times made me the man I was today.
“Let’s try Eloy’s Bakery, it’s close to Guilder Street,” Selius suggested and licked his lips. “I used to eat there a few times a week before the guild went to shit.”
“Alright then, lead the way, kid,” I said as I nudged him with my elbow.
We continued our journey toward the Halfling District, and I could tell Selius was getting more nervous the closer we got. I wasn’t sure if it was because of Wilimar and his crew of ruffians, or if it was because I was with him.
Either way, I thought it was good that he was out with me doing this. I needed the kid to toughen up a bit. I wasn’t exactly worried about him, but if shit got crazy, I wanted to make sure he could handle his own.
“We almost there?” I asked.
“Eh,” Selius paused in the middle of the street and mumbled to himself, “yeah, yeah. Guilder is over there, so this is right. Yeah, follow me.”
“Okay.” I gestured to the kid to keep going.
“Not too much further,” Selius said as he looked over his shoulder at me, “trust me.”
“I trust you,” I replied before I looked around the street we were on and recognized it. “Hey, this isn’t too far from where we met the twins.”
“Exactly, exactly.” Selius nodded. “It’s on the same street, we are just coming from the opposite end.”
“Ah, okay,” I said as we passed some industrial warehouses and some run-down metal shacks for homes. “Is this the brother’s bakery?”
“Naw,” Selius shook his head, “this is another one, and between you and me … this one is way better.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” I chuckled as I continued to think about the twin brothers. There didn’t seem to be any elven presence in the area, so it seemed to be the perfect time to pay them another visit and remind them of our original deal. “You think they are at the hall?”
“Who?” Selius asked.
“The twins,” I replied.
“Not sure.” Selius shrugged. “You’re better off catchin’ them in the mornin’ time unless you schedule a meetin’ with ‘em.”
“Okay,” I said, “I think we’ll need to do that soon.”
“I can set somethin’ up for ya if ya like?” Selius stopped and faced me.
“That would be great, kid,” I confirmed.
“Consider it done.” Selius grinned wide and then gestured to the building in front of us. “This is Eloy’s.”
“Perfect,” I said as I looked over the two-story bakery. It was a simple-looking place with a multi-colored awning stretched above the front glass window with ‘Eloy’s stenciled in gold writing. It looked like the actual bakery was on the first level and maybe an apartment was on the second. There were also a few halflings outside leaned up against the front wall of the structure. “Wait, it’s closing?”
“Huh, no, no, Eloy stays open late.” Selius stepped closer to the bakery.
“That sign in the window says it’s ‘going out of business.’” I nodded toward the sign.
“Ah, shit,” Selius’ shoulders drooped, “this was a great place.”
“Well, let’s go in then and see if Wilimar shows up,” I suggested as I looked around, but I didn’t see the kid or his gang anywhere.
“Really?” Selius squeaked. “To eat?”
“Sure,” I said as I rubbed my stomach. “I’m hungry myself.”
“They have the best cheese bagels in the realm,” Selius gushed as he jogged toward the front door.
“Alright, let’s try it out,” I said as I followed the halfling, but as I did, I heard some ruckus near the side alley like someone was rummaging through papers.
I paused and started to turn toward the sound, but then Selius’ voice caught my attention.
“C’mon,” Selius urged me forward, and we walked inside the bakery.
Just like the outside of the building, the inside w
as nothing special, but it was in pristine condition. There were new wooden floors, a polished stone counter, and a few wooden tables near the glass window.
“Smells amazing in here,” I commented as I sniffed the air that smelled like fresh bread and sweet cream.
“I know,” Selius replied as he sniffed, too. “I wonder if Eloy is in the back baking?”
“You allowed to peek your head in there and see?” I asked as I pointed to the aged door behind the counter where I assumed the kitchen was.
“Should I?” Selius looked at me with fearful eyes.
“Couldn’t hurt,” I said with a shrug.
Suddenly, a loud rattle of steel trays fell to the ground and echoed from the back room. So, without thinking, I jumped over the counter and opened the kitchen door as if I owned the place.
“Are you okay?” I called out as soon as I entered the room, but I didn’t see anyone. There was a “U” shaped countertop throughout the kitchen, and the trays looked like they fell from a cooling rack that was on the counter.
“Wade?” Selius whispered and then followed me inside the kitchen.
“Stay behind me, kid.” I gestured for him to keep back. I wasn’t sure what we were about to walk in on, so I rested my hand on my dagger hilt and continued to walk forward to the far end that opened up into another room.
This second room contained two giant metallic cylinders against the wall. They looked just like our elephant tubs, but a bit bigger.
“You tryin’ to steal from me, you fucking kids!” a raspy voice screamed from a hallway on our left.
“Wade, let’s get out of here,” Selius chirped nervously from behind me.
“He’s not talking to us,” I answered and turned to where the raspy voice came from. “Are you okay?”
“Who’s there?” the raspy voice replied.
I moved down the hallway, and then I saw the back of a halfling chef holding two other halflings in a chokehold.
“Do you need help?” I asked. “I heard the crash and thought you were hurt.”
“Aye, not hurt, just got my hands full, human,” the chef grunted as he turned around and faced me. Sweat and flour covered his leathery face, and his thin nose dripped with a line of blood.
“Let us go!” one of the halflings under the chef’s arm growled.
“Looks like you caught yourself some troublemakers,” I chuckled as I pointed to the one under his left arm. “Hey there, Wilimar.”
Chapter 4
“Troublemakers?” the chef scoffed. “More like thieves. These two are the ones putting me outta business.”
“Wade? Selius?” Wilimar Bindle’s mouse-like face was strained as he tried to break free from the chef’s headlock. “What’re you guys doing here?”
“Long time no see.” I smirked. “We’re looking for you.”
“Lemme go!” Wilimar screeched at the chef. “Can’t you see they know me?”
“I ain’t letting you go, rotten bastard,” the chef snarled and tightened his grip around both of the kids’ throats. “I’ve been tryin’ to catch you for an entire month.”
“Do somethin’!” Wilimar pleaded as his oval eyes stared right at me.
“Yeah, do something, guy!” Wilimar’s partner shouted. This kid was missing one eye and had two big front teeth like a rabbit’s.
“You reap what you sow.” I shrugged.
I wanted them to know what it felt like to be caught for once. Wilimar was always escaping consequences, and I learned early on the best thing for someone doing any kind of skulduggery was to get caught at least once. Once caught, that feeling never leaves. Instead, it sits at the back of the mind, but if that feeling is listened to, it’ll keep you careful.
That’s exactly what kept a thief, like me, sharp enough to avoid capture. It didn’t matter if it was a thief, blackmailer, or scammer if they gave up after being caught. If they did, then they never should’ve been doing it to begin with. So, I wanted to see how Wilimar would respond.
If this didn’t bug him out, then he’d most likely be more focused for the next time.
“What the hell, Wade?” Wilimar squirmed, twisted his head around, and tried to bite down on the chef’s hand.
“You’ll stop moving if you know what’s good for you.” The chef moved his hand out of the way, and then he tugged both of the halflings past us into the room with the two large cylinders. “One whole month, you’ve robbed me blind, but not anymore!”
“Wade!” Wilimar shouted through gritted teeth. “He’ll kill us!”
At first, I didn’t think the chef would do anything but smack them around a bit. Because the alternative was to report them to the Elven Guard, and that either meant death, or some kind of elven torture. I rarely saw someone report another of the same race, though.
“Wait until the elves get a hold of you,” the chef chuckled. “Hey, human, go find me some guards while I make sure these two don’t move.”
It looked like I was wrong.
“See!” Wilimar’s eyes filled with tears.
Ah, fuck.
“I can’t do that, chef,” I sighed. “Listen, I know these two. I’ll rough them up a bit and teach them to never do this again, okay?”
“You gotta be kiddin’ me,” the chef barked. “Do what I say, human!”
I really didn’t want to kill this guy. He had every right to be pissed off. But, if he forced my hand, I’d have to do it. I needed Wilimar alive and well.
“I can’t do that,” I said again. “I’ll gladly pay for whatever they stole from you. Just don’t get the elves involved.”
“You, tiny halfling, go get the elves!” The chef nodded toward Selius, who was leaned against the counter in the other room closest to the door. “This human is apparently deaf and dumb!”
“Mr. Eloy, sir,” Selius pushed off the counter, “Wade here is good on his word. He’ll pay you for whatever they stole.”
“Just let ‘em both go, and I’ll pay you for your trouble, chef,” I said again as I stepped closer.
“It’ll be at least five silver worth,” Eloy sneered before he stepped back and kept the halflings in his grasp. “No way a human has that kind of coin.”
“It’s your lucky day,” I said as I reached into my pouch on my trousers and jingled the coins with my fingers. “I’ve got it.”
“Lemme see,” Eloy demanded as he licked his lips.
“Then you’ll let them go, right?” I pointed to Wilimar and his partner.
“Argh…” The chef glanced down to the boys in his arms. “And you won’t steal from me again?”
“There’s nothing left to steal,” Wilimar snarled. “You’re goin’ outta business anyway.”
“Why you little--” The chef started to walk toward the door, but I stopped him with my hand.
“Shut your mouth you fuckin imp!” I leaned down and yelled in Wilimar’s face. “Chef, five silver, and they won’t do this to you again.”
“I want to hear it from them,” the leathery faced halfling grunted.
“Fair enough,” I said as I widened my eyes at Wilimar. “Say it.”
“We won’t steal from you,” Wilimar’s partner groaned.
“We won’t…” Wilimar sighed but trailed off.
“Say it!” the chef bellowed as he squeezed Wilimar’s neck tighter.
“Fuck,” the impish halfling wheezed. “We won’t steal from you ever again, alright!”
“Good,” the chef said as he tossed both of the halflings over to me. “Now, get them the hell away from me.”
“Go stand over by Selius.” I shoved both of them over and then reached into my pouch. “Five silver, like I said.”
“Very well.” The chef snatched the silver from my hand and then eyed me. “Get the fuck outta here, too.”
“Fine,” I breathed and steadied my hand near my blade. “We’re going.”
I wanted to ask about the metal cylinders, and the kitchen to get an idea of how much he paid for a place like this.
I struggled to believe he was about to go out of business. From what Selius said about his bagels and this expensive equipment, this bakery didn’t scream desperation.
Maybe I could still ask, just not yet, though.
So, I grabbed Wilimar by the collar and walked outside with my new gang of halfling kids.
“That’s two times I’ve saved your life,” I said as I tossed the devilish kid into the muddy street, “and now you cost me five silver.”
“Where you getting that kind of coin these days?” Wilimar asked and brushed the dirt off from his ripped trousers.
“Not even a thank you?” I arched my eyebrow and raised two fingers. “Two times, you could’ve died.”
“Thank you,” Wilimar’s buck-toothed friend said as he extended his hand toward mine. “The name is Olly.”
“What happened to you, Olly?” I asked as I shook his tiny hand.
“Whattya mean?” Olly glared at me with his one eye.
“Never mind, it doesn’t matter,” I replied. “At least you have some manners. You know Selius?”
“Yeah, I know him.” Olly nodded toward Selius.
“Good.” I nodded. “You want to make some good coin, Olly?”
“Hey, wait a second!” Wilimar stepped in front of his friend. “I’m sorry, Wade, seriously, thank you for saving my life.”
“How many times?” I prodded.
“Damm it, two times!” Wilimar groaned as he pushed Olly aside. “I’m your man if you need something done.”
“I’ll actually need a few of your crew,” I said. “How many you got runnin’ with ya these days?”
“Depends on what we’re doin.’” Wilimar shrugged.
“Alright, well, I’m paying five copper a week.” I jingled my pouch at my side. “Still interested?”
“What’re we doin’?” the halfling insisted.
“Finding someone for me,” I replied.
“Make it fifteen copper then,” Wilimar said as he extended his hand toward me.
“Ten,” I offered.
“Deal,” Wilimar said as he shook my hand. “So, who or what are we finding for ya?”
“I’ll need you and a few others to first find, and then follow, someone very important to me,” I said as I knelt down to get on face level with Wilimar.