As for me… I was sitting on the ground and waiting for my anger to subside. Unsuccessfully. I could not get the image of Mr. Cedric out of my head. Frankly, no one had ever insulted me so much. Moreover— with such viciousness and uncompromising certainty. With blatant mockery in every word. I’m certainly not a psychologist, but Mr. Cedric certainly had an unhealthy psyche. The distinguished patron of a local land was not himself.
All my thoughts were directed in one place only- how to get into the estate and how to rob everything which comes to hand, including parts of the legendary set. If we don’t pull it off— at least to annoy him.
- Ros, you still haven’t explained why you want to… pay a visit to this man— said Bom in a deep voice, collecting acorns on all fours--- To rob by itself… there are so many goods there, that… eh…
- That’s right— nodded Cray, who apparently didn’t like me, I think due to the fact that my personality interested Kaylen— Nothing was explained. You’re leading us into the dark.
- You’re wrong there. Or you’re confusing something— I said grimly— Into the dark is when I’m either lying, or really didn’t say anything.
- And you are saying something?
- I am. I want to get to Mr. Cedric and take his loot. I was particularly interested in a few things, which are necessary to me for a quest and which this local isn’t giving to me. Asshole! Whoever wants to come with me will not be left without goods. But there may be problems. Serious problems. If we are caught red handed. The locals will immediately dislike us.
- The whole district will immediately dislike you— sounded a soft male voice, sounding from somewhere near the oak.
And the next moment I was convinced that I had correctly guessed the direction— from behind the oak quietly stepped out a tall figure wrapped in a dark cloak.
And I immediately made a face— another “Mr. Incognito.” In the flickering haze over his head there was no mention of any name, nor affiliation to any clan. And the face not visible— you can’t tell what race the player belongs to— and it’s definitely a player, not a “local.” A spy. High leveled and very well equipped. Just the kind I do not like— especially in light of recent events. I’m sick of these characters making themselves out to be several superheroes at once. Starting from Zorro and ending at Superman.
- Who are you? – I said straightforwardly, peering askance at the newcomer and wondering how much of what he doesn’t need to know he’d heard.
- A consultant— a hint of humor was heard in his voice— For a variety of dark deeds. And here is his good friend.
The newcomer pointed to the oak, from behind which immediately emerged the broadly-smiling Orbit.
- You brought someone? – I asked the bald elf, hoping to get a more truthful answer and to calm down a bit. So, this is where Orbit had gone. To fetch the “scout.”
- He’s sm-smart— Orbit said, wiping his mouth with his hand— But not int-teresting.
- Got it— I nodded, glancing at the rest of the audience— Clever, but unexciting, consultant of dark deeds. And why is he here?
- Allow me – gently intervened “Mr. Incognito” – I am a friend of Orbit. Specializing in complex matters. I am a professional of sorts, in these matters. And I came here in order to help. Him and yourself. Who I am— it doesn’t matter. I help Orbit, and he wants to help you. The rest is nonsense. Our bald friend already briefly and somewhat vaguely explained the situation to me and, standing behind the oak and listening, I found the missing details. So, do you want to hear the opinion of a skilled thief with experience?
Listening to the words of the consultant, I came to the conclusion that he really was clever. And well-mannered. And well versed in sieges. A familiar combination. If only his legs were thickly overgrown with hair, then his name might as well be Bilbo Baggins the hobbit.
- We are listening— I answered, and the others were silent, as though waiting for my affirmative answer.
The well-mannered thief had charmed and intrigued them. And hooked me too. What was clear— I had something to hide and something to fear. And I began to look differently at the bald eccentric elf— how did he know such “strong” personas? And more importantly— even if they were familiar, why would such high level characters drop everything and run off at the first call of this silly “baby”? However, I am also not of a very high level, but know many of the Albatross Clan… hmm…
While I meditated, the burglar sat down in the grass, straightened his hood to hide his head, and then began to speak:
- I understand the situation. You have to get into those lovely estates, whose high and impenetrable wall shines so charmingly in the sun. And to get there unnoticed. To get in there, get as much stuff as possible, and disappear just as quietly. Correct?
I nodded quietly, and the consultant continued his outlandish lecture:
- The problem is that this heist is not for your level and more importantly— you don’t have the money. The estate is securely protected. The main problem— you can’t teleport in or out. There is a dead zone inside the estate. You can leave it only by foot. And enter it the same way. Well, or riding on a beast. In general, without magic. More so— none of you can flash your gaming nicknames. If the guards detect you, I guarantee that the entire local population will be against you. A wild fall in reparation. All it takes is for a guard to see you, and even if you manage to get away, the local land will know it for a very long time. If you get caught, get ready for a very heavy fine— or to do free work for the benefit of society. In any case, you won’t be able to fix your reputation. In the worst case, you’ll become outcasts— the guard will chase you no matter where you go. I am saying all this so that you can clearly imagine the consequences. Especially if you are trying to raise your reputation in the future. The dirt will wash off with much, much difficulty.
- Sounds bad— murmured Doc quietly.
- Yeah— Cray supported him— We don’t need that! Kaylen, let’s get outta here. We didn’t sign up for this. Give me the glass…
- Huh? – she uttered in surprise— I personally did sign up for this. I’m going.
The mysterious consultant listened with obvious interest to the conversation between the dwarf an the woman.
- What do you mean, Kay? – the dwarf was defeated— Didn’t you hear what they’re saying? Do you need this? Come on I tell you.
- You’re going to tell me where, how, and with whom I play? – Kaylen lifted an eyebrow— Hm… are you like this in real life? I didn’t notice… were you pretending?
- O-o-o… -- drawled Bom, forgetting about acorns for the time.
And I put the final check— they know each other in real life. But still not as close at husband and wife. But surely Cray would have obviously liked that. But his attitude of hypertrophying and imperiousness would spoil everything. If he’s doing this in real life… how would it be in real life?
- No, of course! – the dwarf waved his hands— Just…
- Just? – asked the girl.
- I just really care about you… -- dully muttered cray, whose face was so red that it equaled the color of boiled beets.
- You’re so cute… - said the girl, and the dwarf blushed even more, so much that it seemed that his beard would burst into flames at any moment.
- But not int-teresting— the hairless elf added, breaking the calm.
- Go polish your head! – the dwarf hissed to the elf, flopping back down to the ground— Okay! We’re in business! Satisfied?! Huh, Ros? Happy now?
- Not really— I confessed, barely restraining a smile— But I’m glad that you changed your mind.
The short skirmish had been like a soothing balm. My mood was slightly increased. The anger did not go away, but it became more fun or… something…
If not for the sudden appearance of the mysterious figure, all would be cheered…
- What’s the matter? – Doc threw up his hands in surprise— Didn’t you hear him? We can hide our nicks and not
get caught! Not every thief can do this, and I, by the way, am not a thief but an honorable doctor!
- This is a problem which can be solved— reassured the consultant— But the choice is yours. Has anyone changed their mind?
- I’m in— I said briefly— I will be grateful for any information. But without obligation.
- I’m in— chirped Kaylen.
- And I – darkly muttered the dwarf.
- I’m with you guys-ss… -- drawled the elf.
- And me too! – blurted Doc— Me too! Maybe we can succeed in stealing just one golden candlestick. I’ve got no money after all…
- If you get caught, those things will be taken… - thoughtfully said Bom— We’ll lose the bag… armor… not cool…
- And this problem can also be solved— said the consultant— If you don’t bring it— you don’t lose it. Well? You in?
- Eh, okay! – the “ass” said – If I don’t lose anything— I’m always in! In short—I’m of the same opinion!
- Listen, why specifically are you doing this? – I asked, looking at the hidden face of the consultant— You’re practically persuading us.
- Because he wants me to— the mysterious personage nodded at the happily smiling Orbit— That’s the only reason. I do not want anything from you.
- I want to— agreed the elf— They killed the Twins… they are evil!
Right in the style of “Death to the Bourgeoisie!” which I was reading in the trailer, drowned in the Arctic ice.
- So should I continue? – said Orbit’s friend.
- Yeah— I shook my head. Maybe they are relatives? Hmm…
- None of you will be able to climb over that wall— continued the consultant— Not any thief can do this. To dig underneath— far too long and cumbersome. Gates— obviously a no. Therefore we must penetrate from above. From air. And to land of the roof of the main building.
- And leave!? And how do we leave the manor? – eagerly asked Doc— But preferably without shackles or prison uniforms! And without a ceremonial guard and prison doors at the end.
- Oh! – I didn’t see the face of the consultant, but could tell that he was obviously smiling— There is also a way. I’m sure that you will like it. But more on that later, as well as other important details. I want to clarify just once— you will never get to the famous collection of rarities. Never. Even I cannot get inside the vault, and I’m a skilled burglar. This means that if you intend to kidnap Cedric’s famous collection… just forget it as though it were a bad dream. Triple doors of enchanted metal, complicated locks, magical security systems, guardians… in short, the vault has never been breached. Somewhere about a year ago, a skilled set of thieves bypassed the security system and the traps. They managed to open only the first two doors. They almost got to the third door and immediately died, sent back straight to the place of rebirth. You will not be able to open even the first door. Candlesticks, paintings, and wall and bedside decorations and even the bed itself— you can get it. But Cedric’s collection… forget it and do not think about it.
- That’s what it’s called? – I asked, trying not to give away my frustration.
Hm. Well, it’s clear that Cedric won’t keep his beloved collection in the middle of the main banquet hall.
But a whole underground storage facility… what is it that he keeps there?
- What is what called?
- Cedric’s Collection— I said, trying to decide whether it isn’t time to cancel the undertaking, already doomed to failure. For I knew that there was no point now.
- Yes. That’s what it’s called— confirmed the consultant— Cedric’s Collection. Sometimes, these things are put on display in Algora. From there, by the way, it’s easier to steal them, easier than from the native storage. Or to take them by power… if one has power enough.
- Candlesticks will do! – said Bom cheerfully-- Golden ones! And silver as well! Copper isn’t bad too… and you can sell it all!
- Maybe there’s a library there— swallowed Doc— with rare books on medicine. Or spell scrolls lying on the floor… or a pile of coins… not very big pile of course, but not too small… so the poor doctor would have enough to buy something for himself, but not too expensive of course…
- Petty thoughts! – Bom stuck out his lip disdainfully— Coins… scrolls… dirty pants… a doormat… No! We’ll take all the candlesticks and sell them! And then buy all that we like!
- Well! – the consultant stood up and rubbed his hands together— A gang of brave burglars assembled! Excitement! Fun! Mutual responsibility! And now, let’s start cooking!
- What, right now? – I blurted out.
- Only in the daytime— reiterated the consultant— In the night there are extremely vicious guards within the grounds. In the day there’s no one— at least, on the upper floors. Especially now…
- Why?
- That is why— the unnamed player pointed to the manor.
Looking in that direction we say a large cavalry of guards surrounding a gilded carriage drawn by four bay horses.
Mr. Cedric was leaving for the capital. On a hurry to the reception of the King… as always, on the road, surrounded by local soldiers. This perhaps in order to allow “bad” players to carry out an attack on an important “local”. So as to give a chance for “bad guys” to play “highway robbers.”
- Most of the guards are leaving with Mr. Cedric— the consultant confirmed my thoughts— Now is the time to pull off a small but profitable little heist! Well… let’s start, perhaps! To begin— I ask everyone to strip!
- Huh?! – the entire group voiced at once.
- You heard right! – nodded the professional burglar— Please remove all our things and put them here, together with your own backpacks.
To our feet fell a few ordinary bags, crude and carelessly stitched. But clean. And neatly folded.
- Just to clarify— said the consultant— I don’t need your belongings. But if you are killed— your outfits and other items will remain on your bodied. And this is not at all desirable, right? I promise to keep your things safe and return them to you at the end of your ummm… your mission. If anyone doubts my honesty— you’re welcome to port to your personal rooms, leave everything of value, and then return. But quickly.
- Eh— I muttered, taking off my shoes— Nothing valuable here. For you, anyway.
- I noticed— said the consultant.
- So we’ll go naked?— blurted Doc in surprise—Maybe we can leave our pants?
- Not naked— reassured the consultant, in whose voice a smile could be heard— You can leave your pants. But this is optional. You’ll have the diapers. Secondly, in each of these bags, you’ll find there is a cloak. A good-quality garment perfect for masking nakedness. Please, try them on.
Removing the last of my clothing, I tried to keep a calm expression on my face with all my might.
I desperately wanted to fall into the grass, flail around in it with wild laughter, and then straighten up and send it all to hell— this strange comedy— and proudly retire to my own business.
But I was silent and obediently undressed.
It was too late to back out. I had put myself into the position of leading this crazy business, and myself infected everyone with the appetite. They would not understand. Or they would send me straight to hell, and it would be well-deserved.
So I took off everything except the diaper and bent down to the bag at my feet. The consultant hadn’t lied. Inside was a long skirted cloak of a black material, with a row of big buttons and a high collar.
Chuckling, I pulled the robe on and could not hold back a muffled laugh.
The cloak hid me almost completely— only my head remained uncovered.
- Just lovely— nodded the consultant— Understated, yet stylish. Right?
- Complete crap— the massive Bom didn’t agree, tugging on the same exact outfit— As though we’ve escaped from a psychiatric ward.
- There are good people the
re, too— the consultant shrugged and turned to the naked gnome Cray— Sir, what are you doing?
We all simultaneously turned our heads to Cray. Then I immediately turned away to hide a smile spreading across my face.
Cray was covering up Kaylen, who was changing, and was not very good for the purpose due to his height. And why, anyway? We aren’t in the “real” world. We’re in Valdira.
- Do you not see? – muttered the dwarf.
- Hmm… -- spoke the consultant— I see… but I do not understand… well, I’ll leave you to it.
- Cray, maybe enough with playing the fool? – Kaylen hissed angrily, tugging on her coat— It’s not really me! Well, me, of course, but not real… damn, now I’m confused… anyway— enough with this nonsense and get into your cloak!
- You might as well also… -- chuckling, Bom began, but I interrupted him sharply:
- Bom!
After waiting for the half orc to look at me, I said:
- Don’t. They’ll figure it out themselves.
Oh! I got a small glance of approval from Cray. If not good, at least not hostile. Progress!
- Already sorted – said the woman cheerfully, and turning herself around— New outfit! For a robber! Cool! Cray, take a picture! A few times!
- All dressed? Great— encouraged the consultant— Now check inside your pockets. Those in your coats.
Looking in my pockets, I fished out a thin chain of strange dark metal and a mask. Generally fun stuff…
- This – confirmed the mysterious player— Is the final element. Now put everything back and listen to me carefully. The hat and the chain you will put on only at the last moment. The magic will work and you will have exactly half an hour of pure anonymity. At this time, your gaming nickname will disappear, your level, and any other information. But half an hour! Orbit, be a good lad, put everything back into your pocket!
- You’re int-terest-ting… -- said the bald elf, putting his hat back into the coat pocket.
- The magic is one-time only— continued the consultant— If you take off the mask, cloak or chain ahead of time— the anonymity disappears and doesn’t reappear. Developed by some clever guys for one time usage only. I’m saying this so that you know— don’t take off your disguise ahead of time. Clothe before landing, take off after departure.
The Way of the Clan 4 (World of Valdira) Page 7