EZ_Minz
06-13-00, 12:40 PM
She approached me at a seedy bar in North Freeport. "You are a thief, no?"
Eyeing her cautiously, I nodded. A hood covered her face, revealing only a chin and mouth
of obvious middle age.
"I have a task for you, if you are up to it. I can pay you well," and she plopped a heavy
purse on the bar. Eyes turned. Sizing up the situation, and returned to their drinks.
"Tell me of your task," I said
"Bring me the ivory chest of Sir Azzwyp & I shall reward thee well," she said. She slid the
purse to me and said, "Ten-fold shall be your reward when you put the chest in my hands."
Nothing more.
I found out she had sought the thief Dloc, but reconsidered it. Dloc's name being a bit too
well known after his recent raid on a notable Paladin of Freeport.
================================================== ===================
The cottage, and more importantly the cottage defenses, were deceiving. The grounds were
surrounded by a low wall of limestone. One could literally step over it. But in doing so, an
alarm of some sort sounded. Bringing 9 paladins in full armor running.
"Words of warning, or some other spell. Great!"
Worse yet, the pallies weren't giving chase. The held their ground, making sure to not be
drawn away from their posts. I hid from them easily, marking their spots and routs.
"Well, there goes plans A and B. No direct approach and no luring the guards away." I said
sourly.
I attempted to gain access by bringing supplies to sell. And yet I was brusquely turned
away.
That left the cliff. The cottage faced the sea on one side. Yet this was no trip to the beach.
Nay it sat on a cliff of at least 75 feet, if not more. The sheer face of the wall was
deceiving. Though a daunting task, the climb was possible. Not an easy task though.
The house itself was nothing extravagant.
"I've stolen from grander places than this," I thought to my self. It was a low two-story
cottage of earthen walls with oak trim. It was surrounded by flowers and odd statuettes
Inside the house was opulent. Almost decadent. Inlaid wood tables. Finely oppolstered
chairs. Pillows and cushions of colors I'd never seen. "Must be a parlor of some sort," I
whispered to myself.
Even at this hour of dark of night, the house was well lit. Crystal sconces holding fine white
candles hung on the wall at 5-foot intervals. The room seemed to shimmer in their soft light.
Tempting as it was, my "patron" gave specific instructions - take nothing but the box.
'Enough gaping,' I though to myself. 'Those guards are still about.'
I set about my search. The cottage was small enough, nine rooms and an attic, five on the
first floor and 3 on a second floor. It should not take too long. Plenty of time before the
pallies sweep through the house.
The parlor was clear. Through the arched doorway lay a fine dinning room. Within it lay a
massive oak table, with ornately turned legs. Upon the table were 8 settings of shimmering
silver. Knives, forks and an assortment of other odd looking utensils. Against the South wall
was a large cabinet, carved in a manner to match the table. Quietly, I opened the
chambers; yet again I was disappointed to find not what I was looking for.
The kitchen and larder yielded nothing as well. Entering what had to be the den, my hopes
rose.
'Aye, this is the place,' I silently though. Shelves running from floor to ceiling covered three
of the four walls in the small room. Books and books sat on each shelf, leaving not a mote of
empty space. A small writing table sat in one corner and a soft, well-used leather chair
adorned the other. Next to the chair sat a small shelf with what was undoubtedly a humidor
full of fine pipe tobacco. "This I cannot resist! Surely my patron will forgive this small thing."
I opened the wooden canister. The aroma was euphoric! Lush with latikia and xanthith, it
was both flowery and spicy. In my pack it went.
Despite this find, the ivory chest was not to be seen.
Adjacent was a large open room strewn with childrens' playthings. A smile flitted across my
face, and I set out for the stairs. Silently I stalked up the stairs. They were wide enough for
two to walk abreast, yet I clung to the wall. Reaching their precipice, I paused. The hushed
breath of sleep could be heard from three of the four rooms.
I chose the empty room first, knowing that it was the nannies quarters, and she was on the
town tonight. An odd place to keep a treasure, yet this mark had proved to be a wily sort. I
took nothing for granted. The furniture was plain and sturdy. Yet the craftsmanship of it was
unmistakable. The drawers slid silently open to reveal . . . stockings. *sigh* On to the next.
Within the first childrens' room, two boys lay sleeping. The oldest was no more than 10.
Their chest rising and falling in time. Their beds were of an odd sort, with one atop another.
The legs of the upper bed, that should have rested on the ground rested on the lower bed
instead! 'Ingenious', I thought. A thorough search revealed nothing.
Finally, to the masters chambers. The large room was encumbered by a sturdy oak framed
bed, two chests and a chiffero. Within the bed, the master lay. Next to him a small waif of a
lady drowsed. Half his age if that. Her soft smooth features were in stark contrast to his
aged and scared body. Moonlight bathed her face, the soft fullness of her breasts, her bare
leg that hung over the bed's edge.
Noting the short sword near the master's bedside, I promptly resumed my business. The first
chest lay at the far end of the room. It opened easily and quietly, revealing the lady's finery.
The second chest and the chiffero held the same. A small closet held the masters clothes as
well as more of the lady's. 'Where can this prize be??'
Staring at the draped leg of the lady I caught sight of a mottled white corner. 'Under the
bed? Who keeps valuable under their bed?' The sheer contrast of the pallies, traps and spells
guarding the house and the hiding of a prize under the bed made me chuckle inwardly.
Slowly, I edged toward the case. After checking for traps or other trigger, I began to slide
the case out of its "hiding place."
A slight sniff emitted from the lady. "Mmmf . . . take you . . . yucky . . . pipe elsewhere
dear." She began to rouse! Her eyes snapped open. Dark brown orbs tinted with fear.
Beautiful to behold.
A quick hand to her mouth silenced her gasp. And a blade to her throat told held all motion in
check.
Her cheeks became flushed. As red as roses in bloom.
Freight filled her eyes.
I could feel her full lips quiver under my hand.
A quick flick of the wrist and it was done.
No gasp escaped. I held her mouth tight as the lifeblood flowed from her open throat. Fear
rose and ebbed within her palpable. Pleading 'no no no make it not so '
The life faded away into nothingness. She lay still.
'No time to loose. Her body will cool and awake her lover.' I slid the long ivory box from under
the bed and slinked out. Through the back. down the path. Making sure to keep an eye out
for the pallies. "Bastards never slept!" I cursed under my breath.
Over the cliff's edge, and into town.
My "patron" was joyous at the sight of the chest. She laid out the platinum mirthfully. And
her joy rose even high as I told her of what had become of the lady.
"I could not have asked for more!!!" She bellowed laughter as she double the sum she had
given me. "Sir Azzwyp lives though." I nodded "You have done more for my revenge that I
had though possible!" My stomach tuned as I recalled the life fading from the frail eyes.
"OOOH, what a marvelous thief you are!" Her voice dripped with venom. "His children, do
they still live??" She asked eagerly.
"Yes, they live," I spat, and pored his blood money back on the table.
"What?" She asked. Clearly confused. Yet I replied nothing and simply left him at the table,
not looking back.
Outside, I could feel the bile rising in my throat. Blackness filled my eyes as I wretched.
"What vileness is this Minz?" I asked myself "What shall you do to undo this black deed." Minz Elandril
Jester of the Order of the Elder Dragons
*Wooosh*
"Hey was that just Minz?"
Runner of the Hills
Eyeing her cautiously, I nodded. A hood covered her face, revealing only a chin and mouth
of obvious middle age.
"I have a task for you, if you are up to it. I can pay you well," and she plopped a heavy
purse on the bar. Eyes turned. Sizing up the situation, and returned to their drinks.
"Tell me of your task," I said
"Bring me the ivory chest of Sir Azzwyp & I shall reward thee well," she said. She slid the
purse to me and said, "Ten-fold shall be your reward when you put the chest in my hands."
Nothing more.
I found out she had sought the thief Dloc, but reconsidered it. Dloc's name being a bit too
well known after his recent raid on a notable Paladin of Freeport.
================================================== ===================
The cottage, and more importantly the cottage defenses, were deceiving. The grounds were
surrounded by a low wall of limestone. One could literally step over it. But in doing so, an
alarm of some sort sounded. Bringing 9 paladins in full armor running.
"Words of warning, or some other spell. Great!"
Worse yet, the pallies weren't giving chase. The held their ground, making sure to not be
drawn away from their posts. I hid from them easily, marking their spots and routs.
"Well, there goes plans A and B. No direct approach and no luring the guards away." I said
sourly.
I attempted to gain access by bringing supplies to sell. And yet I was brusquely turned
away.
That left the cliff. The cottage faced the sea on one side. Yet this was no trip to the beach.
Nay it sat on a cliff of at least 75 feet, if not more. The sheer face of the wall was
deceiving. Though a daunting task, the climb was possible. Not an easy task though.
The house itself was nothing extravagant.
"I've stolen from grander places than this," I thought to my self. It was a low two-story
cottage of earthen walls with oak trim. It was surrounded by flowers and odd statuettes
Inside the house was opulent. Almost decadent. Inlaid wood tables. Finely oppolstered
chairs. Pillows and cushions of colors I'd never seen. "Must be a parlor of some sort," I
whispered to myself.
Even at this hour of dark of night, the house was well lit. Crystal sconces holding fine white
candles hung on the wall at 5-foot intervals. The room seemed to shimmer in their soft light.
Tempting as it was, my "patron" gave specific instructions - take nothing but the box.
'Enough gaping,' I though to myself. 'Those guards are still about.'
I set about my search. The cottage was small enough, nine rooms and an attic, five on the
first floor and 3 on a second floor. It should not take too long. Plenty of time before the
pallies sweep through the house.
The parlor was clear. Through the arched doorway lay a fine dinning room. Within it lay a
massive oak table, with ornately turned legs. Upon the table were 8 settings of shimmering
silver. Knives, forks and an assortment of other odd looking utensils. Against the South wall
was a large cabinet, carved in a manner to match the table. Quietly, I opened the
chambers; yet again I was disappointed to find not what I was looking for.
The kitchen and larder yielded nothing as well. Entering what had to be the den, my hopes
rose.
'Aye, this is the place,' I silently though. Shelves running from floor to ceiling covered three
of the four walls in the small room. Books and books sat on each shelf, leaving not a mote of
empty space. A small writing table sat in one corner and a soft, well-used leather chair
adorned the other. Next to the chair sat a small shelf with what was undoubtedly a humidor
full of fine pipe tobacco. "This I cannot resist! Surely my patron will forgive this small thing."
I opened the wooden canister. The aroma was euphoric! Lush with latikia and xanthith, it
was both flowery and spicy. In my pack it went.
Despite this find, the ivory chest was not to be seen.
Adjacent was a large open room strewn with childrens' playthings. A smile flitted across my
face, and I set out for the stairs. Silently I stalked up the stairs. They were wide enough for
two to walk abreast, yet I clung to the wall. Reaching their precipice, I paused. The hushed
breath of sleep could be heard from three of the four rooms.
I chose the empty room first, knowing that it was the nannies quarters, and she was on the
town tonight. An odd place to keep a treasure, yet this mark had proved to be a wily sort. I
took nothing for granted. The furniture was plain and sturdy. Yet the craftsmanship of it was
unmistakable. The drawers slid silently open to reveal . . . stockings. *sigh* On to the next.
Within the first childrens' room, two boys lay sleeping. The oldest was no more than 10.
Their chest rising and falling in time. Their beds were of an odd sort, with one atop another.
The legs of the upper bed, that should have rested on the ground rested on the lower bed
instead! 'Ingenious', I thought. A thorough search revealed nothing.
Finally, to the masters chambers. The large room was encumbered by a sturdy oak framed
bed, two chests and a chiffero. Within the bed, the master lay. Next to him a small waif of a
lady drowsed. Half his age if that. Her soft smooth features were in stark contrast to his
aged and scared body. Moonlight bathed her face, the soft fullness of her breasts, her bare
leg that hung over the bed's edge.
Noting the short sword near the master's bedside, I promptly resumed my business. The first
chest lay at the far end of the room. It opened easily and quietly, revealing the lady's finery.
The second chest and the chiffero held the same. A small closet held the masters clothes as
well as more of the lady's. 'Where can this prize be??'
Staring at the draped leg of the lady I caught sight of a mottled white corner. 'Under the
bed? Who keeps valuable under their bed?' The sheer contrast of the pallies, traps and spells
guarding the house and the hiding of a prize under the bed made me chuckle inwardly.
Slowly, I edged toward the case. After checking for traps or other trigger, I began to slide
the case out of its "hiding place."
A slight sniff emitted from the lady. "Mmmf . . . take you . . . yucky . . . pipe elsewhere
dear." She began to rouse! Her eyes snapped open. Dark brown orbs tinted with fear.
Beautiful to behold.
A quick hand to her mouth silenced her gasp. And a blade to her throat told held all motion in
check.
Her cheeks became flushed. As red as roses in bloom.
Freight filled her eyes.
I could feel her full lips quiver under my hand.
A quick flick of the wrist and it was done.
No gasp escaped. I held her mouth tight as the lifeblood flowed from her open throat. Fear
rose and ebbed within her palpable. Pleading 'no no no make it not so '
The life faded away into nothingness. She lay still.
'No time to loose. Her body will cool and awake her lover.' I slid the long ivory box from under
the bed and slinked out. Through the back. down the path. Making sure to keep an eye out
for the pallies. "Bastards never slept!" I cursed under my breath.
Over the cliff's edge, and into town.
My "patron" was joyous at the sight of the chest. She laid out the platinum mirthfully. And
her joy rose even high as I told her of what had become of the lady.
"I could not have asked for more!!!" She bellowed laughter as she double the sum she had
given me. "Sir Azzwyp lives though." I nodded "You have done more for my revenge that I
had though possible!" My stomach tuned as I recalled the life fading from the frail eyes.
"OOOH, what a marvelous thief you are!" Her voice dripped with venom. "His children, do
they still live??" She asked eagerly.
"Yes, they live," I spat, and pored his blood money back on the table.
"What?" She asked. Clearly confused. Yet I replied nothing and simply left him at the table,
not looking back.
Outside, I could feel the bile rising in my throat. Blackness filled my eyes as I wretched.
"What vileness is this Minz?" I asked myself "What shall you do to undo this black deed." Minz Elandril
Jester of the Order of the Elder Dragons
*Wooosh*
"Hey was that just Minz?"
Runner of the Hills