REVILED

Oria walked down the bustling slum streets, it was part of her daily routine to walk the streets. The people grumbled about their pay, the lack of guards to protect them, and of course, taxes. Then, there were the whispers that no one wanted to hear. The people shifting uncomfortably in front of alleys. The dried stains of blood on the stone, and the undertakers carting away dead bodies. Gang activity in the slums had increased rapidly, and the citizens were afraid. Oria’s walks were enlightening, they helped her keep an eye on the city’s pulse, but she needed to know more.

Oria stepped into an alley, one she knew well, that led to a storage area. The laughter of children came from the rickety wooden fort built in the center, and it echoed off the stone walls. One kid sat in the lookout tower, asleep. The boy shook himself awake and looked down at Oria in confusion, then rang the dented bell at his side furiously. The laughter stopped and was replaced with the slamming of the fort’s doors.

“What is it?” a voice came from within the fort.

“There’s a lady out here,” the lookout said. Oria smiled and waved at him which caused him to blush, “A pretty one.”

“What!” a commotion came from inside and another boy’s head appeared over the wall. His unruly brown hair hung over his eyes, and freckles dotted his nose. He wore a crooked crown made from a copper pot.

“What’s with the treatment Teddy,” Oria said with a pout, “You’re hurting my feelings.”

“Babe, sweetie, we didn’t mean anything by it,” Teddy said blushing heavily through his wide grin, “Had I known you were coming, I would have given you a royal welcome.” Teddy looked down, “Open the gates, its Oria!”

The fort gates opened, and a group of children stormed out as they greeted her passionately. Several of the older children brought out chairs made from barrels and crates. Teddy walked out, trying to look regal, with his arms opened wide. He was the oldest of the children, just on the verge of adulthood.

“How have thing been Teddy?” Oria said, taking a seat on the largest crate.

Teddy sat next to her, “Thing have been good, despite everything,” he said wrapping an arm around her waist, “Also, it is Thaddeus now. I need people to respect me.”

“You’re still Teddy to me,” Oria pinched his cheek, “Besides,” she looked at his hand resting on her hip, “I’m still good friends with your sister.”

“Don’t be like that babe,” Teddy said leaning into her and playfully pinching her hip, “The last thing I need is for her scold me again. It makes me the laughingstock of the entire brothel.”

“Then be good and answer my questions,” Oria said with a sweet smile, “If I like what I hear, then I might reward you.”

Teddy’s face turned dark red, “What do you want to know?”

“Do you know why the gangs have been acting up?”

“You can thank Samon Blackhammer,” Teddy said with a sneer, “He is trying to take control of the slums by taking out the smaller gangs. He has taken over a few gangs, but mostly he is weeding out the competition. You ain’t looking to join up, are you?”

“Virtues no!” Oria laughed, “The last thing I want is to be some noble’s lapdog.”

“Good,” Teddy said, “You should probably stay away from the gambling den for a few days. Samon is hosting a party for the gangs that he’s taken over.”

“Good to know.”

“So, have I impressed you?” Teddy gave her goofy lopsided grin, “Because I was thinking we could spend a lovely night together.”

“Maybe when you’re a bit older. For now, you’ll have to settle for this,” Oria leaned down and kissed his cheek. All the blood rushed to Teddy’s face as Oria got up from the crate. “Thanks for the info, Teddy.”

Oria stepped back onto the street and headed towards the nearest sewer gate. Everything made sense now. Decker had many officers underneath him, and Samon Blackhammer was possibly the most ruthless. Decker was serious about securing the slums. That wasn’t good for the Legion.

She slipped into the sewer and summoned the rat familiar. It led her down tunnels she had never traveled before, due to the wererats being territorial, and she found herself in front of the largest camp she had ever seen. The two guards up front pointed their spears at her.

“What ya want human?”

Oria stood tall and offered a vicious smile, “I’m here to see the monster,”

The rats’ fur furled, and they lowered their spears, “How many more humans are there,” the left guard growled, “Follow me.”

Oria followed closely behind the guard. She heard the rumors about the Rat King’s camp, but she hadn’t believed them. It was far livelier than she expected. It reminded her of the slums above in a way with the colorful lanterns and tents. Vendors selling their wares off to the side, and random musicians playing. However, the wererats weren’t keen on her presence. The wererat citizens gave her a wide berth and they stared at her with fear and contempt. Oria wasn’t concerned with easing them, and let the guard continue to lead her. He stopped in front of a large multicolored tent.

“Here ya are,” the guard said, “The monster’s inside.” He left before Oria could say anything.

Oria was surprised to see that the tent was large enough for her to walk through, and it’s opulent nature contrasted with its surroundings. An elderly wererat approached her with a stern glare.

“Another human,” he said pulling his whiskers, “I take it you’re here for the monster. This way.” He headed deeper into the tent.

“What’s your name?” Oria said looking down at the withered rat.

“Write, I am his majesty’s top advisor.”

“Skivret finally grew a pair,” she chuckled, “Good for him.”

“You will show his majesty respect!” Write growled at her, “You won’t always have the monster’s protection.”

Oria smiled wickedly at him, “You got some bite,” she said, “Very well, I’ll show king Skivret the respect he deserves.”

“Good,” Write continued and stopped in front of a closed flap, “The others are already inside. Is there anything you desire?”

“I’m good,” Oria said stepping into the room.

Oria stepped into the room and found a well-furnished throne room. The golden furniture stood out against the canvas walls, but her sight quickly turned to the group sitting next to the throne. Skivret sat on the throne with Nimble and Preddie on either side. Kogna and Mina sat to the side, Mina tending to her instrument while Kogna sharpened his sword. Meridith sat next to Reviled going over a stack of papers.

“I see everyone’s made themselves at home,” Oria said.

“We need the wererats to accept humans,” Reviled said not looking at her, “They’re going to be a key part of our organization.”

“And how do you wish to use my people?” Skivret said looking to the monster.

“We need your people to act as enforcers,” Reviled said, “As well as use your camps as warehouses to store goods.”

“There may be a issue with that,” Oria said clearing her throat. Reviled finally looked up from the papers, and Oria shivered under the piercing red gaze. “One of Decker’s officers is making a move on the slums.”

Reviled handed Meridith the papers and gestured for Oria to approach, “Elaborate.”

Oria sat on Reviled’s other side, “Decker’s chief enforcer, Samon Blackhammer, is trying to establish order over the slums by taking out the smaller gangs that have appeared. If he succeeds then we won’t stand much of a chance taking over the slums, even with the rats.”

Reviled’s eyes dimmed, “We have knowledge on the name, but nothing substantial,” it said, “How successful has he been?”

“He is throwing a party to welcome the gangs that joined him,” Oria said, “And to give a final warning to the gangs that haven’t.”

“This puts us at a disadvantage,” Kogna said wiping the oil from his blade, “This Samon has secured his position as the superior power. It’s safe to say most of the smaller gangs will side with him, leaving only the foolish and defiant. Those don’t make great allies.”

“We won’t know for certain without checking it out first,” All eyes turned to Oria.

“What are you suggesting?” Reviled said.

“We should send in a recon party.”

Oria checked her appearance for the hundredth time in the carriages window. She didn’t normally have chances to doll herself up, but when she did, she went all out. The loose light blue dress barely hung on her frame, and showed more skin than was considered appropriate. The waves of gold jewelry that hung off her complimented her outfit wonderfully. After all, no one would expect a thief to dress like this.

“Aren’t you cold?” Mina said pulling her fur cloak tighter around her. Both siblings wore exquisite black and gold robes.

“Of course I am,” Oria said blowing on her fingers, “But it’s a sacrifice I need to make for this mission.”

“Sound like vanity to me,” Kogna said adjusting his sash.

Oria flipped him off which caused Kogna to laugh. “Remember, we’re here to learn everything we can. Keep your ears out for anything that can help us.”

The carriage rocked to a halt, and the footman opened the door. Oria took hold of Kogna’s left arm while Mina took his right, and they walked into the gambling den. Despite it being in the lower city, the hall was decorated with golden chandeliers. Courtesans, carrying trays of food and drink, moved seamlessly through the crowds. Mina blushed deeply at their exposed flesh.

“Get used to this Min,” Oria gave the girl a small smile, “This is part of the job.”

“I-I understand,” Mina said steeling her resolve. Oria smiled proudly at the girl.

“Which one is our target?” Kogna said, is sharp gaze scanning the crowd.

“Him,” Oria gestured to the large man standing at a dice table. His head was completely shaved except for a strip that ran down the middle of his head. Intricate tattoos decorated the shaved sides of his head and his muscular arms. “That’s Samon Blackhammer.”

“Then let’s go say hello,” Kogna led the girls to the dice table.

Oria kept her ears out as they moved through the crowd. “Do you think the Red Fangs will show?”

“They’d be fools if they did. They’re disgraced by the King, it’s only a matter of time before they disband.”

Oria smiled. The theft of the cursed gear shook Decker’s organization. It also explained why Decker was trying to secure the lower city.

Kogna stopped a few feet from the table and watched as Samon and another man threw a pair of dice onto the table. Samon rolled a nine while his opponent rolled a three. The crowd cheered as Samon roared victoriously. The game master passed the multicolored wooden chips towards Samon.

“So higher number wins,” Kogna said with a sly smile.

“Yep,” Oria said, “Demuire’s luck is a popular game in most dens.”

Samon looked over the gathered crowd, “Come on!” he said, “Does anyone else want to play.” He wrapped his arms around two beautiful women. The crowd responded with polite smiles, but no one approached.

“Why not,” Kogna said pulling both girls to the table.

Oria stared in shock. She hadn’t spent much time with the swordsman, but when she did, he often had a stoic, almost bored expression. Now, he had a toothy, vicious grin on his face, and his eyes carried a spark.

“Don’t overdo it,” Mina whispered to her brother.

“I don’t recognize you,” Samon returned the smile with one of his own, “Aren’t you a bit far from the ocean, windman?”

“I am,” Kogna said, “Had some business on this virtue forsaken rock, Baru’muren.”

“There’s a gold minimum sir,” the game master said.

Kogna threw several gold pieces onto the table, “Ten should suffice,”

“Brother!” Mina gritted her teeth.

Oria couldn’t help but laugh, “Damn, I didn’t expect this from you.”

The game master passed Kogna a set of green, red, and yellow chips. Samon and Kogna threw two red chips onto the center of the table. Kogna picked up the dice and placed them in front of Oria. She smiled and gently blew on them. After shaking them a few times, both men tossed their die. Samon rolled a ten. Kogna a twelve. The crowd stared in disbelief as the game master slid the chips to Kogna.

“Beginner’s luck,” Kogna said with a wicked smile.

“Whose luck,” Samon said with a tight smile, “Yours, or hers.”

The two continued to play. Victory passed between each of them, but it was clear that Kogna was winning. Oria kept listened to the crowd, but they had nothing interesting to say other than the Red Fangs disgrace, but the whores hanging off Samon’s arm caught her attention. Despite trying to hide it, they both stared intently at Mina. Oria waved a server down and grabbed the last two drinks. Another server brought a drink for Mina. Oria handed the glass to Kogna, and he drained it in a single gulp while both women sipped theirs.

Mina placed down her glass. Her eyes looked dulled, “I…need to excuse…myself,” she said.

A servant gently touched her, “I can show you to a powder room?”

“T-thank you,” Mina smiled weakly as she followed the servant.

Oria tapped Kogna’s shoulder, “Kogna…I think…”

“All or nothing!” Samon threw all his chips in. The crowd gasped and looked expectantly at Kogna, “You gonna’ back out?” Samon smiled viciously.

“Kogna,”

“Of course not,” Kogna threw his chips in, “Its time to end this game anyways.”

The two men threw their dice across the table. The wooden cubes bounced, and the first one came to a stop. Samon’s first dice landed on a two. The second dice to stop was Kogna’s which ended up a three. Samon’s second was a six giving him a total of eight. Kogna’s second dice slowed and teetered on the edge. Kogna’s smile grew as the dice landed. Six white dots stared back at everyone. Samon pounded his fist onto the table causing the wood to splinter.

“Would you like to pay out?” the game master said eyeing Samon fearfully.

“Yes,” Kogna said. The game master pulled out thirty gold coins from his lockbox and slid them over. “We should do this again sometime.” Kogna gave Samon a sly grin as he pulled Oria away.

“I’m going to get Mina,” Oria said giving Kogna a stern look, “Go to the door and wait for us.”

Kogna nodded as Oria headed to the powder room. It sat in back of the den with a velvet curtain separating it from the hall. Oria pushed inside and was struck with the sweet scent of incense. Several women sat around fanning themselves as they rested, but Mina was nowhere to be found.

Oria flagged down the room’s attendant, the same one who brought Mina back, “I’m looking for my companion, a Amu’Ryjin woman.”

The attendant gave her a polite smile, “I’m sorry ma’am, but I haven’t seen a woman fitting that description.”

Oria glared at her, “Don’t give me that!” she said, “You’re the one who took her.”

“I’m sorry ma’am, but I can’t help you.”

Oria stormed out of the room and headed back to the front. Kogna stood there keeping an eye on the crowd. Fear snuck into his eyes when he saw Oria approach alone.

“Mina’s missing,” she whispered to him.

“We can’t leave without her!” Kogna snarled as he looked around.

“Something the matter,” Samon approached with a wide grin.

Kogna glared at the man, “Our other companion is missing,” he said.

“What companion,” Samons eyed Oria with a hungry smile, “Oria’s the only one who accompanied you.” Kogna stepped forward but was held back by Oria. “You know,” Samon said scratching his chin, “I think the Rose Garden will be getting a new girl soon. Maybe you should check it out in a few weeks.”

Oria struggled to hold Kogna back, “Don’t,” she said keeping her voice low, “We should inform the boss and let him deal with this. You know how he gets when he’s pissed.”

Kogna stopped struggling, but his glare never left Samon, “Fine,” he said as Oria pulled him away.

Oria didn’t look forward to telling Reviled about this. She still had nightmares about that time at the thieves guild, but he was the only one who could find her.