Springtime In The City 36.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

As he follows behind sir Percavelle Lé Dic who is walking his horse, Zam the ex mercenary yawns as they and the rest of the group head through the streets in the north of the city, as dawn breaks in this part of the capital of Vexil. 

The youngest member of the group glances behind him, and faintly smiles as he hears Dorc da Orc still laughing. 

While Mira Reinholt the mage continues to complain, as he's done since they left the Merchant's Rest inn. 

The once powerful mage finally shuts up when Lord Farque tells him to fuck up, or the undead warlord will give him something to really complain about. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins slightly shakes his head as he briefly looks back at the goblin amongst the rest of the group. 

A goblin by the name of Carry, who in reality is Mira Reinholt the mage. Who has a Greater Illusion spell cast upon him by Helbe the elven thief. 

Who Zam sees isn't with the group at the moment. He's no doubt already outside the city gates. Or stealing something. The ex mercenary hasn't decided which. Probably the latter if he was to place a bet on it. 

"I think so" says Zam the ex mercenary in response to Tamric Drubine the field commander who has moved up along side him, and asked "You ready for today?". 

The noble born field commander who hails from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, nods ahead to where sir Percavelle is leading his warhorse, and quietly says "He probably won't need much help". 

Tamric Drubine or Tam as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, continues with "He'll probably beat everyone he comes up against on his first pass". 

The young field commander briefly pauses, then adds in a slightly dry tone of voice "He'll probably win the lists today too". 

"You think so?" asks Zam who before joining the group, used to scratch together a living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins. 

"I do" is the reply from the son of a former Knight of Castle Drubine, which can be found in the forested north of the kingdom of Sarcrin. 

Field commander Drubine who like the ex mercenary is speaking in elvish, then says "And that's with no cheating from Helbe as well". 

Zam who has only ever seen sir Percavelle or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. 

Make a handful of practice passes with the lance, and that was against the rings and not an actual opponent. 

Asks the young noble man originally from the kingdom of Sarcrin "He's that good?" followed by "At the joust?". 

"You have no idea" dryly says field commander Drubine with a shake of his head, who follows that with "We're already deciding how much we're going to bet on him winning". 

Zam nods his head, as he's heard how betting is a large part of the Spring Tourney here in the city of Vexil. 

And though people will bet amongst their friends. The real coin is to be made with the touts, or betmen. Many of whom are backed by large businesses in the city, as well as counting houses. 

The touts even offer odds as well, and those who strike it lucky with the bets they make on the various odds, can make themselves a small fortune during the two days of the Spring Tourney. 

As they turn a corner onto another street as they head to one of the gates in the north wall of the city. 

Tamric Drubine gestures ahead to the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, and quietly says to Zam "Lord Farque had a word with Percy just before we left". 

The youngest member of the group nods, as he spotted the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque speaking with the Druvician nobleman in the stables before they departed the Merchant's Rest. 

"Told him to make it look not so accomplished in the first few passes he has against his opponents" says the young field commander in the Armies of Farque. 

"Once the betmen see how good he is" adds Tam, who follows on from that with "We'll hardly get any decent odds for him winning". 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins nods his head at that, as that seems to be most likely. 

As the first rays of sunshine start to appear to the east, on what looks like it's going to be a sunny and clear day here in the city of Vexil. 

He listens to field commander Drubine who tells him "It's tomorrow that's going to be the unknown" he continues with "Anything could happen during Le Grande Meleé". 

"That's what I'm worried about" quietly says the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "I don't fancy going out onto the field during that". 

As he's learnt that those who squire and assist those taking part in Le Grande Meleé, are expected to go out on the tourney field. 

And help the competitors up if they're knocked down and are struggling to get up. And also to give them weapons that they don't carry out on the field. 

"The only danger you'll face there is if you have to go out on the field to help Percy up" says Tamric Drubine the field commander, who then dryly adds "You definitely don't need to take any weapons out to him". 

Zam nods his head in agreement with the young noble who was born and raised in the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin. 

For out of everyone in the group, it's only Dorc da Orc who carries more weapons than the large, heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 

The young field commander in the Armies of Farque then quietly tells the ex mercenary "If you do have to go out on the tourney field during the melee, I'm pretty sure Helbe will see to it that no harm comes to you". 

Zam nods at that, for though he knows that all spellcasting is banned on the tourney field during both the Joust, and Le Grande Meleé. That's not going to stop Helbe the elven thief from casting if he has to. 

As they head across a square, with a few others who are already up early this morning, heading the same way. No doubt to head out through one of the set of gates in the north wall. To the tourney field that's just outside the city itself. 

Both Zam and Tam glance back at the others, as Dorc da Orc who has briefly stopped laughing at the appearance of Mira Reinholt as a goblin. 

Starts complaining about how he can't enter the Spring Tourney of Vexil, and how that's unfair to him. 

"You can't enter the Joust because you can't ride a horse Dorc" dryly says Lisell Maera the scout who is walking in front of the large ork. 

With a snort of derision, Dorc da Orc says to the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury "Dorc rides lots of fucken horsey". 

"Not that kind of riding" says the scout Maera in an extremely dry and droll tone of voice, which causes the ork warleader who actually can't ride a horse because he's so damn large, to burst out laughing again. 

When the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world somewhat gets his laughter under control, he says "What about the fucken rumble?".

The ork weaponsmith pauses for a moment as he tries to recall what it's actually called, then when he does, he grunts then says "That fucken melee thing". 

"You're too big" says Lisell Maera or Lis as more often than not she's called by the others in the group. 

"Fucken bullshit" loudly mutters Dorc da Orc after the scout Maera tells him "No one bigger than elf or human size". 

"That's fucken racist shit against big peoples like me" declares the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks. 

The large ork who has participated in tournaments in the past, well in Le Grande Meleé part of them, which anyone can enter. 

Turns to look at Lord Farque who is walking behind him along side Shur Kee the monk, and it's about to complain to the undead warlord. 

When Lord Farque gets in first with "That's the rules for the tourney here" followed by "Fucking deal with it". 

The large ork who was named warleader of his race by the deathlord of Farque, scowls then huffs in displeasure, and faces forward again. 

As he, along with the rest of the group, with the exception of Helbe the elven thief head through the north of the city of Vexil. 

On what's dawning to be a fine and sunny day, where the Spring Tourney of Vexil is going to be held just outside the city walls. 

With a set of the gates in the north wall coming into view after they turn onto another street. Zam hears Lord Farque tell Beldane the cleric "Head up there" followed by "He's up there". 

And when the ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins looks back, he sees that the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine has disappeared. 

"Up, and over there" quietly says Tamric Drubine the field commander with a nudge to Zam's right arm. 

The youngest member of the group looks to where Tam has gestured to, and he spots Beldane up on the top of the north wall of the city. 

The fighting cleric is walking along the top of the wall, and Zam nods to himself as he realizes that the powerful practitioner of magic who hails from the kingdom of Nastell, is in conversation with someone who can't be seen. 

The ex mercenary figures it's Helbe the elven thief who's walking alongside the member of the church of Glaine. 

Zam looks back down as up ahead sir Percavelle Lé Dic and his recently acquired warhorse, are approaching the open gates at the end of the street in the north wall of the city. 

Soon the large heavily armoured knight and his mount, followed by the rest of the group are making their way out through the gates, with others who are up and about early this morning. 

Nearly all of whom are heading to the tourney field, which isn't too far outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins glances back again, and finds Beldane is once again with the group. 

The powerful spellcaster who is a member of the church of Glaine hurries forward, going by Zam and Tam, and joins sir Percavelle Lé Dic at the front of the group. 

As they head to the tourney field, the fighting cleric points out a small tent to the large heavily armoured knight. 

It's one of many such small tents, just to the side of one of the large set of stands that have been set up on two sides of the field. 

Zam nods to himself as he sees that the small tent that's been pointed out to Percy by Beldane the cleric. 

Is on the opposite side, and as far away as possible from the large blue and white tent that the ex mercenary knows is being used by the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

An order of knights that sir Percavelle Lé Dic actually belongs to. An order of knights that he doesn't particularly want to know that he's competing in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"You better go ahead and join Percy" quietly says Tamric Drubine, who continues on with "Make sure he keeps out a trouble". 

"I will" says Zam, who looks back behind the rest of the group, and he spots many other people making their way from the nearby gates in the north wall of the city. 

In fact all along the north wall, and the various gates, people are exiting the capital city, and heading this way towards the tourney field. 

The youngest member of the group hurries forward to join sir Percavelle Lé Dic and Beldane the cleric. 

The ex mercenary nods his head when the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine quietly tells him "That tent there on the left, at this end". 

The powerful practitioner of magic tells Zam "Helbe has hired it for you and Percy" followed by "For the duration of the tourney". 

The youngest member of the group takes the reins of the warhorse when the noble born knight from the kingdom of Girdane hands them to him. 

Then as the rest of the group spilt off and wander around to see what's already happening at this time of the morning at the site of the Spring Tourney. 

Zam along with Percy and Beldane make their way to the small tent that's been hired for the large heavily armoured knight and his squire. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins sees that sir Percavelle is amongst the first of the competitors in the tournament to show up on this fine and sunny spring morning. 

And after the youngest member of the group ties the reins of the warhorse to a stake in the ground next to their tent. 

He joins the noble born knight and the powerful fighting cleric inside the open fronted tent, where they'll wait for the Spring Tourney of Vexil to get underway . . . . . . 

Springtime In The City 35.

The City Of Vexil. 

"I don't know about that" says Zam the ex mercenary, who follows that with "I took a beating earlier when we practiced out in the stables". 

In reply to Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy asking him about the spring tourney, and how things are getting along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

The youngest member of the group who sparred with the heavily armoured knight just after dawn back at the Merchant's Rest inn. 

Then says to the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae "That's if it even goes ahead with this weather". 

As he gestures up at the morning sky, which again is cloudy, with a light drizzle of rain falling upon the city of Vexil. 

"It'll be fine and sunny tomorrow" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

"So says his highness" adds Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins sourly smiles at hearing that, then he nods when the elven spy quietly tells him "Even if it wasn't, the mages would make sure the weather was fine and clear for the tourney to proceed". 

Dalin who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae continues with "It's one of the largest events not just in spring, but for the entire year here in the city". 

The spy Tanith follows that with "People are already arriving from elsewhere throughout the city-state and beyond". 

He then adds "You've seen them coming into the city over the last couple of days" commander Tanith of the Armies of Farque continues with "A hell of a lot of coin is spent in the city at this time, the councils both the City and Mage Council will make sure the tourney will go ahead no matter what". 

Zam is quiet for a few moments after hearing that from the elven spy, then when he's thought of something, the ex mercenary quietly says to Dalin "With all the coin coming into the city at this time, does that mean we'll". 

He doesn't finish his sentence because the spy Tanith looks sharply at him, and slightly shakes his hooded head. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins then looks to the north from their position on top of the north wall of the city. 

The ex mercenary looks away to the right where the tourney grounds are still being prepared for what's about to take place tomorrow, and the following day. 

Stands have been put up for the audience, surrounding two sides of the tourney field, which on the first day will host the lists, or the Joust as it's more commonly called. 

While the following day the lists will be taken away, as Le Grande Meleé will be on the second day of the Spring Tourney. 

Zam watches as tents are erected, while stall holders are setting up for what's going to be two of the busiest days of the year for them. 

Dalin who has just glanced up and said "This will probably clear by midday" followed by "Well it'll stop drizzling for sure". 

The elven spy from the principality of Alinlae then looks towards the busy tourney field preparations, and he says "Uh oh". 

"What is it?" asks Zam the ex mercenary as the two of them stand to the side of one of the towers upon the north wall of the city. 

"That large blue and white tent that's just been put up" says Dalinvardèl Tanith who like the youngest member of the group is conversing in the elven language. 

"The order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che" continues the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

Zam slightly winces at hearing that, then he mutters "Hell" the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins sighs, then quietly says "We always knew some of them would take part". 

The ex mercenary follows on from that with "Let's just hope none of them recognize Percy" he then adds "I figure he'll be far older than those from his order who are participating in the tourney, and they won't know him". 

Dalin nods his hooded head in agreement with that, then he quietly says to the youngest member of the group "It's the others who might be here, who will be watching the tourney who we should be worried about". 

The spy who is originally from the elven principality of Alinlae continues with "They might be of Percy's generation" followed by "And know exactly who he is". 

The commander in the Armies of Farque briefly pauses before adding "By all accounts, Percy isn't exactly popular amongst his order" he then quietly says "And that was before he stole one their most important artifacts" Dalin pauses again, before saying "That damn shield of his". 

The teenager who before he was found by the group, was scratching a meager living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins winces, then nods his head when the spy Tanith quietly says "So who knows what they think of him now, and what they'll do if he's recognized". 

Zam after another look at the preparations for the tourney, sighs and looks north along the road that leads from the gate that the wall tower they're next to is above. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith looks that way too, and after a few moments of watching the traffic along the road, the elven spy originally from the principality of Alinlae quietly says "There they are". 

The commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque continues with "Just coming around that far bend in the road there". 

It's too far away for Zam to see, but he trusts the eye sight of the elven spy, who grins and quietly tells him "Dorc doesn't look exactly pleased being out in this drizzle". 

As the ex mercenary grins too, the spy Tanith adds "He's following behind the wagon, scowling like mad" he briefly pauses before continuing with "Well, I should say scowling more than usual". 

The teenager originally from the City Of Ruins nods when Dalin tells him "Come on, let's go down and wait for them below". 

The two of them don't go into the tower, instead they head along the top of the wall to the next set of steps. 

Which they take down to the ground, then head back towards the nearby gate, where they'll wait for the wagon with the latest shipment of gold that's been brought down from the hill country in northern Vexil by the krean scoutship. 

With the wagon and it's driver, is Dorc da Orc and Beldane the cleric, who left at dawn by way of gateway the powerful practitioner of magic in the church of Glaine created. 

Which took them to the woods on some farmland about fifteen miles to the northeast of the city. Where the krean scoutship secretly waited with the shipment of gold it brought down from the border region in the north of the city-state. 

A little while later and the wagon, along with Beldane the cleric and Dorc da Orc enter the city of Vexil. 

And with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Zam the ex mercenary following discreetly from a distance. 

They head to a counting house here in the north of the city, another one that wasn't previously used by Lord Farque, and doesn't have a connection to the Reinholt Trading Company. 

As they walk through the streets here in the north of the city, while following the wagon that Beldane the cleric and Dorc da Orc are accompanying. 

Zam quietly asks the elven spy walking beside him "What happened to that fellow yesterday?" he continues with "The one me and Lis caught, and his highness took away?". 

"You don't want to know" is the quiet reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith, who follows on from that with "Especially considering what he was trying to move on from that shop". 

The youngest member of the group slightly nods, then as they cross a street, to cut through a small park on the other side of a square, once again nods when Dalin quietly says to him "You see what he was carrying?". 

As they walk behind a couple who are also going across the small square, Zam quietly asks the elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque "That connected to the mage Garmen?". 

The spy Tanith who before he joined the group, served in one of the more prominent noble houses to be found in his homeland of Alinlae, says "It is". 

"That's odd" quietly says the ex mercenary as they walk through the park, and catch sight again of the wagon full of gold, which Beldane the cleric is walking alongside of, and Dorc da Orc is walking behind. 

"I mean, a mage wanting anything to do with that" adds the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins who is the youngest member of the group. 

As they make their way onto the street the wagon, Beldane and Dorc are on, the spy Tanith tells the young human walking beside "Maybe" he continues with "Remember he basically owns that business that's a front for all types of stolen goods". 

The commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque as they dodge around a pair of goblins struggling to carry some wooden crates full of vegetables, quietly says "He's also the reason the city guard haven't shut down what's obviously a front for receiving and redistribution of stolen goods". 

Zam who whole heartedly agrees with that, nods as they head down the street that the wagon they're following at a distance, is just about to leave, and turn a corner to the right. 

The ex mercenary and the elven spy as they walk, look out for anything untowards. Watching people in doorways and shop fronts, and looking up at the rooftops on either side of the street. 

And though Zam knows Helbe the elven thief is somewhere nearby, also keeping an eye on the latest shipment of gold that's been brought down from the hill country in northern Vexil. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins finds it to be good practice to be observant of everything that's going on around him. 

Besides it takes his mind of tomorrow and the Spring Tourney that's being held. Where he will be squiring for sir Percavelle Lé Dic for the duration of the two days of the tournament. 

Zam who is trying to forget about it as the drizzle starts to let up, sourly smiles when Dalin says to him "See it's clearing up" followed by "Kind of". 

The elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae, continues with "All ready for you tomorrow". 

"Thanks" dryly says the ex mercenary, who follows that with "I was trying to forget all about it" as they turn onto the street to the right. 

And in the distance, see the wagon, along with Dorc da Orc and Beldane the cleric, approaching the counting house towards the end of the street they're now on. 

"Good luck with that" says Dalin with a grin upon his youthful looking face, who then adds "Just keep clear of those idiot knights, and you'll be fine". 

Zam grunts as they stop at the entrance of a lane, which they step into. From which they watch the counting house on the other side of the street. 

Which Beldane the cleric has just entered, while Dorc da Orc accompanies the wagon to the side of the building that stands alone. Which has a wide door along the side where the wagon has just stopped. 

As the drizzle continues to lessen, Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy from the lane across the street. 

Watch as workers from the counting house, come out of the side door, and help unhook the horses, so that the wagon can be rolled into the large side door of the counting house, on this spring morning here in the north of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 34.

Vexil. 

Looking around the corner, Zam the ex mercenary slightly grimaces as it continues to drizzle this spring morning here in the city of Vexil. 

The youngest member of the group pops his head back, then looks back down the alleyway behind him when he hears someone approaching. 

"You know I'm not exactly looking forward to a certain mage turning up" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary in the elven language. 

"No matter what the others say" adds the teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins, who then looks around the corner again. 

Standing with her back against the wall just behind Zam, Lisell Maera the scout who has just walked up the alleyway, quietly says in the same language "You know why we're doing this?" followed by "As in you and I?". 

The ex mercenary as he continues to look around the corner, shakes his head no in reply to that from the attractive young woman who is an officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

"Because we're beneath his notice" says Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the others in the group. 

Zam briefly glances back at her, then as he looks back around the corner, the scout Maera quietly tells him "The others garner too much attention". 

"The two of us" continues the scout leader who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury, followed by "And to a lesser extent Dalin, don't stick out like the others". 

She then says "All the others are noticable to say the least" Lis briefly pauses before adding "Except for Helbe who no one notices because he's hardly ever seen". 

Zam nods in agreement to that as he continues to look around the corner, down the street to the left, to a certain shop. 

That two mornings ago, an individual he was discreetly following, visited for a fairly decent amount of time. 

"That place isn't exactly busy" quietly says the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, he then adds "Just like a couple of days ago when I was following that fellow". 

The scout Maera as she continues to lean up against the building they're beside, nods her head in agreement with Zam. 

Then the attractive young woman whose mother was a street prostitute, and whose father was a sailor, who she never met. 

Quietly says to the teenager who is the youngest member of the group "That means pretty much everyone who goes in there is either selling or buying the stolen goods that's going through that place". 

The ex mercenary nods his head in agreement, then he quietly says "Pretty good scam if you can get in on it". 

Lis is in agreement with that, then she quietly says "And all funded by a prominent member of the Mage Council of Vexil". 

The attractive young woman who pulls the hood of her cloak up higher on her head to somewhat protect herself from the constant drizzle falling this morning, then adds "Who just happens to hate Mira, and wants him found". 

Zam nods his head in agreement to that from Lis as he continues to watch the shop, which is a mix of a curio and chandlers business. 

A shop here on the edge of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the city, which though seems to be a legitimate business. 

Is actually a front for stolen goods, expensive stolen goods too. Pretty much all funded by a member of the Mage Council, the mage Garmen Senior. 

As his son, the mage Garmen Junior was killed by Mira Reinholt the mage in the recent border unrest in the winter time, up in the hill country of northern Vexil and southern Girdane. 

"Think they'll expose him, and what he's doing?" quietly asks Zam the ex mercenary, followed by "To the rest of the Mage Council, and the City Council as well?". 

"Who knows?" is the quiet reply from Lis after she takes a quick look around the corner too, before she leans back up against the building they're next to, here at the mouth of the alleyway. 

"Knowing that lot" continues the scout Maera referring to Lord Farque and the others, specifically the members of his personal council. 

"They'll probably take whatever it is that the mage Garmen is making from this front" adds the attractive young woman who is an officer in the Armies of Farque. 

"Sounds like something they'd do" murmurs the youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

Who falls silent as through the drizzle he spots a couple of men, each carrying a wooden crate on a shoulder. 

Approach the shop from the other end of the street, a street that's fairly empty this morning due to the constant drizzle. 

The ex mercenary watches them enter the shop, as he does, he quietly describes them in elvish to the scout Maera who is behind him. 

It's not too long before they come out of the shop, neither one of them with the wooden crate they had when they entered the curio and chandlers business. 

After Zam informs Lis of this, they both look directly opposite the alleyway they're in, and up to the rooftop on the other side of the street from them. 

The youngest member of the group nods, and he along with the scout leader in the Armies of Farque, spot movement up there through the constant drizzle that's falling this morning. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is on the move across the rooftops on that side of the street, heading after the pair who have just been to the shop that they're observing this morning. 

"You know Helbe has got one of his viewing spells around here, watching that shop and everyone who goes in it" quietly says the attractive young woman originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury. 

"Where it is" adds Lis, who continues on from that with "Is anyone's guess" she follows that in a dry tone with "He's probably back at the inn, with his feet up drinking a pint of ale, watching all this, while we're out in this half arsed rain that's falling this morning". 

"Probably" wryly says the teenager who before joining the group scratched out a meager living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins. 

"No I'm not" quietly says Helbe the elven thief from behind Lisell Maera and Zam, causing the two of them to flinch in fright at the sudden appearance of the elven masterthief. 

"Hell" mutters the scout Maera, who then nods her head, when the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, quietly tells her and Zam "You two go to the spot around back, to see if anything is taken from the shop, or turns up from back there, to take what's just been dropped off". 

The highly talented elven practitioner of magic then tells them that Beldane the cleric, along with Lord Farque and Dorc da Orc. 

Are now up in the building directly opposite the curio and chandlers business, watching it from a third floor room there. 

He then says to the attractive young woman originally from the city-state of Brattonbury, and the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins "I'll just go in and see what's happening". 

The elven master assassin who is a member of the royal family that rules the island principality of Laerel, and is a member of Lord Farque's personal council, the undead warlord's envoy to be exact.  Suddenly disappears as he blurs himself, then shifts away to the shop that's under observation from various members of the group. 

Zam and Lis exit the alleyway they've been in, and cross the quiet street to another alleyway, which they hurry through. 

Once at the other end, the youngest member of the group leads the way around the corner to the left. 

They're in a lane, and the ex mercenary who is expected to attain the rank of blade master sometime in the upcoming summer. 

Crosses the lane, with Lisell Maera following closely behind him. And after a man pushing a hand cart goes by in the other direction. 

The two of them slip into an alley, from where they watch the rear of the curio and chandlers business they've been watching this drizzly spring morning in this part of the city of Vexil. 

"Think something will come out of it?" quietly asks Zam the ex mercenary who is slightly relieved that one of the buildings on a side of the alley, has overhanging eaves. Offering a bit of shelter from the constant drizzle that's falling across the city of Vexil. 

"Maybe" is the quiet reply from Lisell Maera the scout, who once again is leaning on the wall behind the youngest member of the group. 

Though the two of them can easily see the rear of the shop that they've been observing since just after dawn this morning. 

The attractive young woman who is an officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, quietly says "Just hope this isn't a waste of our time this morning". 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins, who is agreement with that from the scout leader, is just about to say something else to the attractive young woman who was born and raised in the city of Brattonbury before she was found by the group at around eleven or twelve years old. 

When suddenly the back door to the curio and chandlers business opens up, and a figure, holding a small sack, makes his way out of the back door and into the lane. 

"Who's this then?" murmurs Lisell Maera, Zam the ex mercenary is wondering the exact same thing as the man disappears from sight as he heads down into a connecting lane. 

"Should we follow him?" asks the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins as he looks back at the scout Maera. 

"That's your answer" says Lisell who nods to the back door of the shop they're watching, Zam looks that way, and sees Helbe the elven thief briefly standing in the open doorway. 

"Get him" quietly says Lis after seeing the hand signal directed at them from the young elven noble who hails from the island principality of Laerel. 

Zam takes off after Lisell Maera who heads off first, running around to the other lane, which she first enters, followed by the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group. 

Who looks back and sees that the highly talented elven magic user has gone from the open back door of the shop.

Try not to kill him when you take him, kind of need him alive, is what both Zam and Lis here in their minds from Helbe the elven thief. 

The person they're after briefly pauses as he hears the fast approaching scout leader in the Armies of Farque. 

He goes to turn around to see who it is that's in the lane with him, when the scout Maera runs into him, tackling him to the ground. 

When Zam gets there, he grabs the fellow, who is on the ground, groaning in pain. The ex mercenary lifts him up off the ground. While Lis is already standing, holding the small sack the fellow was carrying. 

The attractive young woman takes the fellow by an arm, and with Zam holding him by the other. They haul him along the lane they're in, and move into an alleyway that runs off it. Just glad no one saw what they were doing. 

"Who is he?" asks the ex mercenary in the elven language "No idea" is the reply from Lisell Maera in the same language. 

"Name" says the scout officer in the Armies of Farque who has switched to the common language as she pushes the fellow back against the wall to their left. 

The man, in his mid twenties, groans as he tries to bend over at the waist, but Zam and Lis keep him upright. 

"I said name" quietly says the scout Maera in a threatening tone, who figures she probably broke some of the fellow's ribs when she tackled him. 

"Gasper" is the reply from the fellow after he winces in pain when he takes a deep breath to try and calm down. 

"Hold him tight" says Lis in elvish to the youngest member of the group, who nods yes in reply to her. 

The scout officer in the Armies of Farque opens up the small sack Gasper was carrying, and she lifts an eyebrow in surprise at what it contains. 

And before Zam can ask her what it is, Helbe the elven thief suddenly appears beside them, and says in elvish "I'll take him" as he takes the fellow by the arm. 

"And I'll take that too" adds the elven masterthief who takes the small sack off the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury. 

"Go back to watching that shop" continues the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who along with the man named Gasper, disappears. 

Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout share a look, then after the teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins shrugs his shoulders. 

The two of them turn and make their way out of the alleyway, and head through the lanes back to the spot they were watching the back of the curio and chandlers shop backdoor. 

As they do, Zam quietly asks the scout Maera in the elven language "So what was in that sack?". "You're not going to believe it" is the quiet reply from Lis in the same language. Who as they walk through the drizzle this spring morning, tells the ex mercenary what it was, that the fellow named Gasper had in the sack that he was carrying . . . . . . 

Springtime In The City 33.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Yawning as he looks out at the falling rain through the open front door of the Merchant's Rest. 

Zam the ex mercenary looks at Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, Lisell Maera the scout and Beldane the cleric who have just joined him in the reception chamber of the small inn the group have been staying in whilst here in the city of Vexil. 

"Yep" says Zam the ex mercenary in reply to Beldane the cleric asking him "Raining this morning, is it?". 

The youngest member of the group steps aside to allow the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine to look out the open door. 

The spellcaster who hails from the kingdom of Nastell wryly smiles and shakes his head as he looks at the constant rain fall outside. 

"Great, another day of rain" sourly says Lisell Maera the scout as she glances outside, then the attractive young woman who is originally from the city-state of Brattonbury sarcasticly says "Can't wait to get soaked again". 

Then the four of them turn to look at the open doorway to the common room of the inn, as Lord Farque makes his way to join them in the reception chamber. The undead warlord is followed by Dorc da Orc. 

"Know where it is?" asks Lord Farque as he looks at the practitioner of magic who is a member of the church of Glaine. 

"Got the location and image of it from Helbe" is the reply from Beldane the cleric, who then nods at the large ork behind the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, and says in the elven language "Any reason why Dorc is with us?". 

"Keep him away from that fucking idiot Percy" is the reply in the same language from the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque "And his horse" dryly adds the lord of the death realm. 

Zam nods in agreement with that, for earlier when he went out to the stables to attend to sir Percavelle Lé Dic's warhorse. 

Dorc da Orc watched him from the front door of the inn, and the only reason the big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world didn't follow him was because it's raining this morning. 

"Out in the passage way" says Lord Farque to Beldane the cleric, who nods in understanding, then gestures for Zam to lead the way outside..

While Dorc da Orc says to the deathlord of Farque "Me have to fucken go?" followed by a muttered "Fucken nasty rains out there". 

"Mak" is the reply from the undead warlord, which causes the ork warleader to sourly smile, then sigh before he follows the lord of the death realm and the others outside. 

With a muttering ork weaponsmith the last into the covered passage way on the other side of the small courtyard in front of the Merchant's Rest. 

Beldane the cleric says to Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group "Head right once you're through" followed by "Into an alleyway that leads to a lane". 

The powerful practitioner of magic continues on with "To the third building on the right in the lane, four storey building, the back door isn't locked" Beldane adds "Top floor it's empty, the room we want will be marked". 

The member of the church of Glaine pauses for a moment, then says in a slightly dry tone of voice "Or so he says". 

The spy Tanith who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae faintly grins, then nods in understanding. 

Then a few moments later he's the first one through the gateway that Beldane the cleric creates. 

He's followed by Lisell Maera the scout, then Zam the ex mercenary. Next is Lord Farque and Dorc da Orc. 

Finally the powerful cleric goes through the magical doorway he's created. Once the Nastellian born practitioner of magic is through, he drops his spell, and behind him the gateway disappears. 

Zam follows behind Lisell Maera as Dalin leads the way as he follows the directions that Beldane gave him. 

They're not in the rain for long, and once inside the building in question, much to the relief of Dorc da Orc. 

The group head up to the fourth floor, and the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae. 

Finds the marked door, when he spots the discreet elven symbol, which disappears when he touches it with a gloved hand. 

Dalin opens the door, and finds Helbe the elven thief sitting in a chair, in an other wise empty room. 

The others follow the spy Tanith into the large room, with Beldane the cleric last in, who closes the door behind him. 

"Well?" says Lord Farque to the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel who has been waiting for them. 

"What did you find out from them?" adds the deathlord of Farque who nods his full helmed head towards a closed door to an ajoining room. 

"Oh this and that" is the reply from Helbe the elven thief with a grin upon his youthful looking face. 

After a moment while the undead warlord just stares at him, the elven masterthief clears his throat, then says "You'll want to hear some of it for yourself". 

The highly talented elven magic user who is the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, follows that with "One of them knew way more than what we figured". 

Helbe or prince Helbenthril Raendril of Laerel to give him his full name and title, gestures at Zam then says "The one young Zam here followed yesterday back to that small business" he then adds "Which turns out was a front for some illegal activity". 

"Oh?" says the large heavily armoured deathlord who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by. 

"Best we better hear what he has to say then" says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, which gets a nod from the hooded figure of the elven master assassin. 

"Zam, Dalin" says Helbe the elven thief, who nods for the two of them to follow him, the young elven noble goes to the door to the ajoining room, opens it and enters. 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins and the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae follow him. 

It's a partially furnished room, with a bed, a night stand next to it and round rug on the floor in the middle of the room. 

On the bed is a sleeping form. While sitting on the floor, with his back to a wall. Is the man that Zam the ex mercenary followed around yesterday morning. 

The man's eyes are open, but he's just staring ahead, and Zam slightly nods when Helbe the elven thief says "He's not entirely conscious". 

The young elven noble who is just not a member of Lord Farque's personal council, but is also the undead warlord's envoy, says to the ex mercenary and the elven spy "Bring him". 

As Zam and Dalin lift the man sitting on the floor to his feet, the spy Tanith nods to the unconscious fellow on the bed, then says "That the one Lis followed yesterday?" he then adds "Anything interesting from him?". 

"Not much" is the reply from the elven princeling whose mother is the heir to the principality of Laerel, and whose father is the Warden of the forest city of Quinthain. 

"Nothing we didn't already know" adds the highly talented elven practitioner of magic, who walks back into the other room. 

While Zam and Dalin, who are on either side of the partially conscious man that the ex mercenary followed around yesterday morning. Walk him into the other room, as they each hold him by an arm. 

Once they're all back in the other room, the lord of the death realm, who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates to The Destroyer. 

Says in the royal elven language to his envoy "How fucking interesting?" followed by "Interesting enough that Zam, Lis and Dalin shouldn't know?". 

The elven master archer thinks about it for a moment or two, then in the same language he says "Should be alright". 

Helbe the elven thief continues with "Dalin has pretty much figured it out on his own anyway" he then adds "Zam and Lis kind of know the basics". 

The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel follows that with "Lis more so than Zam". 

The large heavily armoured deathlord softly grunts at hearing that, then says "Can't be helped I guess". 

Then switching to the common language, the undead warlord nods to the semi conscious man standing between the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins, and the elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alinlae, and says "Let's see what he has to say for himself then". 

Draugodrottin glances at Dorc da Orc who is just about to wander over to a corner and sit down, and the lord of the death realm in orkish tells him "Cunt, look mean and shit to this fucking dickface". 

The large ork grunts, then walks back to stand beside the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, and the warleader of the ork race, who is a general in the Armies of Farque, scowls at the man whose eyes start to blink again, as he fully wakes up after Helbe the elven thief drops the spell he had cast upon him. 

"What?" says the man after he fully wakes up and sees the situation that he finds himself in, as he's being firmly held by Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. 

While Dorc da Orc, who is now glaring down at him, takes a wicked looking curved dagger from his belt. 

And starts making stabbing motions at the man with the nasty looking blade that he holds in one of his frying pan sized hands. 

The fellow audibly gulps, then he suddenly gets more nervous than scared, when Lord Farque says to him "That small shop you ended up in yesterday?" followed by "How long has it been passing through stolen goods, purchased from letters of credit from that counting house on Massel Street, just to the northeast of the city center?". 

"Ah" says the man after a few moments of silence, and after Dalinvardèl Tanith gives him a slight shake. 

"You might as well answer" says Helbe the elven thief, who gestures over at Dorc, then adds "Or my ork friend here, will start cutting pieces off of you, and eating them while you watch him do it". 

Dorc da Orc knowing what exactly to do. Mines holding up something, and pretends to cut it with his wicked curved looking dagger. 

The big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world then mimes eating what he's cut off, chewing in an exaggerated manner. 

"Ork!" exclaims the fellow, who like pretty much everyone in The Southlands, think orks are creatures of fancy and make believe, who aren't actually real. 

And are creatures of stories and legends, created to scare everyone and anyone, starting from childhood.

The man looks at Lord Farque, then at Helbe the elven thief, both of whom nod in reply to his look, before he stares in horror at the ork warleader, who continues to pantomime cutting strips off something, then eating them. 

"Better do what he says there buddy" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, who gives the fellow a slight shake, before adding "Or the big fellow over there will start cutting strips off you". 

From the other side, Zam the ex mercenary who figures he might as well get in on things, adds "And he looks awfully hungry too". 

The youngest member of the group continues with "He might not just be satisfied with a strip or two of you, he just might cut off one of your arms to eat". 

Dorc da Orc or Dorkindle which is his given name, grunts then nods in agreement with what the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins just said. 

"Speak" says Helbe the elven thief who refrains from grinning at what Dalin and Zam just said to the man they've captured. 

After a moment or two as he continues to stare in horror at the large ork who is the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks. 

The man, who Zam the ex mercenary followed around yesterday morning, finally starts talking. First answering what the lord and ruler of the Lands asked him concerning a certain shop on the edge of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the entire city of Vexil. 

"Yes" says the fellow which comes out like a squeak, he clears his throat a couple of times, before saying more clearly "Yes". 

He briefly pauses before continuing on with "It's a front for stolen goods" followed by "Purchased with letters of credit from the Massel Street counting house". 

Lord Farque nods his full helmed head, then he asks the fellow "And whose letters of credit have you been getting from that counting house?". 

The fellow winces, then after a slight shake from both Dalin and Zam. As well as looking at Dorc da Orc, who is now just staring at him with a demented look upon his broad green, brutish looking face while drooling. 

The man slightly nods, then answers that question from the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque. 

Zam the ex mercenary's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at hearing that particular answer. And he's just as surprised at the answers to the following questions that Lord Farque asks the fellow who the youngest member of the group watched, and followed around yesterday morning, here in the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 32.

Vexil. 

"Nah, he says he doesn't need to" says Zam the ex mercenary in response to Lisell Maera the scout asking him "Are you going out with Percy again when he trains?". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins continues with "Besides, I think he doesn't want to run into anyone from his order if we go out to the practice field again". 

Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by those who know her well, nods her head, then she gestures down the lane they're in, when she spots Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy walking back this way. 

The elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae gets to the small wine shop that Zam and Lis are sitting out in front of, at one of the two tables placed there. 

The elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque sits down at their table. 

"Zam, this is who you're to look out for" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who is speaking in elvish. 

The elf who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, then gives a description of the individual Zam is to look out for. 

Then the spy Tanith quietly tells the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins "Discreetly follow him, and see where he goes to". 

The youngest member of the group, nods his head in understanding, then quietly asks in the elven language "And if I'm to get in contact with you or any of the others?" followed by "Or if I'm spotted?". 

"Not to worry" replies Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as more often than not he's called by the others in the group. 

"His highness, his er small friend" says the spy Tanith, who follows that with "She'll be close by, keeping an eye on you". 

Dalin continues on from that with "She'll tell prince Helbenthril or myself if you run into any trouble". 

The elven spy who is a commander in the Armies of Farque briefly pauses for a moment, before adding "Hell, she'll probably take care of it herself". 

While Zam's eyebrows shoot up at hearing that, the scout Maera nods her head in agreement with the elven spy originally from the principality of Alinlae. 

"Best you get going" says Dalinvardèl Tanith, who follows on from that with "You know where to watch from?". 

"I do" says the teenager who is the youngest member of the group, who continues with "I remember where". 

The spy Tanith nods his hooded head, then Zam gets up, and heads down the lane in the direction that Darlin came from. 

While at the table in front of the small wine shop, the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque tells Lisell Maera who she's to look out for, and to follow if they happen to show up. 

This morning, unlike yesterday which was fairly clear, and quite cool for a spring morning. The day has dawned pretty cloudy. And though it's not raining, nor it looks like it'll rain later on in the day. 

Zam from his time so far here in the city of Vexil, knows that in all likelihood, it'll be raining by this time tomorrow morning. 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins turns left onto the street at the end of the lane. 

And the teenager who is the youngest member of the group who is glad that it's not raining, is also glad that both Mira Reinholt the mage and Dorc da Orc aren't with them this morning. Especially after what happened yesterday. 

When the mage Reinholt was a goblin thanks to a spell from Helbe the elven thief. Which caused Dorc da Orc untold entertainment during the morning. 

With the large ork repeatedly making fun of the goblin that he named Carry, but in reality was the spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation, to be found anywhere in The Southlands. 

Zam slightly shakes his head at the memory of the ork warleader continually making fun of the light green coloured goblin. 

Then the ex mercenary crosses the quiet street he's on, then turns into an alleyway, which he hurries down. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins gets to the end of the alleyway, where he stops before looking to his left down the street the alleyway comes out onto. 

Down the street towards the other end is the counting house that yesterday Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc, Mira Reinholt the mage and Helbe the elven thief observed from a nearby rooftop. 

Zam looks north, not all that far away, to the building that those four watched the counting house at the end of the street from. 

Then keeping an eye on the front doors of the counting house at the end of the street. The ex mercenary makes his way out of the alleyway. 

And slowly heads that way, making his way to an ale house, that's too small to be called a tavern, even though it serves food as well. 

Since it's not raining, and there's bench seats outside the ale house, Zam takes a seat, and orders a drink from the serving woman who comes out to greet him. 

The ale house has only a few other customers, all of whom are inside this morning. Which is fine by Zam, as he doesn't particularly want to socialize and talk to anyone else. 

The youngest member of the group, who is originally from The City Of Ruins watches the counting house across the street, and a bit further away to the left at the end of the street. 

Though this part of the city, to the north and east of the city center, isn't particularly busy, either day or night. 

There's a fairly steady stream of customers, entering and leaving the counting house that Zam is observing. 

The ex mercenary isn't at all surprised at that, as there's plenty of businesses and shops in this part of the city that's the capital of Vexil. 

As it's on the edge of the most wealthy neighbourhoods in the city. Where people tend to use the services of a reliable financial institution such as a counting house. 

The teen who is the youngest in the group by at least five years, keeps a careful eye out for the individual he's been told to the watch out for. 

Zam, who has made silent bets to himself about whether the person he's been tasked to follow and observe. Actually won't show up at all this morning. 

Is somewhat surprised when that particular individual, actually does show up in the company of a pair of hired guards. Mercenaries by the looks of things. Who the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins can easily tell. After all he was a mercenary too. And in some ways, he's still is if he stops and thinks about it. 

The ex mercenary sips his drink as he waits, still keeping an eye on the counting house at the end of the street. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group, wonders how long he'll have to wait. Turns out not all that long. 

For soon, the individual he's been tasked to observe, exits the counting house in the company of his hired guards. 

Zam downs the rest of his drink, waits a moment, then gets up off the bench in front of the ale house he's been waiting at. 

The ex mercenary starts making his way down the street, as he sees the individual he's to follow, and the man's mercenary guards. Heading back in the direction they came from. 

The individual Zam's been tasked to follow is in his mid thirties, physically fit by the looks of things. 

And from what the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins can see, has a long dagger, or short sword, tucked under his cloak. 

The ex mercenary doesn't know who he is, nor does he really care. Just that he's not a spellcaster in any way. Which was what Zam was worried about when told of his task for today. 

The only thing the teenager was told about the individual, is that he's fairly wealthy, as he's part of one of the trading companies here in the city of Vexil. 

"Which way are you going?" Zam the ex mercenary murmurs to himself as the watches the trio he's following at a distance. 

Heading towards one of main avenues in this part of the city. Which will see them either going left, which is south, or right, which is north. 

The youngest member of the group picks right, as he figures which way the trio he's following will eventually go. 

So he's not surprised when they do turn that way along the avenue. After all that heads north. Where basically all of the wealthiest members of Vexillian society tend to live whilst in the city. 

Zam continues to follow them at a distance after they turn into a street off the avenue. The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, calmly walks around the corner onto that street. 

And spots the two mercenary guards outside of a shop on the other side of the street. The youngest member of the group follows a couple of dwarves as he passes the shop the individual he's been tasked to watch. 

Then he turns into a lane, where he waits in the open doorway of a residential building. The ex mercenary doesn't wait too long. 

For he soon sees his target and his two hired guards, walk by on the other side of the street from the lane he's in. 

Zam hurries from the position where he's waited, and out of the lane, and onto the street. Where he sees the fellow he's been tasked to follow, along with his guards, heading for the corner to the left at the end of the street. 

The youngster from The City Of Ruins doesn't walk too quickly, even though he wants to. As he hopes he doesn't lose those he's following, as they're out of sight for a few moments. 

The ex mercenary crosses the street, and rounds the corner behind a couple of house maids, who are out shopping this morning. 

The teenager who is the youngest member of the group is glad he spots his target and the man's mercenary guards further along the street. 

Then as the two house maids enter a shop to the left, Zam slightly frowns to himself as all of a sudden he gets a feeling he's being followed. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, briefly stops to look through the open door of the shop to the left. 

As he does, he discreetly looks back the way he's come from, then mutters under his breath "Shit". As he spots a couple of men, who though being nonchalant about it, are definitely following him. 

The teenager continues on his way, as he does he dismisses the idea that the pair who are following him, are connected to the man he's been tasked to follow. 

The ex mercenary then slightly nods to himself, as he realizes he's a target of opportunity for a couple of local thieves. 

And though thievery, and for that matter all round criminality, isn't particularly common in this part of the city, compared to say the southwest quarter of the city. Which Zam has learnt is by far the most dangerous part of the city of Vexil. 

Crime still occasionally occurs here on the fringes of the wealthiest neighbourhoods that the city has. 

And the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins realizes he's been targeted, for the simple reason these streets are fairly quiet compared to elsewhere in the city. 

Zam increases his pace, as he sees his target and his mercenary guards, are about to turn a corner at the end of the quiet street they're on. 

As he does, he hears the pair following him, pick up the pace too. And as he briefly glances back, he sees one of them has a dagger in hand. 

While the other is holding a short cudgel he's trying to hide beneath his short cloak as they hurry after him. 

Suddenly the one with the dagger yelps and drops his weapon, and puts a hand to his face, and stumbles forward, trying to stop the bleeding from the slashes across his face that have suddenly appeared. 

The other would be thief comes to a stop in disbelief, then he yells in pain, dropping his cudgel. And puts a hand to his right eye, which is bleeding profusely. 

Zam winces as it looks like that fellow's eye has been punctured by something very small, and extremely sharp. 

The ex mercenary slightly nods to himself as he realizes what's happened. And though he's never spoken to her before, and for that matter he's only briefly caught sight of her twice in the time he's been with the group. 

Quietly says "Ah" he briefly pauses as he recalls he should probably speak in elven, and he quietly says in that language "Thanks". 

There's a moments pause, then a quiet, and clearly feminine voice tell him in elvish "Get moving you idiot" followed by "That one you're supposed to be following is getting away". 

Zam grimaces, then nods before hurrying away, leaving the pair of would be, and wounded thieves behind. 

As he hurries to catch up to the individual he's been tasked to follow and see where he ends up going to. 

Meanwhile Narladene the ground pixie looks back at the pair of local thieves who were about to rob Zam before she intervened. 

The tiny winged creature who is originally from the Sunreach Mountains, briefly thinks about actually killing the two. But she doesn't bother, as both have been permanently disfigured because of her. 

Instead the naturally magical creature flutters away, and heads after the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins, who is the youngest member of the group. 

Who she is keeping an eye on this cloudy spring morning, here just to the north and east of the center of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 31

The City Of Vexil. 

As he waits to leave in the reception chamber of The Merchant's Rest, Zam the ex mercenary can't help but grin when Mira Reinholt the mage enters the reception chamber from the common room. 

Next to the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins, Lisell Maera the scout snorts, then chuckles at the appearance of the once powerful mage. 

"Ah" says Zam the ex mercenary in response to Mira Reinholt the mage looking at the two of them and asking "What?". 

The youngest member of the group doesn't want to say anything else, while the scout Maera who can't help but keep grinning, just shakes her head. 

"Out of the way Mira" says Lord Farque to the Vexillian mage in exile, who grunts then moves further into the reception chamber, giving room to the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque. 

The mage Reinholt frowns, then hurries over to the narrow mirror on the wall next to the rack for coats and cloaks. 

"What the fuck?" says the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, who then adds in disgust "That fucking pointy eared thief". 

"Stop your fucking complaining" says the undead warlord who follows that with "You're not that fat looking woman anymore". 

Then the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque gestures to the door, and says to the three of them "Out" he then adds "We're going". 

Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout share a look, and with both grinning, they head outside. 

Followed by the lord of the death realm, then with one final look of disgust in the narrow mirror, and a shake of his head, Mira Reinholt makes his way out the front door of the inn. 

Waiting outside, Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy sees the once powerful mage follow the others outside. 

And can't help but laugh as he looks at the Vexillian born spellcaster who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council. 

"Huh?" says Dorc da Orc, who turns around to see why the spy Tanith has laughed, when he too sees Mira Reinholt the mage. 

The large ork blinks in surprise, then after he sniffs to make sure that indeed it's Mira Reinholt he's looking at. 

The big burly ork from the southern polar region of the world bursts out into laughter, wheezing and sucking in breath's as he points at the mage who is also a highly skilled swordmaster. 

"Oh fuck up" mutters Mira Reinholt with a look of disgust upon his face as he looks at the ork warleader, who is bent over at the waist, slapping a thigh, as he continues to uncontrollably laugh. 

The spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere in The Southlands, until he lost the bulk of his powers when he miscast a spell that sent him offworld. 

Scowls, then looks at the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, and says to him "Can we get going?" followed by "And can we leave this fucking idiot behind?" as he gestures at the laughing ork weaponsmith. 

"Dalin lead the way" says the deathlord of Farque, who continues with "You know the way". The lord of the death realm nods to Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera to follow the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae. 

They follow after the elven commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, while the undead warlord says "Argka va tigal cakl" to Dorc da Orc. 

The large ork who is a general in the Armies of Farque, straightens up, and wipes his face and eyes, and still laughing as he looks at Mira Reinholt. 

The big burly ork who is the son of the former matriarch of the wolf tribe of orks, follows after the ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins and the scout who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury. 

As he does, Dorc da Orc or Dorkindle to give him his full name, says through the laughter "A fucken gob-a-lin" the large ork wheezes before adding "He a silly fucken gob-a-lin". 

The spellcaster who was the youngest ever member of the Mage Council of Vexil looks at the large heavily armoured deathlord, and seeing he'll get no sympathy there, he sighs and follows after the others. With the undead warlord walking behind him at the back of the group as they head to the nearby street from the secluded inn. 

A bit later, on what's a relatively fine, but cool spring morning, the mage Reinholt who finds himself walking beside Lord Farque, with Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout in front of them, while Dorc da Orc now brings up the rear. 

Asks the lord of the death realm "How the hell did he make me this height?" the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster then adds "I'm not even close to my own height" followed by "I thought Illusion spells, even the greater ones that thieving prince casts, you had to be around the similar height and size you normally are?". 

The large heavily armoured deathlord who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by, glances down at the goblin walking beside him, and he says "You're not". 

"Huh?" says the once powerful spellcaster, who when he was younger, attended the Mage College here in the city of Vexil. 

"You're still your same height" says the undead warlord who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates to The Destroyer. 

As they cross a street, with Dalinvardèl Tanith leading the way out in front of everyone else. The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque tells the mage who is a member of his personal council "You just look and feel like you're the size of a goblin to yourself and everyone else". 

"By the shape of fire, how the hell did he manage that?" mutters Mira Reinholt the mage referring to his fellow practitioner of magic, Helbe the elven thief. 

Lord Farque who can see through the spell that's changed the appearance of the Vexillian mage in exile, shrugs his broad heavily armoured shoulders, then says "Who knows?" followed by "That no good thief is always tinkering with his spells to change things up, even I have to watch him cast at times to know what he's actually fucking doing". 

The goblin who is barely over five foot tall, when the mage Reinholt is actually six foot tall, grunts as he walks beside the deathlord of Farque who absolutely towers over him. 

While behind them, Dorc da Orc who is still chuckling to himself at the appearance of the once powerful mage, completely dwarfs the former member of the Mage Council of Vexil. 

"Come up with a name yet?" asks the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque as they slow down as they approach a busy intersection of four streets. 

"Huh?" says the local born practitioner of magic, who then winces when the large heavily armoured deathlord of Farque quietly tells him in a dry tone of voice "We can't really fucking go around calling you Mira, now can we?". 

Draugodrottin continues on in the same tone with "You know, Vexil's favourite son" followed by "The mage who betrayed them". 

The lord of the death realm briefly pauses before adding in that same dry tone "Like fuck a goblin would be called Mira". 

The exiled Vexillian mage nods his head, and as he thinks of something to call himself whilst he appears as a goblin thanks to the ingenious spell cast by Helbe the elven thief. 

Dorc da Orc who has been listening to the conversation between Lord Farque and Mira Reinholt, says "Cock Gobbler the Gob-a-lin" followed by "Call the fucken gob-a-lin that". 

The spellcaster who was once the most powerful mage of his generation to be found anywhere, right across The Southlands, sourly smiles. 

While in front of him and the undead warlord, both Zam the ex mercenary and Lisell Maera the scout, who are also listening to the deathlord of Farque and the goblin who is really the mage Reinholt. 

Share a look as they both grin at hearing what Dorkindle just suggested for a name for the pale green goblin walking alongside the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque. 

"Can't fucking call him that" says Des'tier after they cross one of the intersecting streets, and head down a lane that Dalinvardèl Tanith leads them into. 

"For starters it doesn't sound goblin" adds the large heavily armoured deathlord, who then tells the mage who is part of his personal council "Think of fucking something" followed by "Or I will". 

Once again it's Dorc da Orc who quickly suggests something, as the large ork who is a general in the Armies of Farque says "Carry". 

"Huh, what?" says the spellcaster who is also a highly skilled swordmaster, who then adds "Carry?". 

"Yeah" says the warleader of the ork race, who with a satisfied grin upon his broad green brutish looking face, adds "As in, Carry this fucken shit around ya gob-a-lin cunt". 

"The fuck?" mutters the practitioner of magic who though has been exiled from the city-state of Vexil, he is allowed to visit for brief periods of time. 

"That actually makes sense" says the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque, in front of him and the mage Reinholt, Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the others in the group, nods her head in agreement with the undead warlord. 

"It does?" says the spellcaster who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council, who then winces as he recalls that goblins have names that describe what they do. Usually what jobs they actually do. 

"Carry it is" says the lord of the death realm, which earns a chuckle from Dorc da Orc, grins from Zam and Lis, and sour sounding "Thanks" from the Vexillian mage in exile, Mira Reinholt. 

A bit later on, and in a small square, that's more round than it is a square, located just to the east and north of the city center. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, who is the youngest in the group, looks into an alleyway which Lord Farque, Dorc da Orc and the goblin that's really Mira Reinholt the mage, have just walked into. 

And the teenager watches as the undead warlord grabs both the large ork and the small goblin, and leaps up to the roof of the three storey building that's to their left. 

The ex mercenary looks over and sees that the scout Maera has just sat down on a bench seat, beneath a tree on one side of the small square. 

Zam goes over and joins her, while Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as more often than not he's called by those who know him well. 

Stands against the building to the left of the alley, the building that the lord of the death realm, the ork warleader, and the once powerful mage are now on top of. 

"Think they'll see anything?" quietly asks Lisell Maera when the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins sits down next to her. 

"Probably" is the reply from the ex mercenary, who gestures over to where the spy Tanith is waiting, and quietly tells the attractive young woman from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury "Dalin says his highness is up there waiting for them". 

"They'll definitely see something then" quietly says the Lisell Maera who is an officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

"Or find something too" adds the scout leader, whose mother was a street prostitute in Brattonbury, and whose father, who she never knew, or met, was a sailor who plied his trade upon the Great Western Ocean. 

The youngest and newest member of the group nods his head in agreement with the scout Maera. 

As they along with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy wait in this small square on this fine, sunny but cool spring morning. 

While lord Farque, Dorc da Orc, Mira Reinholt the mage and Helbe the elven thief observe a nearby counting house here in this part of the capital city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 30.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Hurrying over to where the racks of lances are, Zam the ex mercenary watches as sir Percavelle Lé Dic makes another pass on his warhorse. 

The large heavily armoured knight is on the rings, and though he has to adjust his lance a couple of times. He takes all six rings along the posts. It makes no difference to the former paladin that each target is at different heights. 

The noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, easily collects all the rings. And so far that Zam has seen since they've been here this morning. 

The former earl of Lé Dic is the only tourney competitor to collect the all the rings on any of the passes they've attempted. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins quickly moves to one side as a squire for a landed knight from the kingdom of Girdane. Hurries over and takes a lance from the rack. 

As usual, those helping the various competitors, are more than a little careless as they take a lance. 

As the squire from the kingdom of Girdane swings the long length of wood onto his right shoulder. Without even looking where Zam is. 

The youngest member of the group, if he was standing where he was previously, would of been hit by the lance. But where is now, he easily avoids it. 

Waits for sir Percavelle Lé Dic to come back this way, as the large heavily armoured knight in the order of Saint Mar'che. 

Has one of the tourney attendants provided by the city council, taking the rings off the end of the former paladin's lance. 

The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic makes his way back along the side of the practice field, to this end of the lists. 

While he does, a pair of knights charge at one another in a practice joust, and one is unhorsed, when his opponent scores a direct hit on his wooden shield, which shatters. 

The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins winces as the knight hits the ground with a clatter. 

"Damn" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary with a shake of his head, who follows that up with "I bet that fucking hurt him". 

Then the youngest member of the group who learnt that the tourney competitors will be using blunt lances. And not a war lance, which have a sharp steel tip at the end of the lance. 

Moves away from the rack, and over to the side of the practice field, when the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, gestures he's taking a break. 

Zam takes hold of the bridle of the warhorse, and the large heavily armoured knight dismounts. The two of them start walking over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Shur Kee the monk have been watching the morning practice. 

"I say lad, was there any takers?" asks sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who follows that with "Wot" before adding "I'd like to test thy self against one of my potential opponents, wot" then saying "Who doth are inferior to I". 

"Not a single one" responds Zam the ex mercenary, who continues with "I asked everyone down at this end" followed by "And a few at the other end too, after they made a pass, before heading back to the far end". 

"Bugger" says the large heavily armoured knight in disappointment, who follows on from that with "Not a single courageous one amongst the lot, wot". 

The youngest and most recent member of the group nods in agreement with the nobleman who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. 

For he can see why the former paladin can't secure himself a practice joust against a potential opponent. 

As the former earl of Lé Dic is indeed a menace with a lance as Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy described him as they made their way through the city earlier this morning. 

"Looking good out there Percy" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy when Zam the ex mercenary and sir Percavelle Lé Dic join the commander in the Armies of Farque, and the short statured monk out front of the small tent that the four of them have hired for the day. 

As the teenager who is the youngest member of the group, brushes down the warhorse the former paladin recently purchased. 

The elven spy who is originally from the principality of Alinlae says to the large heavily armoured knight "You didn't miss a single ring on all the passes you did". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, continues with "And without damage to your lance too". 

The noble born knight who has just briefly lifted up the visor of his full helm, to take a drink from his water sack. 

Closes the helm's visor, then grunts in agreement with the spy Tanith, then says "Child's play" followed by "Any competent knight should achieve such". 

The elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae before joining the group, just shakes his head at that from the Druvician nobleman. 

For what Dalin has observed this morning since they've got here to the practice field. 

Only two other knights have got five of the six rings in the practice joust. And one of them barely got a fifth. 

The spy Tanith along with Shur Kee the monk had a feeling the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che would be the most accomplished competitor here practicing for the Vexil Spring Tourney. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith nods his hooded head when Percy gestures at Zam, then says "The lad here says that not a single one of this lot is willing to practice joust against I, the great sir Percavelle". 

"I can't imagine why" dryly says the elf who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 

Which gets a grin from Zam the ex mercenary, and a smile from the honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council, Shur Kee the monk. 

The noble born knight clears his throat, then says "Yes well" followed by "Not very sporting of them if I say so myself, wot". 

Then the four of them look towards the practice field when they hear a scream, and see that a squire has just been knocked down by a knight upon a horse. 

Zam winces, while Dalin murmurs "Damn" and next to him, Shur Kee just shakes his head. Meanwhile, sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the others in the group tend to call him, says "Bound to happen with some many on and around the field". 

They watch as a couple of attendants and a lesser spellcaster from the city council, go out to the severely injured squire after there's been a call to cease the practice for the moment. 

A few moments later, and the squire is helped to his feet after being healed by the spellcaster. And after he's been helped off the practice field, things get underway again. 

"Good thing if you get injured or wounded, you'll be healed quickly" says Dalin with a sideways glance at the former paladin beside him. 

The nobleman originally from the kingdom of Druvic, sniffs in disdain, then says "No such thing will happen". 

The extremely confident knight, who is both landed and ordered, continues with "I have seen none here this morning who thy deem a challenge to face in the joust, wot". 

The spy Tanith nods his hooded head, then asks "What about Le Grande Meleé?" followed by "Anything could happen in that". 

The elf who hails from the principality of Alinlae, and is now a commander in the Armies of Farque, then adds "That's open to almost anyone" he continues with "Not just knights, and knight's apprentices". 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic grunts, then says "Tis true" and after a brief pause, he continues with "Not to fear, I shall prevail in that too, wot". 

The former paladin follows on from that with "It is not so different than battle" he then adds "And all know I, the great sir Percavelle is supreme in that, and no one can stand against me". 

Dalinvardèl Tanith rolls his eyes, then quietly says in elvish to Zam in slightly dry tone of voice "He's probably right, you know". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nods to that. For the noble born knight is probably right. And that it'll be difficult for anyone to best him in Le Grande Meleé. 

Though for the ex mercenary, it's Le Grande Meleé that he's most worried about. As the squires and helpers of the participants. Are expected to go out onto the tourney field and help their sponsor. 

Either to give them more weapons, or to get them to their feet, to help them stand, so that they can continue on. 

All things that Zam is not looking forward to. Though Percy himself has mentioned he won't need assistance in anyway. 

For the simple fact, the large heavily armoured knight won't need anymore weapons. As he has plenty upon himself to begin with. 

And also because the former paladin in all his confidence, doesn't believe he'll need any help to get up off the ground, as he won't be knocked down at all during the mass combat, that's Le Grande Meleé. 

As he finishes up brushing the warhorse, then letting it drink from a small bucket of water. Zam hears the former paladin ask Dalin and Shur Kee "Doth by chance, happen to see anyone from my order?" followed by "Wot". 

The elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque shakes his hooded head no, then says "There's none here this morning" followed by "I asked around". 

The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, continues with "That doesn't mean any of them won't show up later on in the day". 

Dalin gestures to a larger tent further on to the left from theirs, then says "Talking to a couple of The Knights of The Dark there, and they say there's quite a few members of your order in residence at the city chapter house at the moment". 

"Saint Mar'che" mutters the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, who winces behind the visor of his full helm at hearing that. 

"If any have entered the tourney, they could turn up later on today to practice" says Dalinvardèl Tanith, who continues on with "And they being from your order, there's a high possibility a lot of them have entered". 

Once again the former paladin winces behind the visor of his full helm, and this time he mutters "Naralle" the god that's worshipped by the members of the order of The Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"Hmmmm" murmurs the former earl of Lé Dic, who after a few moments of silence as he thinks about something, adds "Might be best if we return to the city at midday". 

The large heavily armoured knight who doesn't particularly want to run into any members of his order, even though he's not wearing his order's tabard at the moment, and he's left the Shield of Saint Mar'che back at the Merchant's Rest inn. And he has no plan to use it during the tourney, since magical weapons and items are banned in the city run tourney. 

Then says "Yes, tis best if we go back to the inn for lunch, wot" sir Percavelle Lé Dic then says "Come along squire, get the lance, wot". 

The former paladin continues on with "A few more passes at the rings, then we'll be off" he nods to himself, before adding "Sounds like a good plan there Percy old chap". 

As the noble born knight walks back to the practice field, leading his warhorse, and Zam the ex mercenary carrying his lance, follows him. 

Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Shur Kee the monk share a look, and both nod in understanding. Before they go back to watching what's happening on the practice field this fairly sunny and clear spring day just outside the city of Vexil . . . . . .