Year 32

“So yeah, they’re going to start rebuilding that old Fel temple in the jungle and turning it into a headquarters soon.” Marco tells you.
“So Annah told me.” You answer.
“All the Black Hooks might soon be incorporated into the Syndicate proper as well, rather than just as associates. I don’t think we would have been considered as quickly without you and your wife’s input.”
“Good. You guys certainly deserve it, after all the hard work you’ve put in.”
“Um yeah, so are you going to join the Syndicate too?”
“Me? I dunno. Been pretty preoccupied what with the family and all.”
“Yeah, yeah I know, but um…well its just if you don’t become a full member, I’ll probably have more authority than you in certain matters. I mean I don’t think it’ll come to this, but they could even have me take over this major operation here.”

You smile a bit.

“Is that right? Who said this?” you ask.
“Nathan, the Syndicate leader here.” Marco says.
“Of course he did.”
“I mean I wouldn’t want to do it of course, but I mean order are orders. I mean you know how I really respect everything you’ve done and shit.”
“Don’t worry about it Marco, because I’m not. You do what you gotta do and worry about your own future.”
“Um, okay boss.”

Marco leaves your shop and shake your head at Marco’s almost apologetic warning. The boy would probably hesitate if he actually ever had to go against you. Long enough for you to get the advantage anyway, but you doubt if it would ever come to that.

The Syndicate has mostly been happy with what you’ve been doing, though they do bring up the fact that you really should become a full member. You think Annah already would have, if not for you dragging your feet on the issue.

You aren’t sure why you are since you’re practically ECS at this point. You suppose there’s just a part of you that doesn’t want to have that final binding agreement since if you do; it really would be for life.

You suppose the choice might have been easier had you not just had one baby, but twins with Annah. That really complicated everything. (Especially when after they were born, the resemblance to you was unmistakable, so there was no getting out of it)

Annah at first seemed fine to take a step back from her “job” to be a mother, and she still doesn’t mind it, but over time she’s been getting antsy. You think it started soon after Checkers died of old age last year. She’s been going on about wanting to get back into things.

In fact when you return home, you find Annah waiting up for you in the front room. This can’t be good.

“We need to talk. And I mean talk without raising our voices because I just got Emma and Evan to sleep.” Annah says.
“Okay…” you respond.
“I need to get back to work.”
“Well I said you could help me at my shop, bring the kids along and keep them in the back and…”
“No. Maybe you’re content to sit around and letting your Black Hook kids do your legwork, but I want to be more active than that. Shit, you used to be more active too once.”
“Well its not like with the Syndicate around I can just go breaking into homes anymore, not that I need to. Besides, as you said, I got the Black Hooks doing shit for me.”
“Yeah that’s another thing. I know a lot of them look up to you like some weird surrogate father figure, but those teenagers are not your children and as loyal as you believe them to be, the Syndicate’s influence is only going to grow and eventually they might not be as reliable as you think they are. Besides, YOU now have real children you need to think about.”
“So what are you getting at exactly Annah?”
“We need to make some really big fucking changes in our lives or we’re going to be fucked over by the Syndicate.”
“I might remind you that being all hooked up with the Syndicate was your idea in the first place.”
“Yeah, because I see it as an opportunity for both of us. Especially now.”
“An opportunity to be indebted to a powerful merciless organization that will punish you severely if you fuck up? I mean I’m really not seeing it as a beneficial thing.”

Annah rubs her temples with some exasperation before continuing.

“You’re REALLY not seeing the benefits we have if we fully commit.” Annah says.
“Then why don’t you explain it to me slowly because I know you’ve tried before and I still just don’t get it.” You reply.
“Rook said this whole operation could be ours.”
“Oh yes, your buddy in Holgard. That’s why he sent that Nathan guy to oversee things.”
“He only sent Nathan because neither one of us are proper ECS members! Of course he’s still going to give preferential treatment to an actual member no matter how much he might like us.”
“He might like you, but I’m guessing that stopped when you showed up last time pregnant. And as for me he doesn’t know me so I doubt if he gives a shit.”
“Okay first off, pretty sure Rook likes men. He’s got some friend called Bolt he’s really close with. I dunno. In any case as I said before, I did many assassin jobs for him in the past successfully so I’ve always had his respect. When I told him just in passing about Sneaks, the guy nearly broke into song and dance. I mean he REALLY hated that guy apparently. His only complaint is that he didn’t get to kill Sneaks himself. I mean just based on THAT deed alone he was ready to hand operations of Jicol over to me. But I’ve explained that before.”
“Sorry, but I just don’t have as much trust in this Rook as you do okay? I mean I hardly believe he’s going to just hand Jicol over to us…or rather you for nothing.”
“Well of course not for nothing, obviously money would have to be kicked up to him, but shit we’re already doing that now to Nathan. I mean if we’re going to be in this position, we might as well have a whole island to run.”
“Yeah well I don’t think Nathan’s going to just step aside.”
“Well that’s why we kill him and take over.”

You give a brief chuckle in disbelief.

“So wait, not only are you suggesting that we join the Syndicate fully, but that we also kill one of its leaders? How the hell does that work?”
“Very easily. Its not like Rook particularly likes Nathan. He only sent him because I never fully committed. Ultimately Rook isn’t going to care if Nathan dies via an accident. If we get rid of him and those most loyal to him, then boom. We got control of this entire island and all we have to do is send coin back to Rook every once in awhile.”
“You do realize that it’s not going to be just be a simple matter of shooting Nathan right? The guy is all wrapped up in that Fel shadow magic shit. And I still don’t see how we can just get away with killing him. I mean I know the Syndicate is ruthless and people get executed for fucking up all the time, but if murdering your immediate superior was so commonly accepted the organization wouldn’t last very long.”
“And you’re right, but again Nathan really isn’t favored and we’ve got the benefit of being far enough away that we can sort of operate differently around here.”
“Oh right, all of this is supposed to be Rook’s private money making operation so he can gain more power and influence with the Syndicate to shake up the organization or something. Still not keen on being part of that big scheme either. Add the whole increase in Fel worship and it all just seems pretty risky.”
“Our whole lives have been risky. I mean every time you broke into a home and stole something you were taking a risk. Every day you spend being a criminal is risky. We don’t live nice safe lifestyle in case you hadn’t noticed.”
“Yeah, I get that, but there’s still a fucking limit.”

Annah reaches out to you. You know she’s really trying to convince you now.

“You say that if we commit that we’re running a high risk. You might be right. However, I’d propose that if we don’t, we’ll run an even higher risk. I mean maybe I’ve never really said this before, but you’ve got more potential than you ever give yourself credit for. I mean look what you did with the Black Hooks. If it wasn’t for the Syndicate you’d be kingpin of Jicol. Hell, you were for a while. I know you partly did everything because this was my idea, but there’s a part of you that still had the desire.”
“Maybe…”
“However, I get that you’ve always had concerns about all this. And I know we’ve gone back and forth about this a few time before. So, I think if you’re not willing to make that next step, then we need to do something that I believe you’ve probably thought about many times.”
“Which is?”
“We relocate. I don’t know where though, I assume you’ve had some thoughts on that matter.”
“Well you’re not wrong about relocating. Though unfortunately I don’t have a good idea of where. Preferably a place without any Syndicate influence, though Hessla and Klyton are sort of out of the question in that regard for other reasons. Maybe some place farther north, I’m just not as familiar with many of the settlements that way though. I know they tend to be smaller. Probably more dwarves.”
“Hm. Not exactly ideal.”
“I know. That’s one of the reasons why I haven’t really mentioned it to you. I mean I don’t really want to have to start all over again either. I’ve done it about three times already. And right now, even with the Syndicate looming over us, this has probably been the best set up I’ve had. I just can’t ignore that threat though, even if I do see the logic and benefits in your plan.”

You and Annah are silent for a moment and then she speaks again.

“Well, I just want you to know, whatever you decide, I’ll follow your lead. I was serious when I said that I want us to work this time. So if that means if we stay here or go north, or if I get back to what I want to do or I have to continue playing full time mom, then that’s what I’ll do.” Annah says.

That’s quite the sacrifice for Annah who has traditionally always done her own thing. Granted she’s changed a lot since being a teenager, but still sort of a switch considering she started this conversation with the desire of wanting to be more active in the business both of you have chosen.
> You relocate
It’s not ideal, but maybe it’s been a long time coming. You need to get out of here before you’re unable to.

“We’ve got coin saved up. Not as much as I’d like, but enough for us to be comfortable for a while. I’ve heard of a port town far to the north on the mainland called Yiktolv that’s supposed to be experiencing a growth boom. Lots of opportunities and such, but apparently very much still a frontier type environment meaning there shouldn’t be much law crawling all over the place. Fairly certain two enterprising people like us could find something to do in such an environment.” You say.
“Okay, I guess we better make the preparations then. I’m sure we’ll be fine. Well, it’s late and we probably should both get some sleep.” Annah says,

You both head to bed, though you don’t sleep much for several reasons. There’s so much shit you need to get done.

You spend the next month fencing as much as you can and selling off items that have been in your possession for awhile now at a slightly lower rate. You also start giving Marco a bit more responsibility with the whole debt-collecting thing. At one time you just gave him orders on what you needed, but you start allowing him to see the actual books and lists.

Marco’s smart enough to know something must be up if you’re doing this. You give him a short explanation, which of course he’s not exactly overjoyed to hear you leaving, but he’s grateful that you’re passing your business on to him.

“Remember, I’m handing this to you. Try not to let that asshole Nathan reassign you or some shit. You’ve got a crew. I mean maybe you’re all going to be Syndicate one day, but I assume you had your closest ties with your fellow Black Hooks, so it isn’t like you don’t have any back up.” You say.
“I understand and thanks.” Marco replies.

After about two months, you and Annah are pretty much set and you have already made arrangements to board a ship mostly carrying fabric to Yiktolv. Normally such a cargo ship wouldn’t take any old passengers, but enough coin talks. You really only want to take such a ship mainly because its potentially less of a target for pirates. After all you’ve got a trunk full of valuables, along with your family.

As concerned as you were in beginning about all this, you’re starting to feel more hopeful about this new beginning. Even Annah is sort of looking on the bright side of this endeavor.

The day you’re scheduled to leave, you, Annah and the twins make your way to the ship with a cart carrying your belonging, but you can’t help have a feeling of unease.

The ship’s crew takes your things and you board the ship with no problems, but you’re still feeling anxious. You just sense something wrong.

And then it happens.

Just as the ship is about to leave, a bunch of shouting for it to stop along with threats occurs and then you glance over the side and see Nathan, along with several of his Syndicate men begin making their way up the gang plank. Behind them are Marco and several Black Hooks. He looks a little cowed.

Nathan just gives a intimidating glance at the captain of the ship who slinks away to his cabin while the rest of his crew also find a way of making themselves scarce.

Annah shields Emma and Evan and tells them to get behind her. Annah’s good, but you’re not sure with Nathan’s shadow magic powers. And while Marco is here with some of his people, you can’t really be sure he’d help if it really comes down to it. Pressure by a powerful organization can be effective.

“You planning on leaving before saying goodbye Annah?” Nathan addresses her as if you’re not even around.
“Didn’t know we needed to.” You remark.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you wore the pants in the relationship.”
“What?”
“Oh come on, while you may have run your petty crime ring of snot nosed teens before we arrived, everyone knows that Annah’s the real threat here. Shit, I remember how Rook used to love telling stories about her in Holgard. If he wasn’t a pillow biter I would have sworn he was in love with her. Of course that was before she decided to become a brood sow.”
“Nathan, you call my wife a brood sow again, you’re going to see just how dangerous I AM.”
“Ohh! You hear that? The sound of a wounded ego. What do you think of your mentor Marco? You think he could take me?”

Marco doesn’t answer and just looks down. Causing Nathan to get annoyed and walk over to him.

“Hey! I’m talking to you boy! Answer the fucking question!” Nathan says smacking Marco upside the head.
“Um, no sir.” Marco answers meekly.
“You see that? Not even your star pupil thinks that highly of you, but as fun as all this is, let’s get to why I’m here. Coin. Coin that belongs to the Syndicate.”
“What’re you talking about Nathan? I left instructions and lists with Marco about who owes coin. Not to mention I put aside this month’s cut for the Syndicate and left it at the shop. Shit, I even left a little extra since I figured it would be a gesture of good will.”
“Yeah? Well that’s thoughtful. Wasn’t that thoughtful lads? The problem is, your good will don’t mean shit. Now you’re not Syndicate and obviously you’re too much of a pussy to join so honestly I don’t give a shit if you leave. Saves me the hassle of having to kill you later since I never thought much of you anyway. In fact the only reason why I’m being THIS generous is despite Annah being a…mother now, I know she’s still deadly with those pistols. I imagine right now, she could take out several of us if this turns unpleasant.”

Nathan then turns to walk back towards your direction.

“However, as good as she is, she’s not faster than me and more importantly she’s not fast enough to save YOU. So to prevent this from turning unpleasant, all I’m requesting is you hand over ALL your coin. I know you’ve probably got a chest full of it. Call it your exit tax. Do that, and you can be on your way to wherever the fuck you’re scurrying off to.”

You are feeling an anger right now that you nearly can’t contain. You almost aren’t thinking straight. You look at Nathan’s smug face and you just want to shoot it. You know the reputation of shadow magic and how effective it is. Even Annah has told you some of the things she’s witnessed.

You’re about to pull your pistol and he looks so eager for you to try. Still, he can’t be THAT fast can he? Even if you missed, sure Annah would be able to…

You feel a hand on your shoulder, and you turn to look at Annah who just shakes her head a bit.

“We’ll be fine.” She says.

And those words seem to calm you enough to drop your hands to your side.

“Take your tax. It’s in a black trunk below us.” You say.
“Smart move listening to your woman. She knows all too well the penalties of trying to fuck over the Syndicate. That’s how she got that lovely eye patch isn’t it? Marco, go make yourself useful and go get the fucking trunk.” Nathan says snapping his fingers at him.

Marco and the other Black Hooks head to the lower decks without another word. Meanwhile you go over to be closer with Annah and your children. Nathan of course takes this opportunity to continue to mock you both, presumably to still try to goad you into fight.

Soon, Nathan begins to get more irritated by the fact that Marco hasn’t returned yet.

“Fucking hell, what is taking so damn long? Go see what those fucking idiots are doing.” Nathan says to his men who head down below.

Next thing you know, the sounds of shouting followed by fighting can be heard. You can’t believe it.

“What the fuck…” Nathan says and moves towards the stairway leading to below decks.

And that distraction is all the time Annah needs.

Without a word, she pushes you to the side, pulls her pistol and unloads it into Nathan. Three of the shots turn his head into a bloody mess before his lifeless body hits the deck.

“Quick, go help your minions, they might need it.” Annah says and starts reloading.

This wasn’t part of the plan, but you have to take advantage where you can. You go down below where you find the Black Hooks fighting it out with the Syndicate. Fortunately for the Hooks, they had the advantage of ambushing them, but it’s still a good thing you’re there to help.

After it’s all said and done, you’ve killed them all, though not without casualties. Marco himself is wounded, but alive.

“You alright?” you ask.
“Yeah…ah…fuck.” Marco replies.
“Hm. You realize you just dug a deep hole and jumped waist deep in shit right?”
“I know, but I just couldn’t stand by and let him horse fuck you like that.”
“Appreciated. I knew who you’d side with if it came down to it.”
“Is that asshole dead?”
“Yeah, Annah filled him full of holes as soon as the fighting down here occurred. Turned his attention away just for a few seconds and that was it.”
“Good. But what happens now? Are you still leaving?”
“Good question.”

You motion for the remaining Black Hooks to help Marco and you head back to the upper decks where you find Annah trying to calm down a very worried captain. (Though oddly, your two children just stand by unaffected by the situation other than maybe curiosity)

“Relax captain, the Syndicate isn’t going to take it out on you. This will all be taken care of. Just head back in your cabin and when you come back out in a few hours, everything will be fixed and you can be on your way.” Annah says which the captain doesn’t necessarily believe, but he’s scared enough to be hopeful, so he does exactly what Annah says.

You approach Annah as she’s then asking if Emma and Evan are okay.

“They seem disturbingly calm about all this, obviously going to grow up to be unfeeling killers like their mother.” Annah remarks to you.
“I sure hope so. I know I’ll feel safer.” You respond.
“Speaking of safety, How exactly are we proceeding with all this? I mean what just happened is what you wanted to avoid.”
“Yeah, I know, but shit happens. Guess we’re staying now.”
“What? You mean you want to stay and not head to Yiktolv?”
“What’s the fucking point now? I mean we just carried out your plan, we might as well risk it now. If we go running off, I doubt even Rook would look kindly upon killing his representative here without at least replacing him. Not like Marco would be up for that task and the last thing I want to wake up one night in Yiktolv with Syndicate assassins surrounding me. If we get ahead of this, and Rook likes you as much as you and even Nathan said he does, well maybe we’ll be okay.”
“Oh, I think I can spin all this in a message to Rook. We might need to kick a little extra coin up to him this coming tribute though, just on the safe side.”
“Well I figured, but we’re sure as shit not paying all of it. Marco and his lot can contribute half that considering he got us into this in the first fucking place. I’d have them pay all of it, but I know those fuckers are still poor for the most part.”

You and Annah look at one another.

“Well we tried to walk away didn’t we?” Annah asks.
“Yeah. But things probably would have been the same in Yiktolv. I mean I suppose this way we don’t need to start all over after all. Wasn’t looking forward to that, let me tell you.” You say.
“Maybe it sounds strange, but I feel more positive about our future than I did.”
“Yeah, that sounds strange since we could very well be in more danger, but that’s why I love you. Anyway come on and let’s throw this asshole overboard. We’re probably going to have to take care of any other Syndicate members that were loyal to him soon. They’ll probably all be at the temple.”

After a few month’s time of “clean up” and coercion, things are settled on Jicol. When news finally reached Rook, he didn’t mind Nathan’s death and was glad to have Annah on board as his new representative on Jicol running things there. (You’ve always been seen as just part of the package even if you’re actually handling more of the business side of things)

You officially become Ebony Claw Syndicate. You’re supposed to get the tattoo, but you never do since you have the luxury of running things in Jicol and things are a little more lax there as far as “gang formalities” go.

While in the scheme of things, you might just be one cog in a larger organization; your simple days as common rogue are definitely over. In any case it doesn’t seem so bad, and besides the fact that you have to split more time with Annah looking after your children, things run more or less smoothly and you’re doing fairly well.

In fact you wonder why the hell you didn’t just go with Annah’s plan in the first place.


Chapter 3E: Reunited

Year 30

None of your dealings with gangs has ever been positive which is why its odd that you inadvertently became looked up to one.

Granted it’s made up of a bunch of snot nosed teenagers, but they’ve been trying to emulate you for years since they were snot nosed kids.

The Black Hooks have been unofficially looking to you for guidance ever since you easily caught a couple of them trying to pick your pocket a couple years ago and scolded them for their sloppy technique. Some of them seem to have potential, others just seem like they’re just in it to cause trouble and be rebellious. Their “leader” Marco talks a big game and even seems to resent the fact that so many in his gang speak positively of you, but in the scheme of things, he seems like he wants to be like you on some level.

Still, as teenagers are want to do, they don’t always listen very well. You certainly didn’t.

“Marco, I know you and your little friends are really proud about your recent string of break ins, but you lot still have a lot to learn about stealth. I’ve told you the story about the Bloody Talons haven’t I?” you remark.
“Yes! A million times!” Marco says exasperatedly.
“And you’ll hear it a million more until you fuckers get it right or you’re going to end up just like the Bloody Talons! More importantly, you’re making shit unnecessarily more difficult for the rest of us trying to make a living out here. The more reckless you are, the more the Jicol Watch starts actually cracking down on everyone. We don’t need that shit. We got it good here thanks to Jicol tending to worry more about pirates than us land based criminals.”
“I think I’d rather be a pirate.”
“Pfft, no you wouldn’t. You like the IDEA of being a pirate because you hear all about their glorious tales of raping and pillaging whenever they dock here. Trust me, I’ve dealt with enough pirates for them to tell me some of their stories to know that that life isn’t all that glamorous. Most of the time it’s a lot of waiting around on a ship fighting off scurvy and other crew members trying to do harm to your fucking asshole by shoving a dick it in. You want to get fucked in the ass?”
“Um, no?”
“You didn’t sound so sure about that. Because if that’s what you want, I’m pretty sure there are a lot of pirate captains that would like a cabin boy like you.”
“No! Fuck no.”
“Alright then. In any case, stop immediately breaking windows when you’re struggling with a lock. Locks are like women and sometimes you gotta take a little time with them before they open up and give you the goods. It’s a pain in the ass, but most of the time it’s worth it and you’ll feel a better sense of accomplishment. Understand?”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
“So what are you trying to sell this time?”

After doing a little bartering and taking advantage of Marco’s lack of knowledge of the value of his stolen goods, you bid him and his buddies goodbye and remind him to remember what you said.

As you make your way back to your humble home, halfway there you get the sense that you’re being followed and watched. It isn’t he Black Hook either.

“Alright, you lot might as well come out, unless you intend on shooting me from the shadows that you’re hiding in.”

A single older man steps out from said shadows.

“Nope, just me.” He says.
“Who are you?” you ask.
“Oh I go by the same name I have for years now. Sneaks. Though apparently not sneaky enough seeing as you sensed me. Such is the failing of once superior skills with getting old.”
“You won’t be getting too much older if you keeping following me around, now what do you want?”
“No need for hostility friend, though I suppose it would have been better to just approach you directly. Honestly, I’ve known about you for a year or so now, but seeing as I do my own fencing like most others like myself around here, never really needed to speak with you before.”
“Oh? So do you have something then?”
“Oh no. It’s not that. It’s more of a concern that…well let’s just say the underworld community has.”
“Underworld community? First I’m hearing of an organized gang here.”
“That’s because there isn’t one and we’re all hoping it stays that way. Nothing good comes from monolithic organizations. I should know I had to directly fight the Ebony Claw Syndicate back in Holgard and ultimately lost.”
“Well you’ll get no argument from me. I’ve never been part of a gang and never had any positive experiences with them.”
“Interesting. Then one wonders why you’re actively encouraging and acting as a mentor of sorts to one.”

You nearly chuckle at what Sneaks is getting at.

“The Black Hooks? I mean yeah I guess they’re a gang, but they’re hardly the Ebony Claw Syndicate. They’re mostly a bunch of dumb teenagers.” You say.
“Well I’m sure the Syndicate started as a bunch of dumb teenagers too, until someone molded and lead them to be a powerful organization.” Sneaks replies.
“I am NOT the leader of the Black Hooks nor do I have any desire to be. That dubious honor belongs to their mildly more intelligent member, Marco. I can’t help it if some of them look to me for tips and shit. If anything, my guidance as you call it, is making things better for the rest of us. I just told them to knock it off with their smash and grab routines and other shit that brings the heat down on everyone.”
“Yes, I can see that would be a good thing, however I don’t think you’re looking at the greater picture. You are correct in that they’re mostly dumb teenagers and their actions draw more attention. However, I also imagine that they wouldn’t last very long. Sooner, rather than later, the Jicol Watch would wipe out most of them and things would be harder for the rest of us for awhile, but eventually the status quo would return since Jicol has always been more concerned with a potential pirate attack rather than anything else.”
“Your point?”
“My point is, YOU are teaching them to be better criminals. Basically, more of them are going to survive and even thrive because of you. Not only does this mean more competition for all of us, it also means the Black Hooks are likely to survive as a gang. This organization is going to eventually realize that they outnumber the independent competition and take steps to eliminate said competition, or force them to join. Since some of us aren’t likely to go quietly, some of the independents are going to form their OWN gang for protection and before you know it, there’s a war going on. As I said, I’ve read that tale before and it didn’t end well.”
“So you’re telling me who I can or can’t associate with?”
“Look, I’m not saying to not continue to do whatever business you have with them. I wouldn’t dream of doing something like that. Anyway I said my piece. Do what you want obviously. I’m just suggesting that helping them as much as you have been, might not be in any of our best interests in the long run.”
“Duly noted.”

With those words, Sneaks nods and takes his leave. You have to admit, he does have somewhat of a point, but on the other hand some of it sounded like a threat with that last bit.

You continue on your way home and then you see a figure near it. The figure isn’t even hiding. They’re just casually sitting on your front step. Seems you’re popular today.

As you approach a little cautiously, the notice the figure is female and a little furry animal pop out from around her then…

“Annah?” you call out.
“I was wondering when you’d get home. I would have let myself in, but who knows what traps you’ve rigged and I’m not quite as nimble anymore. Besides, wouldn’t be polite right?” Annah replies.
“Glad to see you’ve at last respected my boundaries. Not just for me, but for yourself. That door doesn’t even lead inside, come on, I’ll take you the real way.”
“Oh, a secret way in. Nice, but aren’t you concerned about me knowing?”
“Not at this point. Besides, I don’t keep anything of actual value in here anyway.”
“Of course you don’t.”

After leading Annah in the real way to your home (with Checkers slowly following behind), she asks you how you’ve been and what you’ve been up to. You give a brief answer that you’ve been doing better since the last time you saw her (physically and mentally) and how it’s mostly been back to the standard burglary for you along with some fencing for the Black Hooks.

“Black Hooks huh? They Jicol’s version of the Talons?” Annah asks.
“They wish. It’s mostly a bunch of teenagers being wild. Though I’ve been mildly trying to direct them away from what led to the Talons’ demise in Klyton.” You say.
“That’s rather altruistic of you.”
“It’s more like covering my own ass in the long run so Jicol doesn’t turn into another Klyton. However, someone recently told me that I should just let these kids twist in the wind and get themselves killed by the law since it gets rid of a potential greater threat in the future, like the Black Hooks actually becoming competent and powerful united force.”
“I can see a logic in both approaches actually. So what were you planning to do?”
“Nothing. I’m going to continue to go about my life and if anyone gets in my face about what I’m doing, I’ll deal with it then.”
“Sounds like you. Sooo…the Black Hooks the only gang in the city?”
“If you can call them that. Yeah. Everyone else is more or less independent though I’m sure a few work together at times. Nobody really has any turf though as far as places being off limits to others. Not even the Black Hooks are like that, though they do have a location where they all hang out that they probably consider their own.”
“Would you say there is a strong disregard for authority here in the underworld community?”
“Isn’t there always?”
“Well yes, but I meant it sounds like other than the Black Hooks, nobody is really organized and probably would resist against such a thing.”
“Annah, this is an odd line of questioning you’re going for…out with it.”

Annah looks down a bit, before looking at you again. You have to say, you still aren’t used to that eye patch she has.

“Promise you won’t get mad?” Annah asks.
“Well that doesn’t sound good. (Sigh) Fine. I promise I’ll TRY not to get mad.” You reply.
“Okay. Well, since we last saw each other, I’ve been in Holgard and I’ve sort of had dealings with the Ebony Claw Syndicate.”
“Oh for…”
“No, no, it’s okay. I’m actually on good terms with them now. Well at least the chapter in Holgard. Apparently the head there Rook. Isn’t too pleased with some of the leadership decisions in the Delantium Kingdom and he’s been making a few moves of his own. To cut a long story short, I’ve been working with the Syndicate.”
“You joined the fucking Syndicate?!”
“No! I’m more like a hired gun. Literally, most of the time. I…uh…accept a lot of contracts on people.”
“…Wow. Okay then. Still, I would have thought the Syndicate would have had people like that on their payroll.”
“Eh, that’s sort of the problem with the Holgard chapter. It doesn’t get much support from the top. It’s almost seen as more of a money-making outpost. Enough to keep a presence in, but not important enough to put extra manpower into. This might not be a problem if Holgard didn’t suffer shit like civil rebellions and religious faction fights every five years or so. As a result the Syndicate chapter in Holgard has had to make more use of independents than they would like. Though they tend to REALLY want you to join. I’ve gotten the sales pitch several times. Fortunately I’m good enough at what I do that I’ve been able to decline and still remain unaligned.”
“Seems like a dangerous game you’re playing Annah. I mean this is the same organization that…well did THAT to you.”
“Same organization, but different people and different circumstances. Besides, I’m not trying to rip them off this time. I’m legitimately doing work for them, which is why I’m here actually.”

Annah goes into an explanation that the head of the Syndicate chapter in Holgard, Rook is looking to expand his own power base here on Jicol. Since Annah has done such good work for him in the past he’s sent her here to scout the place rather than sending his own people.

She says that her main job is to make a note of all the major players in the city. She says that when she learned you were living here, she figured she could save some of the legwork by directly speaking to you about it.

“So…what then? Is the Syndicate just going to take this entire city over?” you ask.
“Well that’s the plan, unless it turns out to be too much trouble, but based on even what little you’ve told me and what little I’ve seen, this place seems pretty ripe for a Syndicate takeover. Or at least Rook’s takeover.” Annah says briefly petting Checkers who is asleep by her feet.
“There’s nothing I can do to stop this?”
“Well no, not really. The Syndicate is really looking to branch out here. Nothing that can be done about that unless you’re going to try to unite everyone against them, but it would be pretty stupid to try that. The Syndicate pretty much always gets what they want. I should know.”
“It still surprises me that you’d be working for them, given what happened. You never did tell me exactly.”
“Okay. I get what you mean. But shit happened and I wound up in bed with the Syndicate again. Fortunately it’s been in my favor this time. It’s sort of an amusing tale, maybe I’ll tell you about it when I’m not currently so busy.” Annah replies.
“Still never told me about how you managed to get a room in the Klyton university dorms either.”
“Heh. Well I’ll tell you that story too. I want to tell you everything. I mean…shit…I still miss you, y’know? When I found out you lived here I was looking forward to seeing you again. Last time we parted company you said we’d meet again as we seem to be destined to always do.”
“Yeah I remember. Just thought it might be under less complicated circumstances this time.”
“I don’t think that’s how our relationship goes.”
“Obviously not.”

Annah takes a deep breath and continues.

“The Syndicate is coming, but it probably won’t be immediately. In the meantime, I can speak positively about you when I get back to Holgard and you could probably become an associate much like I am. I could even relocate here while we prepare this place and we could work on tasks together like in the old days. Lots of coin to be made and we both know how much you like that.” Annah says.

While you wouldn’t mind such a thing under normal circumstances, you really aren’t keen on Annah’s Syndicate involvement.
> You talk Annah out of this
Annah might think she has a handle on things and maybe she does, but you need to try to talk her out of getting in too deep with the Syndicate again.

But you also think that maybe starting with a lecture might not be the way to go about it, so you start with helping her a little.

You give a rundown on every underworld contact you have of relative importance, along with the strength and numbers of the Black Hooks. You then also give Annah an approximate guess on the strength of the Jicol Watch and how effective they are.

“Would you say they’re susceptible to working with the Syndicate? The Holgard Watch has never been too much of a problem in that regard.” Annah says.
“Well, the Jicol Watch isn’t adverse to a bribe here and there, but the Mayor of Jicol tends to pay them well enough for them to not to make a habit of it.” You say.
“Mayor of Jicol? Anything like the Governor of Hessla?”
“He’s ten times more reclusive. Apparently most haven’t seen him in decades. About the only descriptions that exist are that the Mayor is male and human, but who knows? In any case, while this place is no stranger to corruption, it still adheres to law and order fairly strongly. Not Klyton level, but that’s probably due to more emphasis on their fleet rather than land force which is thankfully smaller.”
“I see. Anything else?”
“Not really. So…you going to go assassinate them all now?”
“Heh. Well, based on everything you’ve told me, doesn’t seem like I need to bother. I suppose I could anyway. You said you spoke to someone called Sneaks that used to belong to the Thieves Guild in Holgard recently? I bet Rook would want to someone like that taken care of. Maybe the leader of the Black Hooks as well just to keep that group from getting too organized.”

You just sort of stare at Annah for a moment and exhale a bit while briefly rubbing your hand over your chin. This doesn’t go unnoticed.

“What? Is there some other potential obstacle you haven’t mentioned?” Annah asks.
“No. I saw you in action three years ago remember? I have no doubt you’ve only gotten more dangerous since then and are more than a match for anyone here.” You answer.
“But?”
“But, you told me to think about working with you on this Syndicate business and I truly do not see a good ending for us that way if we stick with them and the longer we do it, the harder it’s going to be to get out. I personally don’t want to associate with them. The Black Hooks are about the most I’m going to tolerate for reasons I’ve mentioned. You say you aren’t formally connected with the Syndicate and that’s good, because I think after you do this last job for them, you REALLY need to break ALL ties with them. Things might be going good now, but they might not always be.”
“You could say that about anything.”
“Yeah I could, but I’m talking about this. Look, you say this Rook fellow isn’t happy with the rest of the Syndicate leadership and he’s trying to build a power base here. This sounds like it’s the prelude to a big internal power struggle, which is likely to escalate very quickly. Now I don’t pretend to know as much about the Syndicate as you do, but from what I gather, any threat to the leadership is going to be met with an extreme use of force to ALL involved. Best thing to do when that happens is to be as far away from the conflict as possible.”

Your words about a potential violent power struggle have weight and she looks as if she didn’t really think about that before.

“Hm. You might have a point about that. I’m going to have to think on that.” Annah says.
“Annah, I’d rather you not think and just do what I tell you.” You answer.
“Well apologies, but that’s not the kind of woman I am. Pretty sure you know that.”
“Yeah, don’t I know it…” you say and then start chuckling.
“What’s so funny?”
“I was just thinking about how many times back in Teckleville I used to go out my mind telling you to do something and you’d just blatantly ignore me.”
“Teckleville…seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Yeah, it’s weird though sometimes I still think about the place and my family. Wonder how my mom and dad are doing. Probably living a safe and boring life. Drama free life too without me around. I guess if we’d stayed our lives would’ve eventually been safe and boring too.”
“I dunno, you almost got killed there.”
“Yeah. Can’t go home again anyway.”
“Is…that what you want?”
“Eh. I mean when was running a semi-legitimate business, I thought it was a little dull at times, but there was sort of a relief that I wasn’t looking over my shoulder every five minutes. But of course after that all was over, I obviously went back to my old ways.”
“Any particular reason why you did?”
“No. Just habit I guess. Plus, wasn’t like I had a reason to really go legit anymore.”
“So it took the love of honest woman to make you settle down?”
“Wouldn’t call Zalmora an honest woman, she was an ex-Talon. Just had more sense than the rest. I dunno, I liked her and she liked me and I thought you were gone for good so I suppose I just latched on to her.”
“So you didn’t love her?”
“Yeah. I mean fuck, I dunno. I assume I must have on some level. What’s with all the questions?!”
“Okay, relax. Just asking. I’m not mad or anything. I mean it’s not like I didn’t meet someone during my eventful stay in the Delantium Kingdom.”
“Oh? You never mentioned that during our last meeting.”
“Well I was still sorting it out then not to mention all that other shit with you went down. Wasn’t really a good time for the story.”
“Let me guess. It involved the Ebony Claw Syndicate.”
“Yeah he was definitely a Syndicate member. Met him by chance, but had years of fun with him. Had so much fun that he got the fool notion to want to run away with me with a bunch of the Syndicate’s coin. Sure you know how that one turned out.”

You nod and don’t say anything while she continues.

“Funny thing is, I thought for a brief moment that I’d put you behind. I’d gotten over you. I mean I THOUGHT what I had for him was love. But it wasn’t.”
“Oh? What was it then?”
“Distraction. I mean what we were doing was wild and exciting. Defying the law, ripping off the Syndicate, I probably loved all that more than him. Didn’t really realize that until I was being fucking tortured and I gave him up so easily.”
“What?”
“Oh sure, I held out a bit, but honestly most of the shit the Syndicate did to me was AFTER I gave up his secret hiding spot. I imagine they would have done much worse or killed me had I not given him up so easily. You know they killed him right in front of me, after they tortured the both of us. Even when they told him how I gave him up, he wasn’t mad he just kept pleading for them not to kill me.”
“Well…I guess you did what you had to.”
“Damn right I did. And I don’t feel any remorse about it. I mean at first I was upset, but I think that was mostly from the physical torture and fear that I was also going to die that night. As for him? All I could think is how foolish he was for falling for me in the first place.”
“That’s some cold shit…but again I get it.”
“After I was let go, I dwelled on all of it for very long time. I wondered if I was evil or crazy, even wondered if I was possessed by a demon. However when I found you again in that store in Hessla, all those old feelings I felt for you, they came back and I was right. You would always be my one and only.”

Annah puts her hands in her face and you can tell she’s starting to get emotional.

“I…I guess I just wanted to know if you really loved another even briefly and the reasons. As I said, I don’t care, but the fact that you were able to move on and I wasn’t, the fact that you don’t kill unless you have to, while I’ve done it without hesitation says a lot about me. (sniffle) Namely…I’m fucked up. I don’t know if I got that way over time, or it was always there.”
“Well I wouldn’t call myself a beacon of role model behavior Annah. I mean I haven’t been tortured by the ECS or had the same experiences you’ve had. All that plays a part and take a toll. There’s still A LOT we don’t know about each other and missing gaps, despite the fact that we seem to be drawn to each other. Maybe if we talked more…”

Annah immediately goes to kiss you.

“I don’t want to talk anymore. I just want to feel you inside me again. I want you to love me again.” She says and continues to kiss you while trying to strip off her clothing.

You proceed to help her achieve her desires.

It’s been a long time since you’ve been intimate with her like this. Even as forward as she was with the initiation of this, she suddenly becomes unsure when your hands embrace her and run across her back. She even attempts to pull away a little, but you reassure her that it’s okay and that you don’t care.

You aren’t sure why, but you also feel the need to mention that you cleared up that shit you caught from Flameflower (whatever the hell it was). Oddly, you don’t think it would even matter to Annah right now, but she gives a brief smile at your insistence of being

Later...

You wake up to Annah laying next to you dressed again and just staring at you.

“I know, I know. Watching you sleep is probably creepy.” Annah remarks.
“Considering I once woke up after you drugged me and robbed me blind, this is a lot more preferable. What the hell…” you reply when you feel a wetness on your hand that’s hanging over the bed.

You look over briefly and realize its Checkers licking your hand. You sit up and move your hand away.

“Hm, uncharacteristically friendly of Checkers to be licking my hand rather than biting my ankle.” You say.
“She likes you, you know.” Annah says.
“Well the furry beast has participated in saving my life a few times, so I guess she’s alright. Has she grown at all? She looks about the same size when I first saw her.”
“Not much. Just grown older I suppose.”
“Happens to the best of us.”
“I don’t really like to think about how her years are probably coming to an end soon though. Weird, I know considering what I’ve been doing the last few years.”
“Well seems like she’s had a good life under your care. Whatever else you may be thinking about yourself Annah, you’ve got a nurturing side to you.”

You give Checkers a pet and get up to get dressed. Annah continues to go from watching you and staring at nothing in particular. By the time you’re half dressed, she suddenly gets up.

“Hey, so I gotta go now. Best that I get this information back to the Syndicate and all.” Annah says.
“You’re leaving? Already?” you ask.
“Yeah, no point in sticking around. If the Syndicate wants anyone wiped out, they can do it themselves.”
“Ah. So you’re taking my advice and this is going to be your last job with them?”
“Yeah. I thought about it and you’re right. I need to do something else with my life. This…path with or without the Syndicate that I’m on really isn’t the healthiest. I don’t sleep much, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder, well you know how it is.”
“Yeah I know how it can get. And I imagine for you it’s worse. So what are you going to do?”
“I dunno, guess I’ll have to figure that out. In any case, you might want to start thinking about relocating yourself. Not immediately, but y’know.”
“I could just come with you right now. I mean its not like I’m tied to this place.”
“As much as I’d like that, I think I need to work some things out. Last thing I want to do is destroy what little we still have left due to some stupid argument we’re going to inevitably get into.”
“Annah, I don’t really get this. I mean it’s obvious you want to get back together and I’m open to it, so I don’t see the need for you to just go wandering off again. We’re obviously both different than we were thirteen years ago. Whatever personal demons and shit we got to deal with, we can deal with them together.”
“Remember how you weren’t ready the last time we met up? It wasn’t your fault or my fault, just bad timing?”
“Yeah, but…”
“Well, this is yet another case of that. I got shit going on in my head that I don’t even want to heap on you. Your life as it is right now, is calm. I know you. You like to keep things simple. That’s probably why you nearly went legit with Zal. It was easier and more convenient at the time since that’s the way life seemed to be heading. When it was gone, you fell back into the old ways, because again it was easy and familiar. While I know I’m familiar, I’m definitely NOT easy to be with. I don’t know what the future for me holds. Everything is always a whirlwind of thrills and not always in a good way. You don’t want to deal with that and I don’t want you to have to deal with it. At least not until I believe I’ve got my shit together enough that it’s not going to fuck up your feelings for me.”
“Annah, unless you shot me in the dick or something, whatever you got going on right now isn’t likely to change how I feel, but fine. I won’t bother arguing with you even though I really want to. Obviously you feel strongly about this, so once again I’ll see you when I see you and hopefully whenever that is, you won’t be affiliated with these Syndicate assholes again.”

Annah touches your face and smiles a bit.

“I’ll be careful.” She says and kisses you goodbye before calling Checkers to follow her.

And once again Annah’s gone. One of these days the pair of you are going to get your timing right.

In the meantime, you at least got some knowledge about what changes are about to come to Jicol even if not immediately. You figure you’ll stick around for now and see how things go.

Maybe you can even prepare for the coming storm.
> You time passes...
Year 32

“So yeah, they’re going to start rebuilding that old Fel temple in the jungle and turning it into a headquarters soon.” Marco tells you.
“Hm, looks like the Syndicate is moving quicker everyday.” You answer.
“Yeah, but its good. I mean I know you told us all to watch our asses, but so far the Syndicate members that we’ve had dealings with have all been pretty reasonable guys. Even said that the Black Hooks could be fully incorporated as full members in a year or so. We’ve been doing a lot better in general.”
“Well glad to hear it. Maybe I was wrong.”
“It’s okay. I guess you were just looking out for us like you always have. Y’know, you should join too! You’re really skilled and the Syndicate is looking for members like that!”
“So I’ve heard. A couple of them have approached me a few times, but I’m just not interested.”
“Yeah, but if you joined you wouldn’t need to pay protection and you’d be able to do whatever you wanted!”
“Pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to do WHATEVER I wanted. It’s not like the old days where you can just break and enter into anywhere. Thanks, but I’m good with what I’m doing now. Anyway, what’s the Syndicate tax this month? Did it go up to help rebuild the temple?”
“No, it’s the same, but you know you don’t need to worry about it. I got you covered, but I just don’t know how long I’m gonna be able to. Sooner or later the Syndicate might get one of their guys to start doing the collecting. That’s why I’m trying to become a real member soon!”
“Thanks as usual Marco, but don’t worry yourself too much about it. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay…see you later then. And thanks for unloading that other stuff for me.”
“No problem. Later Marco.”

Marco leaves your “shop” and you just shake your head and smile at what a few little words of encouragement and support can do to mold a young mind. Marco probably sees you as the dad he wished he had. You imagine some of the other Black Hooks d too.

Which of course is handy since its paid off as far as you not really having to kick anything up to the Syndicate whose presence has becoming more noticeable in last few months. Might be time to leave soon. You don’t know where you’ll go though.

While you’re pondering this, the door opens and someone comes in.

“Son, you and I need to have a long talk.”

You can’t believe it. He’s older (But to you he was always old and unfun) but you’d never mistake his face or his voice.

“Dad?” you ask.
“Of course its me!” he responds.
“Wh…what the hell are you doing here?”
“Trust me, it’s not something I wanted to do, but after a long talk with your mother, its what we both decided in the hopes that you’ve still got it in you to do the right thing. Call us hopeless optimists.”
“You came all the way here to give me a lecture after nearly twenty years? How the hell did you even find me?!”
“Annah told us. Well told us where your last where abouts were anyway. She said you’d probably still be here since you’ve always had a tendency to stay put unless you absolutely have to move, which sounds about right.”
“Wait, you’ve spoke to Annah?! When?”
“Nearly on a daily basis, for the past couple years. Pretty much ever since she come back to Teckleville and had the babies.”
“WHAT?!”
“Congratulations, you’ve got twins you’ve never seen.”

You are getting flooded with so much information right now that you can’t even process it all.

“That’s…impossible. Last time I saw Annah was two years ago.”
“Yeah well that timeline matches up since that’s how old they are. Look, I delivered them myself, not to mention they look like you and your sister. You’re definitely the father, despite Annah trying not to admit it. That didn’t last long though, since I’m pretty sure that’s why she came back to Teckleville in the first place. She knew your mother and I wouldn’t NOT help her.”
‘I…don’t believe it. I mean…and I hate even asking this, are you REALLY sure? I mean maybe this…”
“Is what? A scam to get money from us? Boy, I wasn’t born yesterday. I told you, the two little buggers look like you and your sister. The genetics are impossible to ignore. I mean the hair is darker and there’s a difference in eye color, but there’s no mistake. Shit, I even hired a wizard from Klyton to double check. They’re definitely your work.”
“Fuck…”
“Yeah, well that’s what got you into this mess. Anyway, this brings me to why I’m here. YOU need to come back and take responsibility. I understand you’re off having fun being a criminal, but even Annah gave that up after having children. They need a father and your mother and I need a fucking a break. Our days of running about catching two twin terrors are supposed to be over.”
“Wait, why are you just now coming to get me then?”
“Oh, I wanted to get you a lot sooner. However Annah always claimed that she didn’t know where you were. Having raised two of the best liars, I knew she wasn’t telling the truth, but I always assumed you pissed her off and she didn’t want you involved. However, thanks to your mother’s monthly interrogating via niceness, Annah finally broke down a few months ago and as it turned out Annah just didn’t want you to put your own life on hold for this. She said she’d put you through enough trouble in the past. Ain’t that sweet?”
“Sounds like her.”
“Also sounds fucking retarded. Why the hell should you get to continue to live without care and responsibility? Your mother of course thought you should come back too, but she was worried about me going to get you. Thought we should hire bounty hunters to find you, but I figured I’d make more of an impression and you’re probably already adept at avoiding capture anyway. So here I am.”
“Yes, so here you are. You might have been better off going with mom’s idea though. At least you would have had a better chance of getting me back to Teckleville. Speaking of which, how the hell can I go back anyway? Aren’t I wanted for murder there?”
“Oh. Yeah, no. That actually got settled shortly after you ran off with Annah. Some of the witnesses to the fight admitted Klint started it and you killing him was more of an accident and even self defense.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“Nope. Surprised me too. Not that you weren’t a murderer, since I figured Klint started it because he was an asshole like his father, but that people actually came around and spoke up in your favor. Anyway, the charges were dropped which pissed off Klint’s dad who left the village swearing revenge and that was about the end of it.”
“So you’re saying I’m completely free and clear?”
“Yep. Have been for years now. The old sheriff is dead now anyway, so it’s not even like you have worry about him either. In fact Annah, works as a deputy of the town now, so you’ve got a lot of breathing room as far as your shady past is concerned.”
“Annah’s a…what the…well I guess she found something new to do like she said she would.”
“Yep. And it’s time you do as well.”

Your dad sees the apprehensive and non-committal look on your face and sighs.

“And of course you’re going to be stubborn about this…” he remarks.
“Dad, I appreciate the update and all this news about Annah, but this is a lot to fucking take in! I mean I don’t know what she’s told you, but our relationship isn’t exactly the most stable. I mean its not like she came here herself and TOLD me about her being pregnant. Shit, she didn’t even tell you and Mom where I was until recently like you said. I might not have even been here anymore. Obviously she thinks we’re better off apart.”
“Bullshit, if she really thought that, she wouldn’t have come back home at all. She knew your mother and I would help her. Gods know her own lush of a mother isn’t going to help. Look, I’m not some relationship expert, but obviously you two have enough chemistry between each other that you got yourselves into this mess.”
“Maybe, but kids didn’t really play a part in any of it.”
“Yeah well shit happens. You think your mother and I planned for twins? Also didn’t plan on you two being criminals. Still don’t know why the hell you two turned out the way you did considering you had everything.”
“Here we go, another lecture…I’m not a fucking teenager anymore dad.”
“Damn right you aren’t, which is why its time you stopped fucking acting like one and take some responsibility for a fucking change! What the hell do you have going on that’s oh so fucking important right now? From what I can tell this dump you’re living in, you aren’t exactly living some carefree life of a swashbuckler like in those badly written novels. What, you spend all the coin you steal on wine and whores?”
“I’ll have you know I live frugally and save very carefully.”
“Well great. Good for you. Glad to hear you’re a thrifty thief. Actually explains a lot. Now, if you’ve got so much coin saved up, you’ve got enough to support your children.”
“Is this what it’s ultimately about? Fine, I’ll go empty out my safe and you can take it all to give to Annah and the kids.”

Your father suddenly gives you a minor tap upside your head. It’s unexpected and you almost feel like you’re ten years old again.

“What the fuck?!” you utter.
“This isn’t about money, this is about responsibility and YOU needing to fucking take some! Your children need their father, you’ve already missed some of it, you really want to miss it all?” your father says.
“Why don’t you do it? Obviously you think I’m a no good vagabond, so I would make a terrible father.”
“Maybe you would, but I don’t think so. Surprised to hear me say that?”
“A little.”
“Well I’m not saying it to boost your ego, I’m saying it because I believe based on what Annah’s told me about you and the boy I used to know. There is a streak of responsibility in you. I mean even as a thief you’re obviously preparing for the future by saving your ill-gotten loot. I remember how you always stuck by your sister and tried to take the blame for some of the more serious shenanigans you two got up to. It looks like you’re running some sort of shop here and Annah’s said you’ve run a shop in the past with some other woman that you apparently had a stable relationship with. You’ve got it in you to be a contributing member of society.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Well you won’t know unless you try and you might as well try with a family. As far as you and Annah are concerned, well I don’t know if you two are going to be a proper husband and wife. I mean it’ll be good if you can, and I’m inclined to believe you two are still in love. However, if that doesn’t work out, you should at least still be there for your children.”
“You don’t think I’ll just be a bad influence?”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that you won’t to some degree, however I also don’t think you’re going to want to put up with the headache of raising two little criminals. I know Annah certainly won’t and I can’t say I’d want to be on her bad side. What the hell happened to her anyway? I swear she can shoot the wings off a fly.”
“Long story, though I don’t know all of it since she’s never told me the whole story about her adventures during our times away from each other either.”
“Well maybe that’s something you can finally catch up on and bond over. Besides, y’know, your kids of course.”
“Maybe.”

Your father puts a hand on your shoulder.

“Look, this has been an exciting adventure for me and all, but I really want to get back home before your mother starts hiring a search party. I need to know if you’re coming with me or not. It’s a simple answer that doesn’t require much overthinking. If you are, let’s get going now. If you aren’t, then I won’t bother you again with this.”
> You go with your father
It’s a strange position that you never thought you’d ever be in, but you’re in it and even stranger, you’re ready to embrace it.

One thing your father said that convinced you the most was the question of “What are you doing that’s so important?”

Nothing. You are not doing anything of major importance. If anything, you’re probably living just as boring of a life in Jicol as you would in Teckleville. You haven’t actually done any real thieving since the Syndicate started making more of a presence here, you do more middle man merchant shit than anything else.

You could leave and start over elsewhere which is what you thinking about doing anyway. But if you’re going to do that, you might as well have a better purpose than just doing the same thing again.

Besides, you’ve done fairly well in this profession all things considered. You might as well “retire” ahead of the game before something REALLY bad happens to you. This might as well be your out as it were. Not to mention, Annah’s saved your life several times over. The least you could do to repay her is to help out with your spawn.

That’s going to be weird though. You suppose you’ll just have to muddle through that, hopefully better than your own parents did.

“Okay dad, I’ll come with you, but need to get some things first and make some arrangements.” You say.
“By the gods, you actually listened to me for once. I’m not going to question it, but glad to see I finally got through.” Your father says in partial disbelief and relief.

To ensure a safe trip home with your savings, you hire a few mercenaries to escort you to Klyton. From there you figure you shouldn’t have much problem.

You also leave your “shop” and home to Marco and his group, though you don’t tell him that immediately, you write a message and hand it to a courier to give it to Marco in a few days. Just a simple note not explaining where you went, just that you had to leave and that they can do whatever they want with the property.

Finally you board a ship heading to Hessla with your father (and your small retinue).

While you’re on board, your father has one more surprise for you that you have plenty of time to talk about along the way.

“Oh by the way son, I guess I might as well tell you, you’ve got a younger brother now.” Your father says.
“WHAT?! How?!”
“Pretty sure you’re familiar with the process.”
“Ha ha. I’m talking about you and mom. I mean you guys are old!”
“Fuck you, we’re weren’t THAT old when you and your sister took off. True, we sort of thought that part of our lives was over, but soon after you were gone, I guess nature decided to give us another chance to get it right. And we did. Adam has never been a problem child.”
“Hm, well congratulations I guess. Another new family member for me to meet I suppose.”
“Speaking of family, you know anything about your sister? Any contact with her at all?”
“No. I do wonder what she’s been up to though. Always hope she’s okay.”
“She is as far as I know. Your mother and I get occasion messages from her. Not many and the last one I think was a few years ago but she said she was doing fine. Having her own adventures no doubt.”
“Oh. Well I’m glad to hear that. Hope that’s still the case. I miss her.”
“Your mother and I do as well. Despite her criminal ways, she was always creative. Just wish she put more into that instead of…well unlawful behavior. Still, I guess she has been doing that from some of the stuff she’s written to us.”

The rest of the trip is mainly you catching up with your father. It’s odd, but neither of you really argues once. You even laugh and joke a few times. You don’t tell him everything that happened though. Some things you just would rather leave buried. At least for now.

Your father never really presses you for too much information anyway. He probably doesn’t want to know some of what you were involved in. Although there is one question…

“Just wondering, I mentioned Klint’s father left Teckleville muttering about revenge. My guess is he went to go look for you. You never ran into him did you?”
“Nope. Can’t say I ever did.”
“I only ask since you mentioned you ran to Klyton, and my guess is that’s where he first went to look for you. I asked Annah once and she said she never bumped into him either. Still, seems strange he never came back here.”
“Dad, if he did, you know Klyton’s a huge city. I mean it wasn’t like I was making myself well known there either. If he did go there, he must have given up and went elsewhere. Not exactly like safe travels are a sure thing, hence why I hired mercs for part of our trip.”

Your father looks at you a moment. You already know he’s trying to see if you’re lying.

“Okay. Just thought I’d ask.”

You aren’t sure if your father believes you or he just doesn’t care and was merely curious. Either way, he doesn’t press the issue.

You eventually reach Hessla, then Klyton and from Klyton you start the last stretch of your trip in the carriage ride to Teckleville. That’s when you begin to get nervous. You didn’t think that would happen, but you begin to get so nervous that its visibly noticeable to your father.

“Not having second thoughts I hope.” Your father says.
“No, not at this point. Too late to turn back now. Fuck…” you say.
“Son, you’ll be fine. You’ll soon realize this isn’t the end of the world.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Think of it this way. What’s the worst thing that has ever happened to you? Don’t tell me if you don’t want. Just think about it. Now with that in mind, do you have ANY thought that reuniting with Annah and seeing your children for the first time is going to be remotely worse than that?”

You think for a moment, wincing a bit about your encounter with Flameflower.

“No. Definitely can’t be anywhere near as bad.” You say.
“Well, see? There you go then.” You father says and then pats you on the shoulder a couple times.

Which is easy for dad to say considering he doesn’t really know the extent of just how bad that event was. In any case, you manage to calm yourself down and just try to rest before you get to your destination.

Eventually you reach Teckleville during the night. Your father wakes you up.

“Get up, we’re here. I’ll help the driver get your things off the carriage, in the meantime you go knock on the door and make your presence known.” Your dad says.
“Wha? Wait, where exactly are we?” you ask half asleep.
“Teckleville, ya idjit. We’re near Annah’s home. Still early in the night so you probably aren’t going to be waking her up.”
“Shit. I’m really here. Okay, well guess nothing to it, but to do it.”
“You’ll be fine.”

You get out of the carriage and your dad once again points to the house where Annah lives. Fairly small, but then, probably doesn’t need too much room and this is the best she could do.

You have no idea why you’re still so nervous. You’ve bumped into Annah several times in the past after long stretches of being separated. Why is this different?

Oh right.

The other thing that’s different is you’re seeking her out, or rather your dad dragged you to her. In most other instances, she’s always been the one to go to you. She didn’t even tell you about being pregnant. She could have at least got a message to you or something if she really thought it was important for you to know. Apparently she didn’t.

You know what your father said her reasoning was, but maybe she really just wanted to make a clean break. Start fresh. Maybe you being here isn’t what she would want at all. For all you know she’s going to tell you to get right back on that carriage and go away.

You march up to the door and before you can even knock, the door opens.

“Annah. I…” you start to say before she immediately hugs and kisses you.

Well so much for her telling you to go away. Apparently the love is still there.

“Your mother told me your father went to get you. When I heard the carriage outside I just hoped it was you!” Annah exclaims with some emotional tears in her eyes.
“Annah, why didn’t you just tell me?” you ask.
“I don’t know! It was stupid, but I just thought…I dunno a part of me just didn’t think you needed to be saddled with all this. But I’m so glad you’re here now! You’re back right? You’re not going anywhere right?”
“As far as I know I’m not going anywhere Annah.”
“Oh I’m so glad. We’ll finally be a proper family.”

As you embrace Annah’s tight hold on you and those words of being a “proper family” you feel a small part of your old life slipping away.

Not really in a bad way, but you really know now for certain that things are never going to be the same. You’re going to have to find something legitimate to do. You doubt even fencing stolen goods is going to be something you can engage in around here. You’ll think of something though.

Your father and driver drop your trunk of stuff near you.

“Well I can see you two got a lot to talk about. I’ll leave you to it. Your mother will probably be by to see you tomorrow so expect to see her.” Your dad says as the driver walks away back to the carriage.
“Um, okay dad. And thanks.” You say.
“Hm. Told you, it would be fine.”

Soon, the carriage is gone and so is your father, leaving you and Annah alone.

Well not totally alone.

“So hey let me help you get that trunk in and you can finally meet your son and daughter.” Annah says.
“Don’t worry I’ll get the trunk.” You say and take one side of the hefty trunk and drag it just inside the house.
“I’ve actually told them about you a few times.”
“Oh? Hopefully just the good stuff, because I’m sure their grandfather will be more than willing to tell them the bad.”
“Come on, I’ll take you to them.”

As the front door closes and Annah takes your hand, you realize your life as a rogue is over.


Year 32

“So yeah, they’re going to start rebuilding that old Fel temple in the jungle and turning it into a headquarters soon.” Marco tells you.
“Hm, looks like the Syndicate is moving quicker everyday.” You answer.
“Yeah, but its good. I mean I know you told us all to watch our asses, but so far the Syndicate members that we’ve had dealings with have all been pretty reasonable guys. Even said that the Black Hooks could be fully incorporated as full members in a year or so. We’ve been doing a lot better in general.”
“Well glad to hear it. Maybe I was wrong.”
“It’s okay. I guess you were just looking out for us like you always have. Y’know, you should join too! You’re really skilled and the Syndicate is looking for members like that!”
“So I’ve heard. A couple of them have approached me a few times, but I’m just not interested.”
“Yeah, but if you joined you wouldn’t need to pay protection and you’d be able to do whatever you wanted!”
“Pretty sure I wouldn’t be able to do WHATEVER I wanted. It’s not like the old days where you can just break and enter into anywhere. Thanks, but I’m good with what I’m doing now. Anyway, what’s the Syndicate tax this month? Did it go up to help rebuild the temple?”
“No, it’s the same, but you know you don’t need to worry about it. I got you covered, but I just don’t know how long I’m gonna be able to. Sooner or later the Syndicate might get one of their guys to start doing the collecting. That’s why I’m trying to become a real member soon!”
“Thanks as usual Marco, but don’t worry yourself too much about it. I’ll be fine.”
“Okay…see you later then. And thanks for unloading that other stuff for me.”
“No problem. Later Marco.”

Marco leaves your “shop” and you just shake your head and smile at what a few little words of encouragement and support can do to mold a young mind. Marco probably sees you as the dad he wished he had. You imagine some of the other Black Hooks d too.

Which of course is handy since its paid off as far as you not really having to kick anything up to the Syndicate whose presence has becoming more noticeable in last few months. Might be time to leave soon. You don’t know where you’ll go though.

While you’re pondering this, the door opens and someone comes in.

“Son, you and I need to have a long talk.”

You can’t believe it. He’s older (But to you he was always old and unfun) but you’d never mistake his face or his voice.

“Dad?” you ask.
“Of course its me!” he responds.
“Wh…what the hell are you doing here?”
“Trust me, it’s not something I wanted to do, but after a long talk with your mother, its what we both decided in the hopes that you’ve still got it in you to do the right thing. Call us hopeless optimists.”
“You came all the way here to give me a lecture after nearly twenty years? How the hell did you even find me?!”
“Annah told us. Well told us where your last where abouts were anyway. She said you’d probably still be here since you’ve always had a tendency to stay put unless you absolutely have to move, which sounds about right.”
“Wait, you’ve spoke to Annah?! When?”
“Nearly on a daily basis, for the past couple years. Pretty much ever since she come back to Teckleville and had the babies.”
“WHAT?!”
“Congratulations, you’ve got twins you’ve never seen.”

You are getting flooded with so much information right now that you can’t even process it all.

“That’s…impossible. Last time I saw Annah was two years ago.”
“Yeah well that timeline matches up since that’s how old they are. Look, I delivered them myself, not to mention they look like you and your sister. You’re definitely the father, despite Annah trying not to admit it. That didn’t last long though, since I’m pretty sure that’s why she came back to Teckleville in the first place. She knew your mother and I wouldn’t NOT help her.”
‘I…don’t believe it. I mean…and I hate even asking this, are you REALLY sure? I mean maybe this…”
“Is what? A scam to get money from us? Boy, I wasn’t born yesterday. I told you, the two little buggers look like you and your sister. The genetics are impossible to ignore. I mean the hair is darker and there’s a difference in eye color, but there’s no mistake. Shit, I even hired a wizard from Klyton to double check. They’re definitely your work.”
“Fuck…”
“Yeah, well that’s what got you into this mess. Anyway, this brings me to why I’m here. YOU need to come back and take responsibility. I understand you’re off having fun being a criminal, but even Annah gave that up after having children. They need a father and your mother and I need a fucking a break. Our days of running about catching two twin terrors are supposed to be over.”
“Wait, why are you just now coming to get me then?”
“Oh, I wanted to get you a lot sooner. However Annah always claimed that she didn’t know where you were. Having raised two of the best liars, I knew she wasn’t telling the truth, but I always assumed you pissed her off and she didn’t want you involved. However, thanks to your mother’s monthly interrogating via niceness, Annah finally broke down a few months ago and as it turned out Annah just didn’t want you to put your own life on hold for this. She said she’d put you through enough trouble in the past. Ain’t that sweet?”
“Sounds like her.”
“Also sounds fucking retarded. Why the hell should you get to continue to live without care and responsibility? Your mother of course thought you should come back too, but she was worried about me going to get you. Thought we should hire bounty hunters to find you, but I figured I’d make more of an impression and you’re probably already adept at avoiding capture anyway. So here I am.”
“Yes, so here you are. You might have been better off going with mom’s idea though. At least you would have had a better chance of getting me back to Teckleville. Speaking of which, how the hell can I go back anyway? Aren’t I wanted for murder there?”
“Oh. Yeah, no. That actually got settled shortly after you ran off with Annah. Some of the witnesses to the fight admitted Klint started it and you killing him was more of an accident and even self defense.”
“You’re shitting me.”
“Nope. Surprised me too. Not that you weren’t a murderer, since I figured Klint started it because he was an asshole like his father, but that people actually came around and spoke up in your favor. Anyway, the charges were dropped which pissed off Klint’s dad who left the village swearing revenge and that was about the end of it.”
“So you’re saying I’m completely free and clear?”
“Yep. Have been for years now. The old sheriff is dead now anyway, so it’s not even like you have worry about him either. In fact Annah, works as a deputy of the town now, so you’ve got a lot of breathing room as far as your shady past is concerned.”
“Annah’s a…what the…well I guess she found something new to do like she said she would.”
“Yep. And it’s time you do as well.”

Your dad sees the apprehensive and non-committal look on your face and sighs.

“And of course you’re going to be stubborn about this…” he remarks.
“Dad, I appreciate the update and all this news about Annah, but this is a lot to fucking take in! I mean I don’t know what she’s told you, but our relationship isn’t exactly the most stable. I mean its not like she came here herself and TOLD me about her being pregnant. Shit, she didn’t even tell you and Mom where I was until recently like you said. I might not have even been here anymore. Obviously she thinks we’re better off apart.”
“Bullshit, if she really thought that, she wouldn’t have come back home at all. She knew your mother and I would help her. Gods know her own lush of a mother isn’t going to help. Look, I’m not some relationship expert, but obviously you two have enough chemistry between each other that you got yourselves into this mess.”
“Maybe, but kids didn’t really play a part in any of it.”
“Yeah well shit happens. You think your mother and I planned for twins? Also didn’t plan on you two being criminals. Still don’t know why the hell you two turned out the way you did considering you had everything.”
“Here we go, another lecture…I’m not a fucking teenager anymore dad.”
“Damn right you aren’t, which is why its time you stopped fucking acting like one and take some responsibility for a fucking change! What the hell do you have going on that’s oh so fucking important right now? From what I can tell this dump you’re living in, you aren’t exactly living some carefree life of a swashbuckler like in those badly written novels. What, you spend all the coin you steal on wine and whores?”
“I’ll have you know I live frugally and save very carefully.”
“Well great. Good for you. Glad to hear you’re a thrifty thief. Actually explains a lot. Now, if you’ve got so much coin saved up, you’ve got enough to support your children.”
“Is this what it’s ultimately about? Fine, I’ll go empty out my safe and you can take it all to give to Annah and the kids.”

Your father suddenly gives you a minor tap upside your head. It’s unexpected and you almost feel like you’re ten years old again.

“What the fuck?!” you utter.
“This isn’t about money, this is about responsibility and YOU needing to fucking take some! Your children need their father, you’ve already missed some of it, you really want to miss it all?” your father says.
“Why don’t you do it? Obviously you think I’m a no good vagabond, so I would make a terrible father.”
“Maybe you would, but I don’t think so. Surprised to hear me say that?”
“A little.”
“Well I’m not saying it to boost your ego, I’m saying it because I believe based on what Annah’s told me about you and the boy I used to know. There is a streak of responsibility in you. I mean even as a thief you’re obviously preparing for the future by saving your ill-gotten loot. I remember how you always stuck by your sister and tried to take the blame for some of the more serious shenanigans you two got up to. It looks like you’re running some sort of shop here and Annah’s said you’ve run a shop in the past with some other woman that you apparently had a stable relationship with. You’ve got it in you to be a contributing member of society.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Well you won’t know unless you try and you might as well try with a family. As far as you and Annah are concerned, well I don’t know if you two are going to be a proper husband and wife. I mean it’ll be good if you can, and I’m inclined to believe you two are still in love. However, if that doesn’t work out, you should at least still be there for your children.”
“You don’t think I’ll just be a bad influence?”
“Oh, I don’t doubt that you won’t to some degree, however I also don’t think you’re going to want to put up with the headache of raising two little criminals. I know Annah certainly won’t and I can’t say I’d want to be on her bad side. What the hell happened to her anyway? I swear she can shoot the wings off a fly.”
“Long story, though I don’t know all of it since she’s never told me the whole story about her adventures during our times away from each other either.”
“Well maybe that’s something you can finally catch up on and bond over. Besides, y’know, your kids of course.”
“Maybe.”

Your father puts a hand on your shoulder.

“Look, this has been an exciting adventure for me and all, but I really want to get back home before your mother starts hiring a search party. I need to know if you’re coming with me or not. It’s a simple answer that doesn’t require much overthinking. If you are, let’s get going now. If you aren’t, then I won’t bother you again with this.”
> You refuse the call
While there is a part of you that feels sort of shitty about this, you don’t feel like you have some obligation to go back to Teckleville. Annah obviously didn’t want you involved otherwise she would have told you (or even your family) a lot sooner than she did.

In fact this makes you sort of reconsider your relationship with Annah in the first place. Sure, you two have love for one another, but it’s always been the same and you two never stay together for whatever reason. If you go back, why should this time be any different? Might even be worse with children involved, you really don’t think you’d make that great of a father. You’d feel trapped for one thing.

Maybe you’d feel different if it was just you and Annah settling down and living somewhere other than Teckleville together. You nearly did it before with Zalmora.

Hell, you don’t necessarily need anyone. You’ve been doing okay on your own and you’re just not feeling this scenario so it’s probably for the best that you stay away and just move on entirely.

Still, you do feel somewhat of an obligation. Even if Annah didn’t ask for your help directly you’ll try to provide it anyway, assuming your father is willing to take it for you.

“Dad, hang on just a second.” You say and go to the back of your shop and open up the safe (and disarm the traps) You then haul out some of the coin to put in a bag and a smaller amount in a nearby backpack with your basic tools.

You come back with your father still waiting and shove the bag in his hand. You’re making this quick because arguing with him is a pointless endeavor.

“What’s this?” your dad asks.
“That’s everything I have in the shop. Now, I got more at home, but I doubt you’re going to wait around to accept it and honestly carrying more might require hiring mercenaries to help protect it on your way back to…”

You get a headshake and a sigh before you can finish. Apparently your dad already knows what you’re going to say.

“Y’know, I can’t say I’m entirely surprised by this, but I sort of hoped I’d be wrong. Unfuckingbelievable. Y’know what, you’re right, I’m not gonna stick around and you can keep this shit as well. You’ve made your decision to not return, well good because I don’t want to see you ever again.” Your father says and throws the bag of coin on the floor before walking out.

You stand there for a moment pondering your decision. You almost rush out the door to go apologize and say you’re returning, but then you decide your first decision is your true feelings. You’re not done living your own life, with responsibility only to yourself.

Seeing as you were going to leave here soon anyway, you gather up the coin that your father left and make your way to book passage on a ship. You’re just going to leave it all behind and not look back.

You have no idea where you’ll be heading, but your life as a rogue will continue with no further interference from your past.


You briefly think about emptying out the store’s till and taking all that coin along with the Blue Dream to Flame, but is that really going to work? If Flame has already suddenly taken Zal hostage, chances are she’ll just keep everything you bring and kill the pair of you.

It’s an impossible situation and the more you dwell on it, the angrier you get. You’re going there all right, but you’re not going there to negotiate. You going there armed for combat.

You’ve never been one to seek out a fight; indeed you’ve usually always tried to avoid such things, be it from the law or other criminals.

But you have killed before, and you know you can do it again. And right now there has never been a better reason.

You don’t know if you’re going to survive this, as you’re not some hardened bandit like they are. Indeed, you’ve probably gotten a little out of shape due to your less strenuous life. However, some skills you never unlearn. You’re a rogue and you’ll take them one by one silently if need be or die trying.

While your intention is going to try to be silent as possible, one can never be too sure, so you grab various small firearms you have in the shop and check and recheck them. You then grab a small hand crossbow and several bolts.

As prepared as you’re going to be, you head out.

From past conversations with Zalmora, you remember the general location of Flame’s hideout. Takes about a day, but eventually you find it thanks to Flame’s people being fairly loud while wandering around the area.

You see two of them and mentally prepare yourself for the first casualties you’re about to inflict in this task.

You sneak up and slit one of the bandit’s throats. He makes just enough noise for him to alert his fellow, which you shoot in the chest with your crossbow. Fortunately you’re close enough you can’t really miss.

Two down, and who knows how many more to go. As Zal said, Flame’s been getting organized so she’s probably got more people than when you first met her. You picked a hell of a time to attack a bandit camp.

You kill three more, one nearly escaping to warn his fellows. He still made enough noise for someone to possibly hear so who knows how much time you actually have.

The funny thing is how easy this actually is, you thought you’d have a harder time of it, but so far these bandits have been putting up a pitiful showing. Maybe these bandits are so used to attacking defenseless travellers that most of them don’t really have much skill in actual combat.

By the time you get to the camp however, they know something is going on as you see a few running back and forth and shouting. You manage to kill one more in secret before several of them finally spot you.

With no more element of surprise, you shoot two more and severely wound another before Flameflower comes out from her tent and demands that her people capture you alive.

You try to backtrack so you aren’t encircled, but it’s too late, you’ve been successfully outflanked.

You feel a bolt go into your leg and then another into your arm. You drop to the ground in pain.

You see one of Flame’s people coming and you weakly throw a dagger at him before you feel a blow to the back of your head.

As you lose consciousness, you hear Flameflower’s voice.

“Fucking hell, pretty boy got some fight in him! You know how I like me a badass, this is gonna be fun!”

Everything goes black.

When you wake up, you find yourself stripped naked, standing stretched out with your arms and legs tied to two poles. Flameflower sits nearby throwing pebbles at your face. Two bigger bandits stand near the tent entrance.

“Finally up. Shit, been waiting for what feels like forever.” Flame says.
“Where the hell is Zal?” you utter.
“I’d be more concerned about yourself right now. Especially after what you pulled. Shit, you really made a mess of things pretty boy. What did you think you were going to do? Come in and kill all of us and save the girl like in one of those badly written fairy tales?”
“Something like that.”
“Well that took a lot of balls I’ll give you that. Shit, wish someone felt that way about me. I know none of these assholes would try to save me if I was being held hostage. Fucking romantic and shit y’know? Zal always did know how to pick ‘em I guess.”

Flameflower stands up and walks over to you. She begins caressing your upper body a bit and then moves her hand lower to just grope you.

“Mmm yeah. Now, I know you are probably feeling a wide range of emotions right now. The chief one probably being hate and anger, which I understand, but that shit isn’t gonna do you any good except get you killed slowly and painfully.”
“Where the fuck is Zal?!”
“THAT BITCH IS FUCKING DEAD! She was fucking dead before I even sent the note! I had my boys beat and rape her before they dumped her in the woods to let the fucking animals eat her dead violated ass. Thought about keeping her body around to taunt you with, but honestly, even I couldn’t stand the sight of her. She was all nasty and gross looking. Cum and blood all over her fucking face, flies started crawling on her. I mean I nearly threw up myself y’know?”

You feel a southern “squeeze” on your tender bits, but that pain doesn’t even match the pain you feel from hearing this news.

“You gonna cry over that dead cunt? Let me tell you something about Zalmora. That fucking bitch was a damn rat traitor. I have no doubt in my mind that she’s the reason that the Klyton militia found our old hideout. You know how I know? Because in her last moments she even offered to trade YOU to me in exchange for her miserable life. So much for true love.”
“That didn’t happen.”
“Oh? And you know this because you were here? You a fucking wizard or something? You don’t know shit pretty boy. Nobody EVER really knows anybody. Especially when shit goes down. I mean you think Zal thought I was going to kill her? Of course she didn’t. She thought in her arrogance that our profitable business arrangement was enough. That I was just some dumb ass that was easily appeased and granted, I was for a while. Shit, despite thinking she was a stuck up cunt, I didn’t even really hate her, just was business.”
“Business?”
“Yes. I decided on a better arrangement that didn’t involve you two. But none of this shit matters now. What matters now is pleasure AND how much you want to live. Normally I’d just kill you and this would be over with, but I want that dick. Tired of fucking these smelly ugly fuckers. Want some of what Zal had for a change. A nice face to look at as I’m riding that cock. Now I’m going to get that, whether YOU want to or not, but the more willing you are, the greater you improve your chances.”
“Better just kill me then because I doubt if I’m going to be up for that.”
“Hah, you think I can’t get you hard? Shit, I got several ways I could get you hard. I slide that dick down my velvet throat a few times and you’d be harder than a rock golem. I could have one of my boys here fuck you in the ass a bit. Saw that happen to a couple guys a few times, doesn’t always seem to work, but still fun to watch though. However, I got a better idea because I want you to last and I want to enjoy this for as long as possible. Lou, get that shit you use on your dick.”
“Um, the wart ointment?” Lou asks.
“No, goblin shit for brains, I’m talking about the stuff that gives you more stamina than the usual two pumps you do.”
“Oh! Okay boss.”
“In the meantime, I think I’ll get a taste of things to come…”

As you stand tied helpless while Flameflower has a sword fight with you in her mouth, all you can think about is how the hell you’re going to get out of this, along with how many diseases you dick is probably getting right now.

When Lou returns with a small bottle Flame tell him and the other goon to force your mouth open and turn your head up as she pours the contents down your throat. Tastes horrible, whatever it is, but you soon feel the effects.

“Well now. Looks like you really like me after all! Lou, Haylon, untie pretty boy here and get some help holding him down outside, I want an audience for this!”

After punching you in the gut to take the wind out of you, Lou and Haylon cut your ropes and drag you outside where some of the bandits start whooping it up. After a couple more punches to you face several of the bandits hold your arms and legs.

“Hey! Not the face boys! Like I said, I want him to have a clear look at these magnificent tits bouncing in front of him!” Flameflower says as she exits her tent completely naked.

Flameflower poses a bit to the cheers of her bandit buddies and then looks down at you as you remain helpless

“Yeah, I know I’m beautiful. Now brace yourself pretty boy, because you may feel a burning sensation…”

Flameflower lowers herself on you and you’re convinced you just shoved your dick in a vat of lava. Flameflower’s name has taken on a whole new meaning. You might indeed be as hard as a rock golem, but you sure aren’t enjoying this experience.

You still don’t know if you’re surviving this, but even if you do, your dick might not.
This whole situation is just horrible as Flameflower laughs and people cheer her on and you’re utterly powerless to stop any of it.

While it feels like forever, it’s only been an hour and you finally release into her, though it feels more like a stream of fire.

“Aww! I was just enjoying that and I’m not done yet!”

Flameflower gets in close and whispers in your ear.

“I know what you can do.” Flameflower says and licks your face before getting off of you.

“Get him on his knees lads, pretty boy here is gonna finish me off like a real gentleman. I want all of you uncouth louts to take notes!”

You are forced up and then slammed down to your knees by Flame’s biggest goons. At this point you feel like you want to die, but somewhere within you, you still feel that spark of survival.

Flameflower stands in front of you and you’re literally eye level to her nasty infested diseased hole. You nearly want to retch from the smell. Flameflower grabs a knife from one of her people, which she runs gently across the side of your cheek.

“Now, I want you to do mommy right. I want you to make me come hard and multiple times. You understand? Because if you don’t, what you’re experiencing now, can be ten times worse and much longer.”

Flameflower begins pushing your head closer to her snatch and you’re still trying to figure out a way to survive this.

“Wait, so if I do this…will you let me live?” you ask.

Flameflower starts laughing and then looks at you while roughly grabbing the back of your head to look at her.

“I’m probably still going to kill you. However, IF you show some enthusiasm, then MAYBE I’ll keep you around as my lick bitch.”

Flameflower holds the knife close to your head as she uses her other hand to push your head into her. As your face gets so close that you can now see the crabs, you close your eyes, mentally praying to ALL the gods that you’ll be able to do this without puking or passing out from the smell (and/or taste).

Your tongue nervously starts to exit your mouth…

And suddenly an explosion deafens you and causes you to tip over and you aren’t the only one. You look up in time to see the crowd around you disperse.

Another explosion occurs and this one is close enough that a few bandits get caught in it. Someone invested in some firebombs.

Meanwhile Flameflower is standing around barking orders at everyone and then her attention turns back to you.

“I don’t know what asshole is attacking us, but YOU are not getting away. Lou, Haylon, get him!”

You quickly start scrambling away only to have Lou grab your arm. Just as Haylon is about to back him up, a shot is heard and Haylon’s head partially explodes like a ripe melon.

More shots are fired causing Flameflower to run for cover as bodies start dropping. You punch Lou in the face causing him to let go of you and then grab a dagger from one of his sheaths and stab him in the neck with it.

You look around and that’s when you see who it is that’s been attacking.

Annah limps slowly around the camp, welding some sort of fancy repeating pistol. You didn’t even know she had one of those. She’s not missing a shot either, even with only one good eye.

Once again this woman is just full of surprises.

“I got this, go get that naked bitch!” Annah shouts.

Last time you saw Flameflower, she ran back into her tent, probably to get a better weapon, however there are still some bandits that haven’t given up the fight and while Annah’s a good shot, she’s still going to have to reload.
> You run after Flameflower
If Annah says she’s got it, then you have no reason to doubt her since she seems fully capable.

You grab one of the crossbows off the dead body nearby and head to the tent that Flameflower ducked into.

As soon as you enter, you get there just in time to see Flameflower grabbing a pistol off her table. You fire just as she spins around to fire.

You hit her in the stomach causing her to crumple to her knees, however she manages to hit you in the face. You fall back as your nose explodes and your vision turns completely red.

Somehow you’re still alive, though you’re an incredible amount of pain and can hardly breathe as blood is filling up the hole where your nose once was. You choke up more blood trying to breathe through your mouth in between crying out in agony.

Meanwhile, Flameflower isn’t dead yet and manages to crawl over to you to finish you off by stabbing you repeatedly with her dagger. It’s a mercy at that point.