text: Chapter 3D2 Power Struggle
  
  Year 31
  
  "When are they supposed to arrive again?" you ask.
  "Um, lesee...  the ECS rep is supposed to be here tomorrow by carriage." Warts says.
  "Okay. It's been what, like a decade that they haven't taken an interest in this place ever since they lost their chapter here, now all of a fucking sudden I'm receiving letters and having to meet with their reps."
  "Better dat den assassin blades."
  "I guess. Just wondering why now all of a sudden."
  "Maybe itz our expansion inta Jicol? We's startin' ta get bigger, dat shit kinda draws tenshun. Probably shoulda stayed small."
  "It was a risk, I suppose. Then again they might have fucked with us anyway. At least now we're a little stronger. Speaking of which, maybe we should get some of Gloom's people here tonight as extra security until this visit is over. Might as well put that alliance we have to good use."
  "Grh, I still don't trust dem shadow guyz. Dey used ta be allied wit da Syndicate."
  "Yeah. I know their faith is for the most part still chummy with the Syndicate, but ever since Shade split from the main faith, this particular temple seems to be independent and follow its own agenda. I guess we can get a feel of where their alliances lie at least. Sort of wish Vera was still around sometimes as an extra pair of hands and eyes, but she's more useful in Jicol. I think she needed the change of scenery anyway."
  "How iz things dere anyway?"
  "Last message I got from her she said there weren't any problems. Even starting to recruit a few of the locals there, which is good so we don't have to send any more people from here. Not to mention the profit she sent last month was the biggest yet."
  "You ever think she's skimmin'?"
  "Vera? Nah, but I'm sure she's probably running something on the side for herself. Which is fine by me if she is. I'd rather have her overlooking things there than anyone else."
  
  Later you go to the Temple of Fel to speak with Gloom about extra back up. Gloom as usual is always willing to assist you. You've always felt Gloom was way too friendly to be a Felian (Even his name is ironic) but better cordial than hostile you suppose.
  
  One thing you have noticed is that over the years, the Felians aren't quite the disciplined shadowy priests they once were. Not to say they wouldn't be formidable in a fight, but they definitely aren't like how they were under their previous leadership. Gloom wasn't even aware that the Syndicate was visiting. For a group that's generally known for being masters of secrets and such, they seem a bit out of the loop nowadays.
  
  After coming to an agreement with Gloom, you leave the temple and make your way back to your headquarters.
  
  The next day the ECS representative arrives. As mentioned in the correspondence to you, you meet in a "neutral" location at a tavern called the Bloody Bandit (Warts was right, why don't more of these places have inviting names?)
  
  You arrive with a few of the larger hobgoblins by your side. You weren't sure at first, but letting some of Wart's "buddies" from the Spiderfang tribe join was a good idea. They aren't as big as an ogre or as muscular as an orc but they're just as ugly and mean enough to intimidate most.
  
  You look around and notice that at least one of Gloom's people is here. There might be more, but if they are, they must be better at hiding themselves. In any case, you're satisfied that you have an advantage if it comes to a fight.
  
  Then you see who can only be who you're supposed to meet. A well dressed man with a thin mustache sitting all by himself and not looking very concerned about his surroundings. The fact that he's here by himself speaks of his confidence that he's either powerful enough to survive whatever you might have in store, or the consequences of him will be so severe that you won't even try. He's not drinking anything, but when he sees you he nods and waves you over. You tell your hobgoblin retinue to wait nearby and mentally prepare yourself.
  
  You sit down and the man briefly smiles.
  
  "Well, right on time. Always a good sign when someone is punctual. When I noticed the shadow blades come in here, I thought for a moment you were using some sort of weak psychological intimidation tactic and try to make me sweat while you came in late. Though I suppose you're just more concerned with security given your green buddies over there. Hobs are an unusual choice though. We usually use ogres or orcs, but then you use the savages you got access to right? I can appreciate a man who improvises. In any case, my name is Percy and I'm sure you want to get to it."
  "I do like to be direct."
  "So I've heard. Oh I've heard a lot about you actually. Don't know everything about you of course, but that's okay, a little mystery is always welcome. What do you say about mystery?"
  "Not a fan of it. I sort of prefer to know everything I can, so I'm not caught off guard."
  "Heh, and I knew that about you too! Maybe you're not so mysterious, but that's okay too!"
  
  Percy pats your hand from across the table in his enthusiasm. Honestly, you don't know if the guy is flirting with you at this point. Maybe it's a tactic to try to make you uncomfortable, whatever it is, you stay stoic.
  
  "So what is it that the Syndicate wishes of the Nocturnal League?" you ask.
  "Ah that is the question isn't it? What DOES the Syndicate want? I bet ever since you heard from us, you've been wondering. Is this a threat? Is this a deal? Is this an alliance? Is it a prelude to an attack? What COULD it be? Why has the Syndicate suddenly taken an interest in Holgard again after it abandoned it a decade ago? Well? Do YOU have any ideas?" Percy asks.
  "I'm a cynic so I'm guessing you're here to say you're taking over and this is my one warning to get out of the way. At best, you'll want me to still stick around. At worst, you've probably already poisoned me when you touched my hand."
  
  Percy laughs out loud.
  
  "You my friend have a very interesting imagination! I assure you, if we wanted you dead, we wouldn't even be talking right now. You are partially correct though." Percy says.
  "You're taking over." You remark.
  "No. Well not directly. We DO want you to stick around though. You see, we have done a little research on you. We know you came here years ago, we also know you were part of the Thieves' Guild here before that and were instrumental in its destruction which THEN led to you being part of the Syndicate chapter here. Before Rook apparently blundered and cocked everything up. During all that time though, up until you created this Nocturnal League, you at your core were a thief. A good one though from what I've heard."
  "Don't get to do it much anymore."
  "Mm, so to sum up, we have a simple thief who survived the destruction of not one, but two organizations that held the most sway in the underworld here. You then went on to create your own organization, which is now the only game in town. You also apparently managed to leverage an alliance with the Temple of Fel here. That is an interesting one considering the faithful of Fel and the Syndicate have been allies for many decades. Intertwined one might even say."
  "This group is a little different."
  "Indeed. I believe the High Shadow back in Delantium has had some issues with this particular branch in general, but that's an internal matter on their end. In any case back to you, it's all very impressive for someone of humble origins and very unusual how it all seemed to work out in your favor. One might even think you planned everything...  well either that or you had the gods on your side."
  "Never really planned to be in the position I'm currently in and the only god I've ever gave a few words to is Yag and even then not much."
  "Well, then he must be rolling well for you every time. Perhaps it is luck that drives success in this city after all. Strategy, logic and even simple might seem to eventually fail in this city. This place is has always been problematic ever since the late Baron Vlad Varsakken declared his independence from Delantium. Even when we had a chapter here, it was always the least profitable of all of our holdings even with all the corruption going on, so when the leadership finally collapsed here and the rest of the lower ranks scattered to the winds. People higher than myself decided to wash their hands of the whole thing, not unlike the Delantium Kingdom did before I guess. However, things change and one of those changes is you sharing in your obvious success."
  
  And here it is, the shakedown.
  
  "I can see by your face you aren't pleased with that last statement, but I think you should look upon it as a compliment. Just think, YOU managed to do what the Syndicate could not. You made a success here with no competition and you built it all from the ground up. Granted you did use some of our people and even altered our product... Purple Wish? Come on, we all know that's just an inferior version of Blue Dream, but it's probably for the best that you didn't try to rip us off directly. We might have very well sent assassins in that case." Percy says.
  "I had considered that, hence why I suggested changing the formula." You say.
  "See always thinking! Which is why a direct take over wouldn't be as efficient. I mean why come in here and stomp about establishing our dominance and wasting manpower and resources when you're here? A perfectly reasonable and intelligent man more than capable of running things and knowing to give us our due."
  "Also knowing I don't have choice in the matter either."
  "But there is ALWAYS choice! I just know you'll make the right one! I'm going to give you a sum and you can tell me if it's fair or rip it up. What you can't do is negotiate though. I'm afraid I'm not here to do that."
  
  With this statement, Percy suddenly takes a small piece of parchment out of his pocket and moves it across the table. You take it and look at it.
  
  It's not unreasonable, but it's not exactly something you'd be looking forward to paying every month. Especially when you're already kicking bribes to the Holgard government.
  
  Still, you're getting a lot of leeway all things considered. For now you're going to accept. You can always figure something out later.
  
  "Very well I accept." You say.
  "Good! I knew you would! You didn't get where you are by being an idiot! Now that business is over, I'm going to be in the city a few more days before coming to see you again for the first payment. Now I know you're a busy man with busy people, so I don't expect you lot to see to me and I'm more than capable of protecting myself. However, I would like some suggestions on where all the good spots to have fun and unwind are here."
  
  After giving Percy some suggestions he shakes your hand and thanks you before leaving. As for you, you don't feel like going back to work right away either. You dismiss your hob crew and tell the Felians to just go back to whatever it is they do since you just want a moment by yourself (Even if you are still in a tavern)
  
  While you're racking your brain on how to deal with this new situation, you get another visitor.
  
  "Tough day in the underworld?"
  
  You look and see a woman in Dorna robes. It's been awhile, but you recognize her immediately. It's Heather.
  
  "Heather? This is unexpected. How did you know I was even here?" You say.
  "Magic is a very handy thing to be skilled in when locating someone. I've been meaning to see you for a while now. In fact I was coming to see you today and I'm glad I caught you when I did since it seems like you've been meeting with others. Like that man from the Syndicate." Heather remarks.
  "You seem to have a lot of interest in me all of a sudden. Is this personal, or did Elder Flynn send you on behalf of your temple?"
  "Oh this is temple business, but Elder Flynn didn't send me. In fact he's no longer in charge. I am."
  "I see. Did you... "
  "Kill him? Oh no. There was a large magical disturbance last year at a known wizard's home miles outside Holgard. An old acquaintance of the Elder actually. Flynn, myself and several other high ranking members went to investigate and let's just say it didn't go well and I was the only survivor. However it did mean there was now need of a new leader and since I still was the most experienced. I took charge. Well, took charge of the few that remained of our order at least."
  "Hm. Didn't know that. Then again you lot are always insular so I just assumed you were being bookworms as usual and never leaving your temple. I'm surprised you told me that your temple isn't as strong as it once was. Still, I would have thought the Felians would at least have knowledge of this and been all over it, but then they're hardly the order they once were too."
  "You're right about that one, in fact that's why I'm proposing you need a new ally and abandon your old ones."
  "New ally... wait... what, your people?"
  "Why not? We've worked together before and obviously I trust you enough to reveal my temple's status to you."
  "Yes, which is why I'm less than enthused. I mean no offense, but if your order only mainly consists of you and a few acolytes now, why would I abandon the Felians for you lot? This seems like you're just wanting to wipe out the Felians and you need my numbers to help you do it. And why now anyway? You two haven't had any problems. Even during the faith war here, you two didn't have any trouble."
  "Because the Felians DO know that we're currently weak and they've already been conspiring to finish us off. Why they haven't revealed such info to your organization I couldn't say. Perhaps they felt that this didn't concern you or you wouldn't care. However, the shadow lurking fools are as you say, definitely not the order they once were. Even with our lesser strength we've already fought off several assassination attempts. Still, it's only a matter of time before they DO ask for assistance and that's most likely going to be you... or the Syndicate. They are back in this city are they not?"
  
  Now this meeting just became a little more serious. Heather seems to know a lot about your situation, but then given that she's got magic coming out her ass, you aren't that surprised.
  
  "Yes, they are. What are you exactly proposing Heather?" you ask.
  "The Fel temple is rogue in many ways. I don't propose to be an expert on their beliefs, but even I know that by breaking with its long time Syndicate alliance, it is only a matter of time before they are reabsorbed back into their faith's proper doctrine. That's either going to happen because we will eventually manage to do enough harm that they'll beg for help from their father temple in Delantium or they'll slowly be forced back into submission when the Syndicate eventually starts pushing their weight here. That is what they're doing aren't they?" Heather says.
  "Somewhat... yes."
  "My proposal is this. WE ally against the Felians. They aren't going to expect an attack from you and you probably know when and where best to strike. We will provide back up of course to minimize the losses. In return you get allies that are much more powerful in the ways of magic and aren't likely to backstab you in the future. Our goal aren't the same, but don't conflict either, so I'd say that already makes us better than the Felians."
  "For the sake of argument, let's say I agree to this. I still don't see how this helps me all that much. I'm going to be taking most of the risk and damage and if anything the Syndicate might get a little suspicious if I start wiping out former allies."
  "I think you and I both know they're going to be suspicious of you anyway, but if this helps, I will personally assist you in anyway I can in any matter. I mean maybe I never said this properly years ago, but I did appreciate that you turned down Elder Flynn's ritual suggestion. Not something I ever forgot."
  
  Heather looks at you with a mixture of anticipation and hopefulness. Perhaps even a bit of desperation. The fact that she's asking you at all says to you that she's not exactly confident that she'll win without your help.
  
  Honestly, you aren't sure about all this. While Heather has brought up some concerning points. The Felians ARE your allies and granted in this business such things can be fleeting, you start stabbing them in the back and where does it end? You also aren't so sure about replacing a solid known ally with an uncertain one, especially if they aren't exactly any better than the ones you have.
  
  Gloom also hasn't really ever given you any reason to suddenly turn on him. Unless you're going to count the fact that his people never said they were waging a private war to finish off the Dornans. Then again, maybe Gloom considered it an internal matter and didn't feel the need to bother you with it.
  
  And the Syndicate just complicates matters. How are they going to react or will they even care at all? Percy did mention the temple here was frowned upon by the faithful in Delantium. Maybe it wouldn't matter if you wiped them out.
  > stay with Gloom
  It's a tempting offer, but if you double cross everyone you're going to soon find yourself with enemies on all sides.
  
  "I appreciate you being up front with me with this offer and perhaps under better circumstances, I'd be more than happy to have you as allies, but think about it. If I backstab the Felians so easily after being allied with them, would you ever truly trust me?" you say.
  
  Heather's look of hopefulness drops.
  
  "No. No I suppose I wouldn't. But... I'm sure you wouldn't really want us as enemies." Heather says,
  "Well that sounds like a threat." You say.
  "It wasn't! That's not how I meant it! I just mean, if you're allied with the Felians, then we're going to eventually butt heads and I'd rather not have to fight you for practical and personal reasons."
  "Well as you know the Felians haven't come to us for help. The best I can do if they do ask for help is tell them that their little war with you is their own affair and not in the best business interest of the League. What happens after that... well I'll still be here to assist the survivors should they need it."
  "That's very... pragmatic of you. Though I suppose your word that you at least won't help the Felians is the best I can hope for. Very well, I shall leave you to your business. Good day."
  
  Heather leaves and you're finally left alone. It's been a busy day.
  A couple days pass and the time to meet up with Percy is at hand and you haven't been looking forward to it.
  
  You meet Percy at the same tavern with the payment. Once again he's very friendly.
  
  "On time as usual. Very glad that you value promptness as I am in a bit of a hurry. I believe I may have had too much fun here and I should be getting back. I thank you for your suggestions on where to go." Percy says.
  "No problem, so will you be back next month at this time?" you ask.
  "Probably not me, but someone will. Probably of much lesser importance of course. I was just here this time to extend the hand and make the deal as it were. Still glad we came to one."
  "Yes, I agree. Better for business all around."
  "Yes! Yes exactly!"
  "Anyway, I have your payment. It's right outside loaded on that carriage you probably passed on your way in here."
  "Yes, I trust the correct amount is in those chests. I mean I'm sure it is, but I think you know the issues that would occur if that wasn't the case."
  "Yes, I'm quite aware.
  "Good, and with that, our business is concluded. I bid you good day and wish you well in your future endeavors, especially if it's going to make the Syndicate money!"
  
  Percy stands up, shakes your hand and leaves.
  
  You're really going to hate this new arrangement. You send a message off to Vera explaining the situation.
  
  Over the next few months, you start to really hate it as you start to feel the crunch of not having that extra surplus anymore. It's not really much of a problem for you personally per say, but the rest of the League members aren't exactly happy paying more dues as it were.
  
  In fact when the Felians actually come to you for assistance on wiping out the Dornans, you legitimately have an excuse that you can't spare the people and it's not cost effective to do so. As expected Gloom is not very happy with you not helping, though you point out that you're not happy that he just suddenly sprung this on you and attempt to deflect the blame by claiming he was keeping secrets from you about his private war with the Dornans.
  
  The ultimate results of that skirmish is eventual defeat of the Dornans, though with a very high cost to the Felians. The Felians wind up having less numbers than the Dornans had when the faction war was restarted. Little more than a handful and Gloom isn't counted among them any longer.
  
  The new leader Dusk doesn't even renew contact with you and instead the temple returns to an isolationist mindset, keeping to themselves. You guess you've lost the Felians as an ally, but you're not quite concerned about that given how low their numbers are.
  
  Around this time you get a message back from Vera who expresses concern about the new developments with the Syndicate.
  
  She goes on to say that she'll be in Holgard in a few months with her usual cut. She says when she gets there you and her should speak more on this since it's a conversation that should take place in person.
  
  You'll be looking forward to her thoughts on this matter since while things haven't gone to complete shit yet, you get the impression it won't be long.
  > time passes...
  Year 32
  
  It's been awhile, but it's good to see Vera again even if she's just here for a visit. She's got some strong opinions on some of the changes that have happened recently though.
  
  "I'm not sure if staying neutral was the best decision. We probably should have directly helped the Felians. They were our allies after all and now we don't have any." Vera says.
  "We still have an understanding with the Baroness. So, we're not that bad off." You say.
  "I suppose, but... "
  "But what?"
  "Well that's something I need to talk to you about because it could possibly affect the League."
  "Well guess I better hear it then."
  
  Vera takes a drink of the rum she's brought with her from Jicol before continuing.
  
  "Okay, I guess I'll start at the beginning. Let's see... what do you know of Peter Varsakken? Youngest son of Vlad." Vera asks.
  "Um, nothing actually. Didn't know there was another one of Vlad's spawn running around. Wait, is this another one of his bastards, like you?" you ask with a smirk.
  "Oh no. He's very much legitimate. It's just that after he had a disagreement with his father and fled the city, all records were pretty much erased of him. He's basically been living in exile in the Delantium Kingdom. Peter's disagreement with his father involved the whole breaking away from the Delantium Kingdom in the first place. Peter was the only one who saw it as treason and remained loyal to Delantium. Over the years Peter has been trying to amass an army to take back the city."
  "It's my understanding that the Delantium Kingdom hasn't exactly been in a big hurry to retake this place. I mean it's been decades hasn't it?"
  "Well they've been sort of busy with other things, like their recent war with Nichan for example. While the ruling class over there doesn't want to spend their resources and treasury to take this place back, they certainly won't turn down someone else willing to do the job, and that's where Peter comes in. He's of noble birth, loyal to the kingdom and would be an excellent governor for this city and absorb it back into Delantium's fold."
  "I see, and how do you know all this?"
  "The captain who brought me here, Zamed has been privateering for the Delantium Kingdom. He was contacted by Peter who is still trying to amass a conquering force of men and ships to take back his birthright. In fact Zamed is supposed to be organizing the majority of a flotilla of Hessla privateers"
  "And you trust this pirate?"
  "Of course not, but I trust the fact that I know how to lay it down good enough that he told me all this stuff in the bedroom without me even asking."
  "Okay, I don't need details on that part."
  "Anyway, Peter's been at this for years ever since he got exiled. He's suffered many set backs in his quest to retake Holgard. Every time he's been on the verge of being ready, something has happened. This was partially thanks to the Ebony Claw Syndicate sabotaging his efforts in Delantium, and sometimes even the Temple of Fel would hinder his efforts as well. However, since things have changed drastically over the years in this city, he's in the best position he's ever been in to retake this place."
  "What makes you think he won't get sabotaged again by either group? I mean the Ebony Claw might not have a direct presence here, but they're still making some coin from us. Same is somewhat true of the Felians, though different reasons. They're allies with the ECS, so they tend to help them and it isn't like the Felian Temple here is our enemy even if they aren't aligned or in any position to do anything in the first place."
  "Perhaps, but I'm just not sure if the Baroness is a sure thing in the future. If Peter invades and assuming the League here survives the chaos of it, from what I've heard Peter is lot more of a law and order fanatic than his father and siblings. He's going to re-establish Delantium law here and that means a whole lot less freedom."
  "So you think I should make a deal with this Peter Varsakken?"
  "Heh, if I thought that might help, I might suggest it, but even if that was successful, you're still kicking a hell of a lot of coin to not just the Holgard government in bribes, but to the ECS for their cut as well. And that will be true even if Peter doesn't invade Holgard or fails."
  "So what are you suggesting?"
  
  Vera touches you hand.
  
  "Leave here and come to Jicol." Vera says.
  "What? I can't do that, I got shit to run here. Who am I going to leave in charge? Warts?"
  "Leave whoever you want in charge. I'm suggesting that you completely abandon Holgard. I dunno, maybe make a deal with the Syndicate. Hand Holgard over to them as a one time pay off to not be taxed anymore. Our territory can be Jicol and they can have the rest. Seems like they might go for that."
  "That would be severe pay cut and I'm not fond of the idea of running away."
  "Oh come on, that's pride talking. Fuck pride. I mean this place is potentially standing in the way of a shitstorm and I'd rather pull you out of its direction. And while it might be a drop in coin, trust me we do just fine in Jicol. We'll do even better if we aren't paying off the Syndicate anymore too."
  "Hmm, I'm interested in just HOW well you're doing in Jicol. I mean I figured you were always holding back a bit."
  "What?! I'll have you know that I've NEVER skimmed off the top! While it is true much coin has been made under my management of the League, you've always gotten your cut! However... if you decide to come to Jicol, you may as well know, I do have a side business for my own independent of the League."
  "Of your own, what would... "
  
  You suddenly know immediately what Vera is engaged in.
  
  "... oh wait. Shit. You're in the slave trade again aren't you?"
  
  Vera's hand doesn't move away from yours, instead she just squeezes yours a bit more.
  
  "I know! I know! I should have told you sooner, but it seemed cowardly in a letter and I felt I should at least tell you in person! I know you're not fond of slavery, but the location and demand was too good to pass up in Jicol. I'd be a fool if I didn't excel in something I was skilled in."
  "Well I suppose I can't fault you for that. (Sigh)"
  "You aren't yelling and screaming, I trust you're not mad?"
  "No. I mean I'm hardly in a position to judge on any moral grounds and I don't even give a shit about the extra coin you're making. It's just... I dunno. Slavery is just one of those things I feel... icky about. Don't ask me why."
  "How is it any different than making some dumb ass addicted to Purple Wish? They basically become a slave to the drug."
  "The dumb asses getting addicted to Purple Wish have a choice. Look, as I said, I'm not pissed or anything like that, but if I was to come to Jicol, I'd have some strong feeling about you continuing your slave trade business. In any case I'm still not convinced that I should just run away. Speaking with Peter Varsakken would at least be a better idea, though I'm not exactly sure how I'd go about setting up a meeting with him... wait a minute, that pirate of yours Zamed. He wouldn't happen to be meeting him anytime soon would he?"
  "I believe he's going to meet him after he leaves. In fact he tried to convince me that I should go with him, but I didn't see much point with the League attempting to ally with Peter for the same reasons I told you."
  "Hmm, maybe I should go with him and try to meet with Peter. Feel him out and see if there is any potential there."
  "I dunno. That really seems like a bad idea. I really wish you would just come to Jicol instead."
  
  It's apparent that Vera's desire for you to go to Jicol is more than just pragmatic reasons. The girl is obviously carrying feelings for you. Always has most likely. If things were different, you might be more inclined to jump at the chance, but this fucking curse is sort of preventing you from such a thing, but that's not really your immediate concern right now.
  
  Still, you aren't totally dismissing that idea. Vera usually has good instincts about this sort of thing so it might very well be a good idea to get the hell out of Holgard.
  
  Then again, there's no certainty that Peter's even going to win, assuming he even invades in the first place. It would be pretty wasteful to just abandon everything you built here.
  > leave Holgard
  Making impulsive decisions based on other people's suggestions isn't something you normally do, but things here in Holgard have been one headache after another. Even if everything involving this potential invasion goes well, what's going to be the next major incident? A freak tidal wave destroying the city?
  
  Seems like there is always some major shit going on in Holgard that affects the whole damn place and you're starting to wonder if it isn't just you that's cursed, but the whole fucking city.
  
  Fuck it, why not? Maybe it's time for a change.
  
  "Vera, okay. I'll come to Jicol." You say.
  "I didn't think you'd actually listen to me about this." Vera says with a smile.
  "Yeah well, I'm starting to re-examine things going on in my life and cutting down on potential problems even at great cost is a lot more inviting everyday. However, I obviously still can't just pick up a leave, I need to get shit together first. Might take a few weeks considering that I have to contact the Syndicate and who knows how long they'll take to get back with me, though I'm hoping fairly quick if I'm telling them about handing over Holgard to them."
  "Oh of course. The rumors about Peter's invasion are he won't be ready for another year at least."
  "Hm, well in any case, I'm still going to try to speed this up with the Syndicate. After that, then I can get the hell out of this city."
  
  Vera at this point goes on about how she's glad that you're doing this. She also apologizes if she over stepped a boundary by touching your hand the way she did since she's aware of your whole "not fucking co-workers" policy. She goes on to say that she just sometimes feels very close to you and probably due to not seeing you for awhile combined with all the mess that's been going on caused her to briefly display greater affection. She says it won't happen again.
  
  You aren't sure about Vera's feelings towards you or her slave trading, but you can address those later when you get there. The first major step is negotiating with the Syndicate since you aren't sure if they're actually going to let you walk away or not. If they don't, well that might put a crimp in your plans.
  
  You soon say goodbye to Vera and start getting things in order. The Syndicate rep should be by in another week, you figure you can tell him directly that you wish to speak with someone higher up on the food chain about turning your holdings over.
  
  When that day comes, the rep doesn't give you much argument about it and states that he will report this to his superiors immediately since he's sure that they will be very interested. He anticipates that you will probably get a message for a meeting time soon after he reports to them.
  
  While you're waiting for that meeting, you keep going back and forth on when you should tell your own people about this. You figure that you should probably at least wait until after the meeting since it doesn't do any good getting them in a tizzy if things don't work out. You anticipate that it's going to be a mixed reaction at best.
  
  Still, there is one person you tell since you figure they deserve to know.
  
  "Geez, didn't expect dat." Wartz says.
  "You pissed?" you ask.
  "Pissed? Nah. I mean I sort of had a feelin' sumthin' like dis wuz comin. Shit in Holgard never stays stable fer long. Best ta get out now if dere's gonna be an invasion."
  "You could come to Jicol, it isn't like the League is disappearing. It's just relocating."
  "Naw, too far an' I don't wanna be on sum ship. Just thinkin' about bein surrounded by water makes me queasy. I guess I'm gonna just look inta opening up that trading post in Spiderfang territory like Snuffit suggested I do not too long ago. Probably should be closer ta family anywayz."
  "Well I certainly wish you luck if that's what you're going to do."
  "Luck? Got dat shit in abundance as long as I keep Yag's faith. I suggest you do the same. An' I'd also suggest dat youz just leave and not tell anyone else when da time comes."
  "What, seriously?"
  "Yeah seriously. You'll have a fuckin' riot on yer hands as soon as you break da news. Sum are gonna feel betrayed. Sum don't like the Syndicate. Others are gonna be tryin' ta take power. An all doze hobs you recruited? Theys just gonna be confused. Let da Syndicate handle the mess. I mean I trust dat Vera's already got people in Jicol right? Not like you need any of them from here anyway."
  "So take off like a thief in the night then, I suppose I can do that. This is actually starting to sound easier and easier now. I'm just hoping that my meeting with the Syndicate goes well."
  
  In a few days you get a message delivered to you from the ECS. It says that someone will meet you at the Blood Bandit in another week. You get the impression you know who that's going to be.
  
  A week passes and sure enough while you're waiting at the Bloody Bandit, Percy comes walking in. He's as upbeat as he was the last time you met with him. He sits down and immediately orders a drink.
  
  "Ah here on time as always. Glad to see you continue with that habit. And I also see that you've brought no other protection with you either for this meeting. Very interesting that you should be so trusting, but then your relationship with the Syndicate has been a cordial one so why should there be animosity?" Percy says.
  "I want out." You reply.
  "Excuse me?"
  "I want out, and I'm willing to give up Holgard to the Syndicate completely in order to get out."
  
  Percy sits back with a intrigued look on his face.
  
  "I see. Well this is slightly different bit of business than I thought you had in mind. I thought perhaps you wanted to try to renegotiate our payment terms or perhaps ask for assistance in expanding to Klyton. A complete surrender of one's business to us without any force or influence at all is extremely rare. May I ask, why you're doing it?"
  "Does it matter?"
  "It may, because for all we know you might have some hidden agenda."
  "There's no agenda, I'm just getting sick of this fucking city. I'm also sick of paying off the Syndicate. Since you consider this your territory anyway, you might as well have the headache of running it, because I'm done."
  "Once you're in this game, you don't easily get out like you're proposing, but I don't think you're leaving anyway. The Syndicate is well aware that you have part of your organization on Jicol. We thought about expanding there ourselves on occasion."
  "Okay, let's talk plain then. I'm handing over Holgard and ALL its holdings to you directly. That means you can take all the profits from here, influence shit how you see fit and probably do a much better job than I ever could. In exchange, you leave Jicol to the Nocturnal League."
  "And why would we leave Jicol alone?"
  "Because we're not a damn threat? We've never been a threat."
  "Maybe the Nocturnal League by itself isn't a threat, but YOU on the other hand... I dunno... you have a reputation. I mean while this all looks advantageous to us, something about letting you run off to an island while you plot and scheme away from our immediate attention, well that seems fairly dangerous. Maybe you can't do anything to us now, but who can say in the years to come? It's best to keep and eye on you."
  "You greatly overestimate my ambition and motivation to take on an organization such as the Syndicate."
  "And you greatly underestimate our generosity and intelligence if you believe we'd just let you walk away."
  
  While you're realizing this isn't going well. Percy happily takes his drink from the barmaid.
  
  "I don't understand why you're fucking with me, don't you have an usurper to sabotage?" you blurt out getting frustrated.
  "Usurper... ohhh, you know about Peter Varsakken's plans do you? Is that the real reason why you're leaving? Well if you were concerned that he was coming here to wreck the place you need not have been. You have my assurance that Peter will fail in his invasion as usual. Business here will not be disrupted." Percy remarks.
  "Look, I don't really give a shit. I'm just saying that I'm OUT of Holgard regardless of that happening or not."
  "Okay. Fine. Consider this a pardon from the Syndicate. You are free to leave, but what you won't be doing is running the Nocturnal League from Jicol. As far as the Syndicate is concerned, the Nocturnal League is just a tool for us to use as we see fit. We'll get someone else to run it. Maybe your second in command will be more receptive, we were thinking about contacting her anyway. She was an ex-Claw after all."
  "Fuck, alright! Alright! You win, I'll stay here. If there isn't going to be an invasion I guess it won't be... "
  "No." Percy says finishing off his drink.
  
  Percy's remark catching you off guard.
  
  "No? No what?" you reply.
  "No. You won't be staying here. Clearly you're unhappy in Holgard and you're really unhappy with our business arrangement. Not really a good idea to keep someone on that's a ball of anger and frustration. So as I said, you are a free man and the world is your oyster. I'd advise you not entering the Delantium Kingdom, Holgard or Jicol though as you are no longer welcome in ECS territory." Percy says.
  
  This asshole's not even negotiating anymore.
  
  "Well I guess concludes our business and it looks like I'm going to be staying here a little longer to sort things out. I'll give you the day to gather your belongings and leave the city. Hmmmm, maybe I should contact that rogue Temple to Fel while I'm here too. They probably should be brought back into the fold... "
  
  At this point Percy leaves the table and doesn't pay any more attention to you. You can't believe what just happened. EVERYTHING has just been stripped away from you and worse. This isn't what you wanted and you all you can feel is that frustration and anger Percy referenced earlier.
  
  So much so that you waste no time in standing up and pulling out your pistol with every intention of shooting Percy in the back. You know you're going to be hunted forever by the ECS after this, but you don't even care. They were imposing so much on your life anyway, you feel you have nothing to lose.
  
  You empty your pistol into Percy's back as he's walking towards the door. The few tavern patrons run for cover and every shot hits him.
  
  Or at least they would have if it were actually him.
  
  Whatever shadow magic tricks he was using have fooled you completely as the shots pass right through the false image and into the solid oak door. You then feel two sharp blades thrust hard into your back. You crumple to the floor instantly.
  
  "Thank you for that. This was a much easier course of action rather than potentially having to deal with you later down the road."
  
  Percy crouches down next to you as you attempt to crawl away.
  
  "Not the most noble of ends, but still better than most in our line of work. And if it's any consolation, Sydicate leadership was thinking about having you done away with eventually anyway. Honestly, they should have done it a long time ago, but... well I'm but a servant to a greater purpose."
  
  With those last words, Percy grabs you by the hair to lift your head up and slits your throat.