text: [Themes: fantasy, serious, fantasy]
  
  No point in taking chances...
  
  "I appreciate the input Vaughn, but I believe a more permanent solution is needed here." You say.
  "Well okay, but how are we going to do it? Camid just left with a little more than half the old gang. Besides us three, we only got a couple guys left and honestly I don't really have confidence in them if it's going to be a knock down drag out fight."
  "There are more around guns nowadays you know. Don't need to be a good fighter to just shoot someone. I acquired one myself soon after I bought the inn." You say.
  "Yeah, but Camid and his group could have the same idea. Pretty sure Camid owns one and will probably acquire more for the rest of the Talons. Plus most of them are one shot weapons. If anyone misses, it's going to come down to a real fight and we're going to be out numbered."
  "Well, I guess we better make sure our aim is true shouldn't we then? Look, if this is going to be a concern, we could always go get some of those repeating crossbows. They cost a damn fortune, but..."
  
  Suddenly Zal speaks up.
  
  "Maybe we shouldn't risk our lives on this. It would be kind of tragic to get this far only to get brought down at the finish line." Zalmora says.
  "So what are you saying? You saying you want to go with Vaughn's plan now?" You ask.
  "No, I'm for getting rid of them, but I just don't think we should be the ones to do the deed if we don't have to."
  "Okay. So you're saying you want a hired assassin? Great. You know any? Because I sure don't."
  "Yes we do. In fact you hired him already once."
  
  You exhale deeply.
  
  "And in order to hire THAT guy again, I'm going to have to deal with Mr. Fucking Reynolds and who knows what damn price he's going to ask for." You say.
  "He was actually pretty reasonable last time." Zal remarks.
  "He also didn't tell me everything last time. There's always a catch with him. In fact weren't you against dealing with him last time?"
  "I was, but that was a different time under different circumstances. I mean can it hurt to even inquire?"
  "No, but I wish there was another alternative."
  "We could always look for Scales." Vaughn jokes in an attempt to lighten the mood.
  "I don't think Scales is even alive anymore, if he was even lurking down in the sewers to begin with. I think Tom was the only one who was ever convinced of it. I mean we were in the sewers for years and never ran afoul of a supposedly territorial lizard. (Sigh) Alright, I'll go see Mr. Reynolds tomorrow and see what the price is."
  
  The next day you walk into Mr. Reynolds' office.
  
  As soon as you walk in, you see a strange ogrish looking creature, but much shorter than one. In fact if it wasn't for the oversized teeth and general monstrous appearance, you might mistake it for a very muscular dwarf.
  
  You also see Henry, or at least you assume it's Henry. He hasn't changed much since the last time you saw him, though he's sporting a few scars across his face now.
  
  Finally you see Mr. Reynolds and he certainly hasn't changed. Once again he stands up smiling at his desk.
  
  "Well what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit from the head of the infamous Crimson Talons this fine day?" Mr. Reynolds says.
  "I need some people killed." You say.
  "Hm, straight to business I see. Okay then, I assume there is some reason why you aren't having your own people taking care of this?"
  "Let's just say, most of my so called people are the ones I want to have killed."
  "Ah, an internal struggle? Interesting. Well, I'm not sure what you want me to do about it."
  
  You haven't been here five minutes, and he's already playing mind games...
  
  "What the hell do you think..." You start to shout, but then you stop and then calm yourself before continuing.
  
  "Mr. Reynolds, with all due respect, I have come here asking for assistance on this matter as I once did in the past. Your son did a marvelous job last time even if... I didn't quite appreciate its thoroughness last time. I have now come to respect it much more and I would like to implement his magnificent skills again on others that would see harm to me and my business."
  
  Mr. Reynolds listens intently and smiles.
  
  "I'm glad to see that wisdom has come with your age. That's good. Last time our business together was less than cordial. That's okay though, I still got paid. As I said, I would love to help you again in this matter, but I'm afraid, this isn't my call this time. Last time when Henry worked for you, you insulted his work and I'm afraid, my son takes things a bit more personal than I do. He won't work for you again."
  "What?! But isn't he your employee? Can't you just order him?"
  "Yes, but he's also my son! Really now sir, would YOU force your son to do something he doesn't want to? Yes, business is always important, but sometimes, just sometimes family comes first. Now if Henry wants to work for you on this, I suppose we can start coming up with a price, but I don't think it's likely."
  
  You look over to Henry who just gives you a cold glance before walking away altogether.
  
  "I think there's your answer." Mr. Reynolds says.
  "Great. So I guess you can't help me." You say.
  "Well now, I wouldn't say that exactly, I still have one employee willing to cause mayhem on your behalf."
  
  Mr. Reynolds points over to the ogre looking creature.
  
  "And who is that?" You ask.
  "Who is that? Don't you see the family resemblance? This fine gentleman is the late great Olaf's son!" Mr. Reynolds exclaims.
  "The late Olaf?"
  "Yes, it was a sad day when Olaf passed a few years ago. Died right here in the office in his sleep in fact. He will be missed. But anyway his son Olaf Jr. has been following in his father's large footsteps and I don't mind saying he's been doing a fine job for me and his own mother is very proud of him."
  
  You remember that Mr. Reynolds once said Olaf was married to a halfling. You can't imagine how that birth was even possible let alone how she survived the process. It does however explain Junior's strange appearance by ogre standards. (Or any standards actually)
  
  Mr. Reynolds goes on to explain that while Junior doesn't have the same size as his father or quickness that Henry has, he assures you that he has more than enough skill to do the job you require. However, unlike last time Mr. Reynolds asks for a thousand gold coins in advance.
  
  It's a hell of a lot of money and you have no real certainty. You're starting to think you might have more piece of mind investing in some weapons and doing this yourself.
  
  > do it yourself
  Maybe Reynolds has confidence in this guy, but you're not so sure especially at the price that's being charged. If it was Henry, you'd be fine with it because at least you know what he can do. Too bad you hurt his feelings, who knew psychopaths had them?
  
  "I think I'm going to have to take a pass, Mr. Reynolds, but I thank you for your time." You say.
  "Oh. Okay then. Well if you change your mind, you know where to find me. If you don't , well good luck to you." Mr. Reynolds says.
  
  You walk out of Mr. Reynolds' office and head back home. There's nothing else for it. You're going to have to do this yourself. Good thing you've still got a few shady connections who can get you some proper weapons for this fight, because to be honest you don't want to have to be rolling around in the sewers with Camid as you try shoving daggers in each other's faces. It wasn't pleasant when you did it with Tom and you didn't particularly get any enjoyment when you had to do it to Klint. Being a killer isn't something you ever really desired doing, but it's something that you've found necessary in this line of work.
  
  Might be why you saw the wisdom of following Zal's advice and decided to get the hell out. Of course you're hoping you're going to get out. You just have to do this one last thing.
  
  When you return to the inn, you inform Zal and Vaughn of what happened.
  
  "So, I guess it's one last job then?" Vaughn remarks.
  "Looks like it, if we're going to all live happily ever after." You say.
  "Well, I guess it has to be done." Zal remarks.
  
  You look over at Zal and touch her hand.
  
  "Zal, you don't need to come when this goes down. I mean someone should be here to hold down the fort anyway." You say.
  "How the hell can you even say that? Look, it's sweet that you're obviously concerned about me, but I'm a big girl and this whole thing was something I talked you into in the first place. So I can't just let you risk your life for this by yourself. We're all in this together. Besides, you're going to need all the help you can get." Zal says.
  
  You know Zal is not going to budge on this, so you just accept it. She's right as usual anyway.
  
  "Okay. Well let's start talking strategy." You say.
  
  You tell Vaughn that you need to be certain where Camid and the rest are going to be setting up shop in the sewers. You all think that Camid is going to be predictable and set up in the old location, but you want to be sure, because you need to wipe them all out.
  
  The next step is to acquire some repeating crossbows and even some protective armor. Granted if Camid's crew end up packing flintlocks, it might not matter, but it's better to be safe in this instance.
  
  You spend a small fortune on gearing up for this hit. In fact by the time you get everything you think you'll need, it would have been cheaper to hire Junior, but then you know there would have been a catch. With Mr. Reynolds there is always a catch.
  
  You, Zal, Vaughn and the rest of the old guard that was loyal spend some time practicing for the big event. In the meantime, Camid has indeed set up in the old location. He's also been busy recruiting more folks too. You have no idea if he's planning to hit you soon or he's just trying to gather strength, but in any case, you can't waste too much more time. You need to strike soon.
  
  You make plans to hit Camid during one of the "slower business" days. Last thing you want is having to deal with crowds of bum fight bystanders and whores while you're trying to kill Camid and his crew.
  
  The night before the reckoning, you and Zal spend a good portion of time together as a husband and wife do, since neither of you knows if you're going to survive.
  
  Funny that up until now, both of you spent most your lives practically dismissive of the ongoing possibility of death. This is different though. As Zal said, this is the "finish line."
  
  Then the days comes. You know Camid's folks are more active at night, so it'll be best to hit them during the day when some of them are probably still half hung over. You all get prepared, descend down into the sewers and make your way to your location.
  
  It's actually been a while since you've gone slinking around in the darkness, but you and your group try to remain as stealthy as you can. You manage to get well within the new Crimson Talon territory before one of the members suddenly stumbles upon you.
  
  "Hey, you're not...Urgh!" A Talon says before being interrupted by a bolt to the neck.
  
  You manage to dispatch a few more Talons in relative silence before one of the Yellow Devil junkie whores wandering around starts screaming her head off. It isn't even about you either.
  
  The whore's insane ramblings are so loud it calls wanted attention, and by the time you put a bolt in her head to shut her up, your presence has been discovered and a major alarm has already been raised.
  
  "Shit! We're being attacked! Get your gear! Move! Move!" One of the Talons shouts.
  
  At this point stealth is discarded altogether and all out battle takes place.
  
  To their credit, Camid and what remains of the Talons don't try to run away. They're determined to fight it out, so at least you won't have to chase any of them down.
  
  Camid had the same idea as you did and invested in more weapons. You learn this first hand when a firebomb is lobbed at you and you have to dive out of the way and into foul waters. The noise is deafening as the explosion echoes throughout the sewers. You barely have time to find more suitable cover when you see several Talons running out from an archway firing flintlock pistols at you. Thankfully their aim isn't great.
  
  Still clutching your own weapon, you manage let loose several more bolts and catch a Talon in the process. You then trip over something and after scrambling to get back up you realize you've got blood all over you. It isn't yours however, it's part of one of your people you was blown apart by the bomb. You just tripped over his bloody torso.
  
  A slight panic comes over you not because of the obvious reasons, but more because you've lost track of where everyone else is, namely Zal.
  
  A Talon comes screaming at you with a sword raised above his head, and you shoot him twice in the chest, but he keeps coming. He gets close enough for you to see him foaming yellow shit from his mouth and blood coming from his eyes. The guy's on Devil.
  
  You dodge the wild sword swing, trip the drug addled fool to the stone floor and then stomp the back of his head with your boot. A life ending crunch is heard and he's finally stopped.
  
  You rush back to where you hear the rest of the fighting. Another firebomb goes off in the distance followed by someone screaming. Another one of your people, though you don't know who yet.
  
  You finally get back to the sewer cross way near where the bum fights are held and that's when you see Vaughn on the floor attempting to tie up his bloody leg. It's in pretty bad shape.
  
  "Camid ran into the old Talon barracks, I think Zal went after him." He says grimacing in pain.
  
  You immediately leave Vaughn and run to the Talon barracks. You see a dead body on the floor and then another slumped over the bed. You cautiously go through the room and then head into where you used to have your old office. Then your heart sinks.
  
  You see Zal on the floor with several wounds on her body. Some are from the dagger still in her stomach, another is a gunshot to the upper chest. The armor wasn't enough and despite her still struggling to stay alive you already know she's going to die soon.
  
  "(Cough) Good...you're a...live...I got that bast..ard..." She coughs and points over to another body in the corner which is Camid's. His brains are blown out through his eye socket and partially on the wall.
  
  You run over to her apologizing and on the verge of tears. You knew something like this was going to happen. If only you'd done something different.
  
  Zal however in her dying breaths tells you it's not your fault and at least she got to enjoy her time with you while she was here.
  
  "Just...go live your life...okay?" Zal says before finally closing her eyes forever.
  
  Right now, part of you doesn't feel like living your life is going to be worth it without her around. You know you'll eventually get over this and move on, but it's not going to be for a long time.
  
  > Epilogue
  Epilogue 2: Back to Basics
  
  Year 36
  
  Another slow day at your inn.
  
  It's days like this where you don't even want to be bothered and would just rather let Vaughn run everything. Actually, everyday is starting to get like that.
  
  After Zal's death, you continued to run this place mainly because it seemed pointless to abandon something that such a high price was paid for. In some ways you thought you were honoring her memory.
  
  You thought as the years went by you'd finally settle into this life, but so far you haven't. Not that every day is a living hell or anything like that, it's just an ongoing sense of dissatisfaction.
  
  You aren't sure what the solution is though. Going back to your old "profession" just doesn't seem like an option anymore especially since you've long since allowed those talents to rust, not to mention you're not exactly in the shape you once were.
  
  Though it's more than just the physical. The drive isn't there either. You don't really want for anything so why go back to something that could potentially fuck that up? You do realize that you're luckier than most that dabbled in the life of crime, you got out not permanently maimed and you came out ahead. Not many can say that.
  
  Still, doesn't make your feelings about your current situation any better though.
  
  You spend a lot of time dwelling on the past during happier days. Not so much the time you spent with Zal, because that just tends to make you miss her more, but the time before you even came to Klyton. The carefree days with your sister.
  
  Now that's when it was really fun and you were up for almost anything. You wonder what happened to her and where she is right...
  
  "Hey! Who's the owner of this overpriced shitty establishment!?" You suddenly hear a female voice shout.
  
  You look up from the bar ready to tell whoever it is to get the hell out and that's when you see a face that you could never forget no matter how much time has passed.
  
  "By the fucking gods! Is it really you I see there before me?" You ask.
  "Yep, it's your sister from the same mister! Well don't just stand there wiping glasses, give me a hug!" Your sister responds.
  
  You practically leap over the bar to embrace her. This is definitely a reunion you never thought would come. Your employees never see you act this way normally, so they're a little surprised, but go about their work.
  
  "It's good to see you after what twenty years?" You say.
  "Too damn long bro. Too damn long. Hey don't squeeze too tight, I got my mandolin on my back and it's pretty unique." Your sister says.
  "Well you look good anyway. I see you're still into colorful clothing, but then you always were the flashy one."
  "Just glad I can still fit into my clothing from twenty years ago. Speaking of which what the hell have you been eating?" Your sister remarks poking your belly a bit.
  "Yeah, I know. Age hasn't been kind to all of us sis."
  "Oh, I was joking. Don't worry, you're not as bad as all that."
  
  You and your sister sit down at a secluded table to catch up.
  
  Your sister goes first and briefly goes into some of the places she's been. She says she actually came to Klyton when she first left home, but didn't stay long due to her not finding it very interesting. Seems as if you two just missed each other when you arrived here. When you ask how she found you in the first place she just says, as a bard she's always got her ear to the ground on various bits of information, plus it helped that you own a well known inn.
  
  She also mentions that she recently visited your parents and besides being glad to see her, they also told her what happened with you a few months after she left. What's fascinating to you though is apparently you were cleared of murder months after you left!
  
  Your father managed to save Annah's life and with her statement and a few others who saw everything reluctantly stepped up to tell the truth, your actions were considered a justified crime of passion rather than outright murder.
  
  "So wait, am I still wanted there?" You say.
  "Well...a lot of time has passed and that sheriff who hated you is long dead now. Klint's father also isn't there anymore, so I think you're in the clear legally, but I wouldn't exactly say you're wanted if you know what I mean. Though Annah apparently still thinks highly of you."
  "Heh, I'm glad she survived. Really glad. What about mom and dad?"
  "They're fine. I suppose this would be a good time to tell you, we got a new brother."
  "WHAT?! They had another child?! When?!" You exclaim.
  "I guess shortly after we both left. I think he's about twenty or around that age. He's okay, a bit on the straight laced side. Guess mom and dad finally got the well behaved child they always wanted."
  "I guess so...sheesh...do you think they'd even want to see me?"
  "I'm sure mom wouldn't mind seeing you. Dad, well he probably wouldn't mind either seeing as you're not a criminal anymore. You aren't are you?"
  
  You sit back and chuckle a bit.
  
  "Do I look like a criminal anymore sis?" You say.
  "Hey looks can be deceiving, you could be one of those crime lords that doesn't have to leave his office and sends his underlings out to do his bidding." Your sister remarks.
  "Heh, I could be...but I'm not. At least not anymore. Nope, I just run this inn nowadays. It's a relatively uneventful real job and I'm just a regular jerk off. It's exactly what mom and dad always wanted." You say with a bit of a sigh.
  
  "Geez bro, you make it sound like your life is already over." Your sister says.
  "Sometimes it sure feels that way. (Sigh) Sorry, I'm being a downer, why don't you tell me more about your travels. Sounds like you've had all the exciting adventures. Did I hear you mention something about being a pirate?"
  "Not exactly, and I can certainly tell you that story, but I'm more concerned about you. I mean are you really alright? You don't seem happy."
  "I'm okay I suppose...I just...I dunno..." You say trailing off.
  
  There's a moment of silence as your sister just looks at you.
  
  "When was the last time you left the city? Hell, when was the last time you left this inn? Maybe you need a change of scenery." Your sister remarks.
  "Maybe, but while I'm glad to hear I'm not a wanted murderer in Teckleville anymore, I'm not sure if I want to take a trip there right now." You say.
  "Not home, I mean why don't you come with me for a little while?"
  "What? Seriously?"
  "Sure, why not?"
  "Because last time I remember you distinctly saying you wanted to travel by yourself."
  "Yeah, well there were a lot of times I wish I hadn't said that, because there were a lot of times it would have been very useful to have someone I trusted to watch my back. I mean I wouldn't take back my experiences, but I can honestly say if you had been there they might have been less scary for me." Your sister says touching your hand.
  
  You smile a bit and slight warm feeling comes over you.
  
  "Well thanks." You say.
  "So, are you going to come with me?" Your sister asks.
  "...um...well where are we going?"
  "Anywhere you want or we can just walk until we get there. Come on, it'll be fun, like old times!"
  "Trust me, it's real tempting. Just wondering about the inn...hold on, I'll be back."
  
  You get up and head downstairs. As expected you find Vaughn doing inventory and as usual he's adjusting his wooden leg.
  
  "You okay Vaughn?" You ask.
  "Yeah, this damn leg as usual. Might have to get a new one again. We're supposed to get in a new shipment of rum today. Might need your help moving it down here unless you're busy with your lady friend." Vaughn remarks.
  "Oh. Saw me speaking with my sister did you?"
  "Before I came down here, I saw you leap over the bar to embrace her. Gotta say, that's the most enthusiasm I've seen out of you in a long time. So that's the twin I've heard you speak about a few times huh?"
  "Yeah that's her."
  "Pretty. Like her wardrobe too. Very colorful and cheery."
  "Hey Vaughn, do you think you can manage this place by yourself?"
  "I suppose so, why?"
  "I'm going to go away for a little while. Not really sure where. Not really sure when I'll be back either."
  "Hm. I see. You sure you're even coming back?"
  "...now that you mention it, I suppose I'm not sure of that either. Guess I'm asking if you want this inn."
  
  Vaughn hobbles over towards you.
  
  "Tell you what. I'll take the inn, but if you do come back, you'll always have a job managing it again. Don't worry about your private quarters, it won't be disturbed either." Vaughn remarks.
  "Thanks Vaughn." You say.
  "It's no problem. I'm just glad you're finally following Zalmora's advice and living your life."
  
  You and Vaughn return to your office where you sign over the property to him. You then shake hands before saying goodbye. Gathering up a few belonging and some money, you go meet your sister.
  
  "Let's go." You say and the pair of you leave.
  
  As you make your way out of Klyton, you finally feel a spark again. Like a great weight has been lifted. You aren't sure how long this is going to last, but you have a positive feeling about you and look forward to whatever lies ahead.
  
  "This was a good idea sis. I'm feeling really upbeat about this." You say.
  "That's good, I'm glad. I'm looking forward to traveling with you too after all these years. I was meaning to ask though, I notice you wear a ring on your finger. You aren't married are you?" Your sister asks.
  "Oh. Sometimes I forget that's it's even there. I probably should take it off, but yes, I was married many years ago."
  "Gotta say I never saw you as the marrying type."
  "I would have still been married had she not passed away."
  "Sorry to hear it. She must have been some sort of special lady if you married her in the first place though. So how did you two meet and all that?"
  "It's a long story."
  "Well, why don't you tell me? We got a long journey ahead and I can't be the only one with interesting stories."
  
  You begin your tale...