With a nod to Canticle, "She gots a soft spot for the blazing one eh? Well now that puts your actions on a bit of a rush. Disadvantage you."<br/><br/>The crippled man looked Fortune squarely in the eyes, "You have yourself a deal. I won't betray you, I will tell you all I can to prepare you. I will damn well lead you to him, already said as much and why. Hell, what you are proposing is a win-win for me. You beat them, I get my share, you lose, I get first call since I delivered you. Kudrak is my brother, but that won't help you negotiate with the cold-blooded bastard. See, he knows right now I will survive. I will return to him eventually as well. We are family, but he knows I will cut this type of deal..." At that moment all of the owlets burst, leaving behind a puddle of blood, some of it steaming. No bone, no feather. "Well, seems she made it to the Hole. Your timer starts now. You have a bit, for the witch has to start the return preparations. Then she will rest, for she knows how far away we are. Then... she will play. Your friend will be uncomfortable, but is, well I wouldn't say safe, but no one is trying to kill her yet. They will move her to the circle. The witch really hates the flames." The bandit gave a shiver at this.<br/><br/>Changing the subject. "You asked how I knew you would lose in the next match, look at what happened here. You chose the site, set the ambush, caught us wide apart trying to handle this mess, and surprised us, good move as far as it went. We were tired from the morning's activities, depleted physically and magically. You took down one asset and some fodder, but released us the hindrance of protecting such a bulky weight. Next you meet them, they will have their magics up. The witch will have her bodyguards, pets, and stock of toys. And Papa will have told them how to beat ya, having seen you in action. Oy, and don't go asking questions about him, he wasn't part of our deal. He scares me as none of you or mine do. He taught Zudrak to be cold, and Zudrak is a pale comparison. The deal was to say what I can, and I can't there."<br/><br/>"Now you have your teaser, I have offered alot up front, get me that healer." The bandit settled back on the arm he had been resting and closed his eyes. The pain getting the best of him as he shifted a shade lighter, and his heartbeat could be seen at the base of his neck. A new sheen of sweat had pounced to his skin as he spoke of Papa.