A Tradesman’s Tools 2


    cknail you need toe out from under there, Saeter said with obvious frustration, before continuing to grind his teeth.


    No, I dont want to, cknail whined.


    Seriously, dont make me get down there and drag you out, cknails master added.


    The goblin sniffled miserably and groaned in pain and humiliation. Herads lessons had gone on for hours! Shed beat him ck and blue, and then purple and green. It had been so much worse than even his first lesson with Saeter.


    I cant believe Im doing this, Saeter mumbled to himself.


    The old scout crossed his arms and scowled in annoyance, as he nced around the room. There was no one around to see his expression though, so a few secondster he sighed in defeat and turned back to where the hobgoblin was hiding.


    What are you doing? You cant be all that scared of Herad, Saeter asked.


    cknail stifled another whimper. Getting beaten up by the chief had crushed his ego into pulp. Why did she hate him so much? Hed thought he was the chiefs favorite! Hed killed her enemies for her and everything.


    There was no way he was ever going to show his face in public ever again. Hed just never leave this hiding spot, and slowly fade away.


    The chief hates me, and made me look bad in front of you, cknail whined in response.


    Saeter sighed again, and then looked thoughtful.


    She doesnt hate you, cknail. Thats just how Herad is. No matter how much she acts like it sometimes, she isnt a hobgoblin. She wasnt punishing you, in fact in her own weird way she was actually helping you out, he exined, while managing to keep a straight face.


    Really?  cknail asked hopefully.


    Yep, do you know how many men, er people, shes ever agreed to train personally? Saeter asked.


    No, cknail replied.


    None, which means you really are her favorite. Nowe out from under there, and Ill buy you all the meat pies you can eat, Saeter offered reluctantly.


    cknails ears perked up. Now that his master had mentioned food, the hobgoblin realized that he was hungry. He hadnt had breakfast yet, and meat pies sounded like just the thing. cknail reluctantly got up and crawled out from under his bed.


    It had been getting kind of stuffy under there anyway.


    Fine, lets go eat. I want some cheese, he told his master.


    I offered meat pies, so if you want cheese youll have to get it yourself, Saeter replied.


    Fine-ss, I know a ce I can take some from, anyway, cknail muttered.


    You know you have money, right? You could just buy some bloody cheese; you dont have to steal it, his master pointed out.


    The hobgoblin gave Saeter an uprehending look. What was this now?


    Buying means taking, doesnt it? he asked in confusion.


    No, it doesnt; buying means trading. Humans trade money for other things they want. Its why we get paid, and want coins, Saeter exined.


    That was stupid! Why would cknail give his shiny coins away, when everything he wanted was just lying around?


    Why not just pick up the things you want-ss? he asked his master.


    Saeter gave the hobgoblin a questioning look. cknail returned it.


    Because you cant steal everything you want, and its often a lot more work than just buying stuff, Saeter answered gruffly.


    Who said anything about stealing? cknail wasnt a thief. His master sure got confused sometimes. Good thing he had cknail around to help him out!


    But I like my coins. I want-ss to keep them, the hobgoblin exined.


    Ha, you dont even use them for anything! In fact, you lose half of them, Saeter replied.


    cknail hissed in annoyance. That wasnt true at all; he didnt lose them. He just put them somewhere safe and hidden, and then forgot about them Okay, he kind of lost them.


    When we get to the market Ill show you how to buy stuff. In fact, we wont being back until you purchase some stuff for yourself. Think of it as a skill Im teaching you, Saeter told him.


    Together, the two of them headed out of Heradspound and towards the market. As usual the city was bustling with life, and the streets were full of people. Merchants were calling out to customers from their colorful stalls, and their wares were piled up in front of them.


    Saeter went over to one, and after a brief exchange with its owner he walked away with several delicious smelling meat pies. He handed them to cknail, and then grimaced in disgust as the hobgoblin inhaled them down within seconds.


    Thanks, master, cknail told him, right before burping.


    Slow down, you dont need to eat so quickly, or while Im looking. Anyway, now its time for you to buy some stuff, so were going to wander around until you find something you like, he told the hobgoblin.


    cknail sighed, and tried to think up some excuse to keep his coins. He couldnt think of anything though, so he reluctantly nodded his assent. He still thought it would be much smarter to just take something no one else was using


    Wheres the cheese? he asked Saeter.


    Several minutester, after some bargaining with a confused, and more than slightly frightened, shop keeper the two of them headed back to base. As he walked cknail was twitching with anticipation and hugging a huge wheel of stinking cheese to his chest, while trying to resist the powerful urge to immediately bite into it. He wanted to taste it so bad!


    Youre so tasty and delicious. I will hide you away in my room, and eat you for days, cknail told the cheese.


    This caused Saeter to give him a concerned look.


    Youre not taking that back to your room. It would stink up the entire floor, Saeter told him.


    cknail wasnt sure why that was something people wouldin about. The cheese smelled great to him, almost like meat that had spoiled only the tinniest bit. The hobgoblin licked his lips in anticipation.


    cknail tore his gaze away from the tasty treat he was holding in order to see where he was going. As he was looking around his eyes wandered across a nearby stall, and the false faces it was selling.


    The merchant that was running the small shop didnt seem to be doing a lot of business, but the asional person stopped to take a look at his wares. His booth was covered in wooden carvings, including several of the masks that had caught the hobgoblins attention. Most intriguingly, like cknail the shopkeeper wore a long hooded cloak that concealed his features.


    cknail knew the merchant wasnt a hobgoblin though, because he wasrge even for a human. He also would have noticed the smell of another hobgoblin immediately if there was one so close by, and the idea of a one selling wooden carvings was just silly.


    However, the hobgoblin really liked the look of some of the work, so he wandered over. Most the little statues were of animals, but a few were of people going about their everyday business. cknail didnt see one of someone being mugged though, which was a prettymon part of life in Daggerpoint.


    The cloaked man looked up as cknail approached, yet remained silent as the hobgoblin examined his wares. cknail was most interested in the masks; he liked how fierce they looked. One was of a snarling wolf, and another beaked mask bore the image of a tyrant turtle. The turtle one was so life-like that cknail hesitated to pick it up; he was afraid it would bite him.


    Saeter walked up beside him and examined one of the small figures. It was perfectly crafted statue of a harpy in flight. He stared at it for a few seconds before saying anything.


    This doesnt look like normal wood to me, he whispered as he turned to look at the seller.


    You are a craftsman yourself, then? the other man asked.


    The merchants voice was smooth and clear, so much so that its uniqueness drew cknails attention. He couldnt make out any of the mans features though. His clothing concealed everything. cknail tried sniffing the air for his scent, but could only smell the wooden figurines. They reminded him of something


    I dabble in wood carving sometimes, yes. Nothing like this, though, Saeter told the man respectfully.


    cknails master was gazing at the man inquisitively, and seemed off guard. His posture was tight and his eyes were slightly wide, as if something had startled him.


    Indeed, you obviously know something of my work. I hadnt expected to find anyone here with such knowledge, the cloaked man replied slowly.


    cknail shuffled over a bit and bent down to examine another figurine. Then, when he thought no one was looking he tried to look up into the mans hood. He ended up disappointed though, because all he managed to glimpse were the edges of a wooden mask, like the ones on sale.


    The merchant turned to cknail, and the hobgoblin quickly looked away. If the other man was going to conceal his face, cknail sure wasnt going to let him see his! Wearing clothing like that was kind of rude.


    And you travel in very interestingpany, forest walker, therge robed shopkeeper said.


    Saeter stiffened, but then nodded reluctantly.


    I want a mask too. I like the turtle, cknail interjected as he waved a hand in front of the merchants face.


    This man sure was slow. The other shopkeeper had practically shoved his goods into cknails hands.


    Saeter winced at the hobgoblins behavior, and reached over to grab his shoulder. He was interrupted though, when the shop keeper stood up.


    Then you shall have one, but not of a turtle. I have something more fitting for you, he replied as he reached under his stall.


    A secondter the shopkeeper pulled out several items. First, he handed cknail a new mask that was different from the ones on disy, and then he set two long poles on the stand in front of him.


    cknail stared at the mask for a second. He wasnt sure what it was supposed to be. It most resembled a smiling human, but the proportions were all wrong. He liked it though. It was intimidating in its own way, and the mask looked like it was having fun.


    Whats it supposed to be? he asked.


    The spirit of hunger, the man exined.


    The shopkeeper than turned to Saeter and handed him the two poles. Saeters eyes widened in surprise when he got a good look at them.


    These are bow staves. I didnt think you made those, he replied in shock.


    Ignorance is the root of knowledge. Everything grows, or it dies. Remember that, the cloaked merchant replied.


    Saeter nodded and then reached into his money pouch to withdraw a gold coin, which he handed to the man. The man took it and nodded in thanks before sitting back down, and turning away from both his customers to watch his surroundings. It was clearly a dismissal, and cknail found it more than a little rude. No wonder the man had so few customers; he was kind of a jerk.


    cknail wasnt sure if he wanted this mask; he liked it, but the turtle was also pretty frightening. He reached over to pick the turtle mask up again, but Saeter grabbed his arm and pulled him away.


    Hey, Im not done buying stuff! cknail eximed.


    Youre done now; we need to get back, Saeter told him as he dragged the hobgoblin down the street.


    cknail frowned in annoyance, but followed his master.


    It didnt take them long to get back to Herads base. cknail got more than few stares from the other bandits as he carried his massive wheel of cheese inside.


    Just put the cheese in that cupboard, Saeter told the hobgoblin as they entered the main building.


    What if someone steals it? I need to hide-ss it somewhere close, were no one will look. I need to watch-ss over it always, its mine! cknail argued in concern, as he hugged it close.


    No one is going to steal it; its a huge lump of foul smelling cheese, Saeter replied in exasperation.


    Exactly! cknail eximed, as he gave one of the bandits walking past them a suspicious re.


    There was no way he was going to leave his precious treat where other people could steal it. Humans were all thieves


    Just then Khita appeared from around the corner and saw them.


    Herads looking for you two, and I wouldnt keep her waiting, she told them.


    Oh, why? Saeter asked curiously, while cknail tried to hide behind the huge snack he was carrying.


    The hobgoblin wanted to meet with Herad right now about as much as he wanted to try and swallow his sword. He shivered shamefully at the very thought of talking to her again. He still hadntpletely gotten over the humiliation of theirst meeting.


    I think she wants to train with cknail again. I cant believe hes being taught by Herad personally. Im just so jealous of him! I bet shes a much better teacher than Vorscha; all she does is tell me to do drills, Khitained bitterly.


    cknail red maliciously at Khita. She was such a foolish human; cknail would dly let her take his ce. There was no way he could face Herad right now. The very thought made him queasy and gaseous.


    Well... Saeter responded.


    He probably would have said more, but he was interrupted. There was a wet thud as arge wheel of cheese hit the floor. Saeter whirled around just in time to catch cknail before the hobgoblin could make a run for it.


    Youll be fine, except for all the bruises, he told cknail reassuringly.


    The hobgoblin didnt believe him. He whined as he tried to pull away, but Saeter kept a solid grip on him. Briefly, cknail considered cutting his own arm off, so he could escape.


    The boss is up in her room, Khita told them, as she stared in confusion at cknails response.


    Right, Saeter grunted.


    He then dragged the whimpering hobgoblin up the stairs and to Herads chamber.


    Now, dont be a bloody coward! Saeter hissed as he shoved cknail through her door.


    Herad looked up from her desk as the two of them entered. cknail smiled nervously as he fought down his panic, and Saeter gave her a respectful nod.


    Ah, I was just looking for you two, she told them, said as she looked back down and scribbled something across a piece of paper in front of her.


    Well, here we are. What do you need? Saeter responded.


    Galive has be a thorn in my side. Hes taken over a lot of Fangs gang, and is obviously under Zelenas thumb. All those men make him the biggest threat to me right now, and I would prefer not to have to fight him directly, Herad exined.


    What would you like us to do about it? Saeter asked.


    I need him dead, Herad said, before dropping her pen and looking up at them.


    Sure, cknail answered happily.


    He grinned happily at Herad, and his earlier queasiness disappeared. This was much better than another round of training. Hed rather fight the entire city than go through that again.


    Hes not ready, Saeter responded sternly.


    Oh rx, Saeter. Youre like an old mother hen fussing over its chicks. The hobgoblin can take care of himself. Its not like Im throwing him away without preparation. I wouldnt risk such a useful asset, if I didnt think he could seed, Herad said with a dangerous grin.


    Youre asking him to try and fight a Vessel with a small army of killers at his disposal, Saeter told her.


    No, Im not asking. Now lets go over the details, she responded coldly.


    cknail sighed, and took a step away from Saeter. His master really needed to stop trying to argue with the chieftain. That never worked.


    Now, I cant have my favorite assassin going out unprepared, or anyone learning his true identity. So, I had some gear prepared for you, Herad exined as she gave the hobgoblin aradely smile.


    cknail straightened up proudly at Herads words. So he was her favorite after all! He felt all giddy inside. Hed show her that he deserved such an honor.


    Herad picked up a small sack from her desk and handed it to Saeter. The old scout reached inside and withdrew a ss vial of Elixir, which he then passed to the goblin. Next, he pulled out arge roll of bandages.


    To hide his skin, its rather distinctive, Herad exined as Saeter gave it a dubious look.


    If youre worried about people figuring out hes a hobgoblin then I guess he could use the mask he just got as well, Saeter remarked.


    cknail thought that was a great idea. He reached into his cloak, and then held the wooden mask up in front of his face. Herad stared at its stretched features and the intricate patterns of lines that decorated it.


    Thats an interesting mask. Where did you get it? she asked curiously.


    I bought-ss it, with money, cknail replied cheerfully.


    Saeter hesitated before responding. He looked like he couldnt decide what to say.


    From a stall at the market, he exined after a second.


    Herad eyed him doubtfully, but chose not to pry. She turned away from the old scout and looked at cknail instead.


    Now he looks like a real assassin, and one worthy of being in my service, Herad observed with a vicious grin.


    Hes still not ready, Saeter muttered.


    Well, one of you is going to do it. So decide amongst yourselves, because I dont really care. Now get out of here, and I dont want to see either of you until the job is done, Herad told them with an annoyed scowl.


    Saeter marched out of the room. cknail followed him out.


    I want to do it, you can stay-ss here, cknail told his master as they walked through the hallway.


    Were both going to do it. Im not letting you mess this up! Saeter responded as he ground his teeth in frustration.


    That sounded like even more fun than going alone! With both of them working together, and his new but foul tasting Elixir, this job was going to be too easy! cknail grinned in anticipation, and his smile matched that of the mask exactly.