Rolling The Dice 4


    The hobgoblin threw his cloak on and went to find Elyais. Before hed left to go on hisst mission, cknail had given his minion a list of chores toplete.


    cknail had saved Elyais life, or something, back in Daggerpoint. He''d forgotten the details but the important bit was that hed taken the man in as his minion. All the other important bandits had minions so cknail needed at least one.


    Eventually, cknail found Elyais outside one of the barracks. The blonde young man was standing several feet from a group of men ying dice. There was a small crowd around the yers, watching them y. Elyias was at the very back.


    What are you-ss doing? the hobgoblin asked as he stepped up right behind the young man.


    Elyaias hadnt seen himing. He rose almost half a foot into the air as he twitched in fear. A look of unrestrained terror appeared on his face for a split second before he got control of himself.


    Ah, what the hells? he gasped in shock. You! Youre not supposed to be back yet.


    Several other bandits noticed cknail and gave him wary looks, but they soon turned back to the game. They were used to him.


    Some enemies showed up, so we came back quickly, cknail exined cheerfully.


    Damnation, whats with my luck? I cant ever catch a break, Elyias muttered to himself in a muted manner that cknail could totally hear.


    Have you been a good-ss minion and done the jobs I gave you? the hobgoblin asked him.


    cknail knew it was important to keep your minions upied. His master had certainly made sure he had been busy all the time. You also had to be firm but fair with minions.


    Err, ya. I did, cknail, the young man answered. Your firewood has been reced, and I made sure no one went near your tent.


    What about all the traps? You emptied-ss them? cknail asked coldly as he stared into the mans eyes.


    Ah, no... I was going to but when I got out there something had torn most of them apart, Elyais replied uncertainly.


    cknail scowled at the man and stared him down. He was disappointed in his minion. The young bandit wilted under his gaze.


    Then you fix them-ss! cknail suddenly hissed angrily in exnation. I know you can make the string and set up the traps!


    The hobgoblins long tongue wormed its way out from between his teeth as he spoke. Elyais paled and furtively nced around for anything that would help him or distract the hobgoblin. He didnt find it.


    Meanwhile, cknail had to fight to suppress a smirk. He wasnt actually that angry. Hed been the one that had destroyed the traps, and hed known Elyais wouldnt fix them. It was all part of the teaching process.


    Ill get right on it, I swear, the blonde young man eximed fearfully. Just let me grab my gear.


    Fine, but Im checking the snares-ss tonight and if they''re not done... the hobgoblin drawled threateningly.


    cknail then snorted disdainfully and stomped away with over exaggerated anger. He could feel Elyais watching him leave.


    A few secondster, the hobgoblin walked around the corner of a building. Once he was out of sight, cknail stopped and swiftly turned back around. He then peeked stealthily back at the group of people around Elyais and listened in. He was pretty sure Elyais was going to be bad and ck off.


    Theres got to be some way I can give that creature the slip, the young manined to the bandit next to him.


    Hispatriot was a tall man with a pot belly and long ck beard. He was dressed in rough furs. Unlike Elyais, he had been part of Herads band since before cknail had joined.


    I wouldnt try it if I were you, therge man replied with an unfriendly smile. Just do what he says and dont piss him off. Let me tell you, some extra work is nothing. Fresh meat like you usually goes through much worse.


    Thats right, a bald woman with a vicious scar across her face added. Ive seen pretty boys like you forced to do all sorts of things. Although, maybe youre the type that wouldnt mind having a big strong guy to look after you and keep you warm at night.


    No, thanks, Elyais responded as he grimaced in distaste.


    Ha, then get to work, the bearded banditughed.


    I will, right after this round is finished. I want to see who wins so I know who to y with when I join inter, Elyais replied distractedly as he watched the gamblers in front of him.


    There was a tter of wooden dice and then murmurs of appreciation from the crowd as one of the yers got a good roll.


    Youd be much better off not ying. Even if you somehow ended up winning that would be worse than losing for you, the bearded bandit told him.


    Eylias muttered vaguely in response and stepped closer to get a better look at the yers. He seemed too focused on the game to pay the other man much attention.


    From his hiding spot, cknail sighed and shook his head. Elyais was going to get himself in trouble. He obviously wasnt that smart. It was a good thing he had cknail to look out for him!


    Well, that was a problem, or entertainment, forter. cknail didnt feel like harassing Elyais anymore right now. It would be more educational, and amusing, to punish himter when he didnt fix the snares in time.


    The hobgoblin turned around and headed back to his tent. It had been over an hour since he hadst eaten a full meal so he was hungry again. Time sure went by quickly when you were having fun!


    On the way back, cknail passed by Vorschas home again. Herad and Vorscha were both long gone, but therge womans minion and mate Geralhd was now outside. The skinny human was leaning against the buildings entrance way while talking with Red Dog and another man.


    Red Dogs hands were moving energetically as he spoke to Geralhd, and their conversation was loud and boisterous enough that it drew cknails attention. Maybe something important was going on?


    Fuck, and I was nning on going to town soon. I guess I wont be getting roaring drunk and visiting the brothels after all, Red Dog cursed.


    Get yourself a lover in camp. Its cheaper and you wont spend so many cold nights alone, Geralhd told him.


    No thanks. I prefer my women to be... less dirty and not so well armed. Give me a flower scented whore over the women in this camp any day, Red Dog replied with a wince.


    I find thatment to be more than a little insulting, Geralhd replied as his face took on an affronted expression.


    Ha, who cares? Everyone knows you only shack up with Vorscha for protection. Although, I wouldnt mind feeling up those big tits of hers once or twice myself, the third bandit interjected with augh and some rude hand gestures.


    The speaker was a man of average height but he looked to weigh a fair bit. His arms and legs were thick, if somewhat soft looking instead of muscled. His round face was covered by a short, patchy, brown beard.


    Geralhd red at the bandit angrily. They were about the same height, but Geralhd was much lighter and his face was clean shaven. He was one of the few bandits in camp that bothered with shaving regrly.


    Ill have you take that back, Urick. You shouldnt talk like that about Vorscha or me, Geralhd eximed furiously.


    Are you going to make me, pretty boy? Because I dont think you can, Urick replied with disdainful sneer.


    From where he was watching, cknail sighed and rolled his eyes. Why did Geralhd keep picking fights with people bigger than him? It was stupid. He should just stab them from behind.


    Dont start a fight, Urick. Ill be very pissed if you make me intervene, Red Dog told the other man.


    Bah, I havent started anything, Urick spat. Pretty boy here is the one thats getting too big for his boots.


    If he doesnt apologize then were going to have a problem, Geralhd told Red Dog.


    The bandit lieutenant just looked amused by hisment. A smirk appeared on his lips.


    Its not my job to make people say sorry, Red Dog replied dismissively. If you want a nice flowery apology then thats your business. Im not too worried about it, or Urick.


    Hear that? This is your problem, pretty boy, Urick announced cockily. You dont realize that, besides the gal youre shacking up with, no one likes you or has any use for you.


    Soundlessly, the hobgoblin walked up behind Urick and put a hand on his shoulder. His touch caused the big man to flinch in shock and turn his head around to see who it was.


    I like Geralhd. He feeds me so that I dont get hungry, cknail interjected meaningfully as he stared into Uricks eyes and grinned toothily.


    The unwashed mans green eyes widened and wentpletely still. His mouth hung slightly open as he stared uprehendingly at cknail. While Uricks brain was trying to catch up the hobgoblin turned and shed Red Dog a grin.


    Hello! cknail announced cheerfully.


    Apologize, Urick, Red Dog said grimly as he narrowed his eyes and scowled at cknail.


    I dont want... Urick began to say.


    Shut your trap and apologize! Red Dog hissed.


    The bandit hesitated for a second and threw Red Dog a confused look, beforeplying. cknail just kept on smiling.


    I take back what I said, Urick muttered grudgingly.


    Your apology is epted, Geralhd replied gratefully as he grinned cheerfully.


    The two other bandits scanned his face for any signs of smugness but didnt find any. He seemed genuinely happy to have the conflict resolved.


    cknail smiled and patted Urick on the shoulder in a friendly matter. They were all friends here, for now! The bandit looked confused; he still hadnt managed topletely close his mouth.


    Come on, lets go, Red Dog told Urick as he pulled the other man away.


    See you around, Geralhd told them.


    See, we can all get along if we try! cknail announced joyfully.


    I dont know how that idiot has survived this long. He must be the luckiest fool in all the North, Red Dog muttered to himself as he walked away.


    cknail thought that was kind of mean. Red Dog needed to rx more.


    Why did you make me apologize? Urick asked the other man peevishly.


    The big man looked annoyed and his hands were balled up into tight fists. Red Dog gave him cold re.


    Geralhds harmless, but you shouldnt give the hobgoblin a reason to dislike you. That monster will kill you for giggles and you wont see himing. It would also get away with it just fine. Its smart enough not to leave proof and to make itself useful to Herad, Red Dog exined quietly.


    The hobgoblin wasnt able to hear anymore because a beaming Geralhd took a step down from the doorway and spoke up.


    Thanks for the support, cknail. It was nice of you to stick up for me and show Urick that I have lots of friends, the unusual bandit told him.


    No problem, the hobgoblin replied as he waited expectantly.


    Here, have a treat, Geralhd announced as he reached into a pocket.


    The man withdrew a piece of candied meat and tossed it to cknail.


    Thanks, The hobgoblin replied as he smiled smugly and caught it.


    He had been pretty sure Geralhd would have a treat on him and that showing up would earn him it. He had the man well trained, so there was no way he was going to let some big stupid human injure him.


    Urick is such an asshole. I dont know how Red Dog can stomach being around him. Someone should stick a knife in his back, Geralhd muttered darkly to himself.


    Sure, cknail replied distractedly as he chewed.


    Urick was now on the list, which meant the hobgoblin would get to him eventually. cknail didnt mind killing him for Geralhd, but why was he so bloodthirsty? Whatever, humans were weird.


    Since youre here, do you mind running an errand for me? Gehd asked. I have some letters I need delivered. Mahedium is constantly sending out packets, so could you give mine to him?


    No problem, cknail answered happily as he finished chewing and wiped his hands on his shirt.


    A chore like this was sure to earn him another treat and it would only take a second. The hobgoblin grinned as he was handed several pieces of folded paper.


    What are these for? cknail asked curiously.


    He had never really understood the point of writing. Remembering things and sending people with messages worked fine for him. Most humans must have terrible memories if they felt the need to write so much down.


    I keep in contact with some my family. I may be in exile but I hope to one day return when my bounty expires. Who knew killing a twat in a fair duel could get someone in so much trouble? Geralhd exined with a frown. Also, I left some of my clothes and other stuff with my friends. I have to keep reminding them Im still alive so they dont sell it.


    That sounded veryplicated to cknail. Why hadnt Geralhd just buried his stuff somewhere no one would find it?


    Alright, Ill give these to Mahedium, the hobgoblin told the young bandit.


    If he let Geralhd start talking too much the man would never stop.


    See you soon, Gehd replied as he waved cknail goodbye and stepped back into his home.


    Felling happy to be helpful and fed, cknail wandered his way through the camp toward Mahediumsb. The log cabin stood apart from all the others and most of the bandits avoided it.


    Many of the humans were superstitious and wary of the mage. There were a lot of rumors about the dark sorcery that went on in his cabin, but mostly they avoided the area because of all the explosions. The roof of Mahediumsb had caught fire three times.


    After making sure Mahedium wasnt doing any dangerous experiments, cknail made his way up to the cabins door and stepped inside. If he knocked it might disturb the mage, so he just stepped inside.


    The first room of the house was the living quarters. It was a rectangr room with a scattering of furniture. A bed, a table, and a bookshelf dominated the room. Loose papers and open booksy on all the surfaces.


    cknail ignored it all and walked over to the door on the opposite wall from where hede in. That was where Mahedium would be, in hisb. As he moved a familiar yet unexpected scent reached his nose.


    The smell really didnt belong. cknails lips curled up into a grimace and his fingers curled up slightly as he contemted the smell.


    Quickly, the hobgoblin pushed through the door and entered theb. It looked like it usually did; only a few items had been rearranged inside.


    Tables and shelves full of equipment filled the room. ss beakers, metal tubing, and crystals were everywhere. There were no windows, light was provided by glowing mana crystals hanging from ceiling or set in tabletopmps. Mahedium had made them himself.


    The mage himself was leaning over a table and staring at a ss jar full of bubbling liquid. Beneath the beaker a small fire was burning steadily.


    The hobgoblin ignored all that and continued looking around for the source of the smell. A quick look from the door didnt work, so he took several steps in to the room.


    cknail, what are you doing here? Mahedium asked as he stood up and removed the spectacles he had been wearing.


    The mage blinked several times and looked confused to see the hobgoblin. He was an average looking man with short brown hair. Mahedium didnt even seem particrly old or young, just average.


    He was dressed in heavy trousers, a tan shirt that with long sleeves, and a thick leather apron. The apron was covered in burn marks and several unidentifiable stains of various colors.


    cknail stepped over and handed Geralhds letters to the mage. He briefly looked them over before taking them.


    From Geralhd, cknail exined distractedly.


    The hobgoblin peered past the mage and continued to scan the surroundings for his target.


    Ah, of course. I had mentioned to him that I was going to send a bunch of letters out to Daggerpoint and other ces, and he said he might slip a few letters in with my own, Mahedium thought aloud.


    cknail ignored him and kept peering around the room. The mage noticed his odd behaviour and frowned.


    Are you looking for something? the mage asked.


    Yes, I smell it, cknail replied grimly as he sniffed the air again.


    A look ofprehension suddenly appeared on Mahediums face. He turned away from cknail and nced toward one corner of the room. The hobgoblin followed his gaze and noticed a small cage sitting on a table.


    Ah, I had Varhs capture one for me, Mahedium told the hobgoblin. I wanted to run some experiments on Scamp but he wouldnt let me. So, I had him trap some wild ones and test them for the mage gift.


    cknail peered into the darkness that concealed the contents of the cage. There was as shuffling sound from within as something moved. The hobgoblins eyes adjusted to the darkness and the form of small creature became visible. It was a goblin! This was uneptable!


    Why did people keep bringing goblins into camp without asking him? It was incredibly rude! How would they like it if he brought in a bunch of random humans and let them spread their scent, wander around, and pee everywhere?