Honour among Thieves: Johann's Last Rites

Johann tightened his grip as the wounded man's whole body shuddered and heaved with a deep wracking cough. As the fit subsided he leaned forward again and spoke softly once more into his charge's ear,

"If it brings you any succour, consider yourself amongst those you might consider friends. Your death will not go unmarked."

The man stiffened with the effort of his final breath before settling back in final repose.

Johann looked up from the body he still cradled,

"Malmir and Kirsten, will you head up the party - keep your eyes peeled for these secret signs. Lets go hunt some Valentinas..."

An offer of help: Hot under the collar...

Johann caught his breath. Not from the headlong dash into danger, nor from the impact of his landing by their would be assailant. His ring-side seat had meant that Kirsten's performance had almost had its intended effect on him as well as the wounded man he held. By Haleth, that lass had some front - in more ways than one, he thought.

Shifting his weight slightly so that his grip on the wounded man changed imperceptibly from restraint to support, Johann swallowed to shift the lump that had gathered in his throat and threatened to make his voice hoarse. He leaned forward and spoke gruffly in his charge's ear,

"... and don't try anything else funny - our little friend tending to your wounds may not bite, but I can't vouch for the wildcat over there."

Clues in the Blood: No light at the end of another tunnel...

Johann was getting used to the routine. Dangerous! What happened if this time the gloomy corridor he kept watch on harboured those who meant them harm? He continued to peer into the darkness, eyes and ears alert for any sign of movement or sound.

The crash and burst of light from Wanda's dropped lantern did nothing to relieve the tension. The poor girl obviously felt out of her depth and the oppressive atmosphere down in this twilight world was beginning to tell on her.

"No matter, I don't think your fumble has alerted anyone" Johann softly whispered to her, " Here, stand by this doorway and be ready to give me light should we have any unwelcome guests approach. If their eyes are accustomed to the dark, another sudden blast of light may dazzle them and give us time to get our house in order. Have you any sorcery up your sleeve that can be prepared for such a meeting?"

He knew he always felt better when he knew his role and could make himself useful - he wagered it was no different for her.

As he turned back to his watch he listened carefully to Malmir's discoveries and plan. Smiling at the Elf's infectious enthusisam, Johann replied,

"Agreed. We have this exit covered, don't we Wanda. We'll just have to keep our heads down if there's a couple of crossbows on the loose. Just be ready to come on the run if we call, and we'll do likewise. Harbull, keep up the good work and keep watch on our escape route."

The darkness made his eyes swim, strange shapes formed and unformed as he tried to make out what lay ahead - Johann almost yearned for the clash of blades. If only so that they would know what they were up against...


 

Kirsten Explores: The plot thickens...

Ears and eyes straining in the gloom, Johann crouched at the ready. A stifled cough and a whispered exchange from the shadows ahead tightened his grip on his sword.

So tense was the wait that the very signal he was waiting for startled him. He started at the harsh rattle and crack as the pebble came skittering down the passageway. Glancing wryly at Werner, Johann flexed the fingers of his sword hand, allowing the blood to flow back in and restore some sensation.He beckoned his remaining comrades on and padded down the corridor to join Malmir and Kirsten.

More chaos and disarray met his eyes as he entered, and was that... Yes, the presence of death too. He was surprised at how little the sight of the bodies affected him after the gamut of emotions he had just about masked from the others since they had set out on this mysterious venture. He was no stranger to death - he had seen enough of it floating belly up during his time on the river. No, it was the fear of the unknown that had threatened to unman him earlier. Now they were dealing in absolutes.

Seeing that Kirsten and the Elf were occupied in searching the room, Johann gestured silently to Malmir that he would stand guard by the closed door. They had taken the bloody mess in their stride, although the girl seemed reluctant to meet his eye for some reason; Johann resolved to do the same, positioning himself by the door, sword raised and ready, in such a manner that would enable him to surprise any that entered.

A Thorough Search: Johann's respect deepens...

As Johann peered down the corridor, he mulled over the whispered exchange between Werner and Harbull. He was a little surprised the big man didn't share his natural mistrust of the monied and powerful, although he couldn't for the life of him work out what Oldenhaller stood to gain from deceiving them.

He kept one ear cocked to hear the response to Werner's next suggestion, a response that brought another wry smile to his lips. The girl had guts and he had to admire her presence of mind. The old ranger certainly didn't mind putting his life in her hands in this dank underworld - he only hoped he could repay the favour in environs he was more familiar with.

As the slight figure padded past him, Johann nodded and whispered,

"Kirsten, we've got your back"

Unexpected Dicsoveries: Johann takes up position

With only a nod of assent, Johann moved quietly across the room to take up position at the opening in the wall opposite them.

As he passed the Elf, he nodded his head up at what looked like a lever by the doorway they had just come through,

"Best leave that alone with your current run of luck - might be some kind of mechanism to raise the alarm. This must have been some kind of sentry room before it was turned over. Maybe Kirsten has see its like elsewhere in her chequered past? Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for some rope eh...."

Turning to Werner, Johann added,

"I'm not convinced that anyone will be following us - as Harbull says someone has been here before us, possibly with the same goal. I'd expect the inhabitants of this slum to be busy with the intruders, or dead. What say you join me - Harbull can always keep a watch on the way we've come. It wouldn't take one of us long to respond if he raises the alarm?"

Into the Asylum: Johann makes way

"Very well little Lady, on you go. I'm sure we'll be all safer with your expertise out front. Keep an eye on that Elf though - be a shame to lose him again."

Johann glanced after the receding figure of Malmir as the dark swallowed him up.

"Don't know what we're to do about a light though - aren't you Halflings supposed to be able to see in the dark too - you eat enough carrots, among other things. Or can our apprentice sorceress conjure up any illumination."

Looking up at the hulking figure of Werner, Johann added,

"If you want to go next, be my guest. Keep Kirsten safe, she's our best bet at navigating our way out of this warren.  I'd best bring up the rear - in case we're surprised from behind. Harbull can you be my eyes?"

Into the Asylum: Running Silent, Running Deep...

 

Following Malmir deeper underground, Johann was glad to be on the move again. He would have to readjust his mindset to the devious ways of this rat's nest. Now the only way was onwards there was some kind of certainty to hold on to. That and the prospect of bumping into those who would challenge their presence here.

Having ferried Malmir across the river and into this mess in the first place, Johann vowed not to let the Elf out of his sight again. They had had a shaky start admittedly, but now they were on their way. Kirsten and Harbull had already shown how useful their skills were and surely the others would have their moment in time.

When will yours be, the old ranger wondered to himself, sidestepping a particularly fetid growth on the earthen floor. Resting a hand on the pommel of his trusty blade, Johann shadowed the watchful Elf as they warily descended into the murk.

Into the Asylum: Bad for your Elf...

"Malmir, no - Wait..."

And with that Johann saw his newfound comrade vanish suddenly from view, literally swallowed up by the ground.

"Its a trap! Quick Werner, you and I best stand guard in the doorway - do you think you can jump the pit? I'll wager whoever set this snare will be round to inspect their catch. Kirsten can you see or hear any sign of Malmir - is he hurt?"

Eyeing up Harbull, Johann wondered if he was light enough to be lowered down to tend to Malmir...

Into the Asylum: Johann makes ready...

Johann wrinkled his nose - this was worse than the night soil barges he had ended up piloting during a particularly lean patch of employment. Well, he thought philosophically, where there's muck, there's brass - 100 gold crown's worth to be exact and nothing was ever earnt without getting your hands dirty somehow.

Having listened to each of his companions in turn, Johann began to speak his mind, still wondering at the Halfling's capacity to feel hunger in so squalid a place.

Malmir seemed ready for action and once again was talking a lot of sense - this was Johann's kind of man... Elf.

"I think you're right to be prepared for the worst Malmir. Your plan is a good one and I think you would make a good pair of eyes for us in this gloom. I'd certainly feel safer in the knowledge that your bow follows closely after your gaze. Let us see what awaits us before charging in though"

Turning to Werner and Wanda, Johann added,

"However, I'd prefer to follow the conventions of this scumhole, such as they are, and knock - who knows what kind of reception we would receive breaking into the thieves' den, and this door is sure to be watched."

With a rueful smile he looked over to Kirsten,

"Quiet as you were in the presence of wealth, I think, young lady, we are in your hands here. As you say we have tonight's password. It must be genuine - Oldenhaller will want our safe return with the jewel, even if he does perhaps plan to do away with us. I agree with Kirsten - we knock, she talks."

Casting a critical eye over the outlandish looking party, Johann imparted a final thought,

"As Malmir has wisely pointed out, we should be ready for trouble - that trouble will probably find us soon enough. We're going to stand out like a sore thumb in there. Watch your backs..."

A New Life Beckons: Johann embraces his new career

As the group had sat in one of the anterooms of the grand residence of Herr Oldenhaller, nervously waiting to be seen, Johann continued to mull over the situation he had gotten himself into.

Up to this day he had been treading water, continually beating against the current of the minor tributary his life had been forced into. The sweat off his back had paid for similar palaces to the one in which he now sat, whilst he had struggled to keep his head above water.

Now he felt as though he were rushing headlong towards a great confluence, which threatened to swallow him and his backwater existance entirely. That is, only if he approached it with a loose hand on the tiller. Johann made up his mind to embrace his new life fully, and it was with a determined air that he was led out with the rest of his companions to see Albrect Oldenhaller himself.

The great man seemed ridiculously small as it turned out, dwarfed as he was by the enormous desk he sat behind. Johann shelved the old resentments that threatened to boil up and set his face into a mask of neutral humility. He would still be furthering the wealth of this nobleman but hopefully a few more crumbs would be thrown his way than might have previously.

Talking of rewards, Johann was most surprised to hear Malmir of all people question Oldenhaller on the amount they might expect - weren't his kind supposed to be concerned with things of a loftier nature? This Elf was surely full of surprises and had once again taken the lead whilst their other companions had stood by somewhat dumbfounded.

Take Harbull for instance - His stomach was making more noise than his mouth for once. A shame really as he had certainly proven that he had the gift of the gab back in the town square! Kirsten too seemed a little intimidated by her surroundings - betrayed only by angle at which her head hung and the slight red tint that had flushed the tips of her ears...

Johann knew that to blurt out more questions before the first had been answered would be deemed insolent. Besides it would be better if Wanda took the lead, seeing as she had some connection with Oldenhaller already. Still, just in case the bookish young lady had failed to consider some of the practicalities of the job that lay ahead, Johann had a list of enquiries of his own. If he was to become an adventurer, he had better start thinking like one...

If, after Oldenhaller has answered Malmir's questions and Wanda has not yet piped up, Johann enquires as to the nature of the Schatzenheimer gang,

"Sir, if it isn't too impertinent to assume you have firsthand knowledge of these ruffians, can you advise us on how we might  recognise the culprits? Also, how numerous are the Schatzenheimers and are we to assume them to be heavily armed - is there any background information on the gang that might aid us? Lastly sir, if I may be permitted one more question, what exactly does the stone look like?

A Fateful Meeting: Which witch is a witch

Johann's smile widened and almost threatened to turn into a guffaw as Malmir's well timed swearing lightened the mood.

Your name is... Bollocks

He'd have to remember that one - it was a moniker that might stick...

The joke was certainly well-timed (he'd have to readjust his opinion of Malmir's people skills) and inspired some kind of rudimentary bonhomie amongst most of the nacent group of adventurers. Casting his experienced eye across his new found companions, Johann couldn't help but smile wryly to himself.

So, he thought to himself, you've sold your boat and left a good and honest, if dull living, fallen in with an Elf, almost fallen out with a Halfling, and volunteered for some vague, but definitely dangerous "reposession" work

As he adjusted his mindset to his new circumstances, Johann looked on, surprisingly somewhat unsurprised, to see some high falutin' young woman march into their midst and accost his new found Elven comrade. She had connections, that much was clear - Johann just hoped this wasn't all she had. In his opinion, there were two kinds of people in this world. Those who knew people and those who could handle themselves...

As he followed their new found mistress, who led a rather bemused Elf in tow, Johann struggled to keep his usaully well repressed emotions in check. Out of the corner of his eye, he has spotted the young street urchin, who had been sheltering under the ample wing of Werner, stamp her feet in impotent rage. She was certainly a feisty one, although she knew when to talk and when to do, and for this he felt some kinship towards her.

This was cetainly a rag-tag crew with no clear and proved skipper yet - who knew where they would end up up. It was certain to be touch and go and hopefully they wouldn't end up high and dry...

A Fateful Meeting: Johann eats humble pie

Johann's broad grin became a little more abashed as Harbull listed his qualities.

"I think I have begun to get the measure of you, short as it is, master Halfling. It had crossed my mind that you, and for that matter your lady friend also, might prove useful in matters of a more light-fingered nature. I for one would be happy to count you as a travelling companion - that is if you can tolerate us human's incessant farting and questionable appetites..."

As Johann stooped to hold out a hand of friendship to Harbull, he added,

"As for the hitting of heads, what does your big friend here think?"

A Fateful Meeting: Johann reassesses...

Taken momentarily aback by the unexpected attack, from such an unexpected quarter, Johann took a step back, his hand reaching instinctively for his sword.

 Then a smile smoothed away his knotted brow and his hard stare lightened.

"Well young sir, you certainly have spirit, there's no denying that! Pray tell me what makes you so valuable on an assignment such as this, if indeed, you are no cook?"

A Fateful Meeting: Johann throws in his lot

Johann surveyed the busy scene before him thoughtfully. His interest had been piqued by the great ox of a farmhand, who had responded so enthusiastically to the town crier's message. It seemed that the young man shared Johann's desire to leave the drudgery of his old life, in search of adventure and the riches it could bring; besides he looked like he knew how to use the axes that hung from his belt, which would make him a good ally to have on the road.

His two companions seemd a mixed bunch - the diminutive Halfling might have his uses as a cook. Johann doubted whether he'd be much use in a tight scrape, although weren't his kind proficient as thieves...

The young, feral-looking woman, who stood between this mismatched pair interrupted his musings and Johann's ears pricked up at the mention of boats and good pay. If Oldenhaller owned the river in this town, he might prove a good patron to have, mused the ex-boatman. It sounded like these potential travelling companions had had trouble getting passage on the river and this might prove a bargaining chip...

As Johann considered his next move, he was startled to hear his new companion's mandolin burst into life. His eyes narrowed and flickered between Malmir and the crowd he had begun to address, a crowd which looked none too receptive of the Elf's finely crafted words. The naive fool was likely to get himself into trouble with his pretty speeches, judging by the hard stares being directed at him from some of the other groups of more professional looking adventurers.

Things went from bad to worse as the Halfling, going by the name of Hairball or something, bounded up to Malmir like a lost puppy and started babbling all kinds of nonsense. Johann heard a derisive snigger or two from some of the bystanders and decided to act before they became a laughing stock...

Stepping forward to stand shoulder to shoulder with Malmir, Johann towered over the Halfling,

"Well little fellow, we may have need of a cook, however, I think our Elven friend is looking for strong arms and stronger nerves."

Johann turned his gaze up from the halfling to the big labourer,

"Your lady friend looks like she's seen something of the seedier side of life and survived it. I know the river and the folk on it. I can handle a boat and this sword. What say you - can we count on your strength in this endeavour?"