The Order

Ch.1 The Jesters Cap

  People like to talk. They talk about where the best fishing spots are, they talk about where to get the best food, but most of all people like to talk about each other. That's were I come in. gossip... is the real money maker in Clador. And the best place to learn the newest, dirtiest, news on people is in the back of the most popular tavern the Jester Cap. It's next to the docks so if you wait you'll end up listening to people's story's from all over.
  For instance the other day I was talking to a sailor who had come all the way from Kintreds south of Clador and turns out the sailor smuggled in a official sword of the king's army. Now that doesn't sound like much but the king's army have special swords allowed only to a few select people. The sword is cast from pure steel then when finished the sword is sent to grand council were the greatest sorcerers gather to perform the incantations that allow the sword to be indestructible, free from the wear of time and elements, but the best part of all is they thread weaves of magic threw the very steel itself. Apparently if your able to access the power within the sword you can channel it and you become unstoppable.
  Of course once he told me that I did a special thing I like to call "the look". It's when I make contact with the person and look in their eyes they relax and pretty much answer anything I ask them I don't know how it all works it's just something I'm good at. I gave him the look and played it cool. "REALLY! hey man you gotta let me see I've always wanted to see one." "Well there crazy beautiful, but sorry kiddo I already sold it"
  I was stunned he sold it? Already? That can't be. It takes forever to find a buyer for something like that you need the right connections and he got to the docks maybe a week ago. I mean it's not something just anyone would buy it's punishable by death if you're caught with a royal sword and you're not royalty or of the king's guard. I didn't understand. So naturally I dug deeper. "Wow. So how much did he pay for it?" He looked confused then laughed. "Not he my boy....she, and she paid me double what it's worth! Beautiful woman with strait brown hair with freckles dotting her face. I almost felt bad about letting her pay that much."
  DOUBLE! Damn..that means that she paid at least 25 SoL! I had 25cobs which was about 1 SoL. And that's all the money I'd saved up from selling secrets and from my real job as a stable boy. I clean the horses and feed them make sure they're okay then I sit there for 45 minutes and when the owner of the stables lets me go I come straight here to soak in everything before heading home. It's a simple routine for a simple life. He looked at my stunned face and laughed again, took a swig from his beer and stood to leave. "Thanks for the beer and conversation but I really must go." I stood up to shake his hand and when we touched I looked at him and asked my next and final question. "Where can I find this woman?" He seemed to battle with the conflict going on inside his drunken head, but I stared at him not backing down. Eventually he relaxed, let out a burp, and said she was at a table in this tavern two days ago. He had come in, got drunk and went to talk to her she asked if he had any "special" cargo and bought the sword from him. When he asked why she wanted it she replied "I think it will look nice on my husbands wall" I let go of his hand and bid him fair well.
  That's why I'm here now I want to talk to this woman maybe find out why she really paid 25 SoL for a "simple" art piece. I was in the back corner nursing my beer when the door opened I looked up and immediately wished I was anywhere but here. Jackson and his crew of thugs had seen me in the corner and headed straight toward me. "Well well if it isn't Alexander the man with no life sulking around listening to people's conversations. You do remember the two SoL you owe Marcos right?" Damnit! I didn't have time for this. "Yea I remember I almost have it all together. I'll have it by the end of the week." They didn't look convinced. "You better, because you know what happens when people owe Marcos money and don't pay." He left the threat in the air allowing my imagination to come up with something. "Yes. I do. Now if you'll excuse me I have some where to be." I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door. I had just opened the door when I was run over by a woman. She had brown hair, freckles, and strapped to her back was a steel sword, as well as a very angry look on her face.