NOVEL NEXT Book 3 Ch 34: Julian - What Are You Paying?
“So let me get this straight.” Julian slipped on his vest and slowly did up each button. “You have been working with the [Blackfog] spies for over thirty-years.”
“Yes.” Greyson sat on a chair, hands in his lap and eyes unwavering.
John had brought his wedding clothes when it looked like he would be running late. A fresh undertunic and formal attire made the elf, even if the layers took forever to put on, and he would just need to slip into the restroom to fix his hair and don new pants, socks and boots. This was the final interview he had after an entire morning of gaining very little information from the regular caravan hires. He'd saved the best for last.
They were the three of them in a room in the dungeons. It was an hour before the ceremony, and he was supposed to be checking in at Julia’s dressing room any second now. After last night, any fears his sister had of going through with the wedding were gone, and the two had a long conversation into the night.
He’d pretended not to notice his sister returning to her rooms an hour before sunrise.
“And that loyalty made you break the law?” Julian finished doing up his buttons.
“No.” Greyson replied.
“No?” The response was unexpected. Julian was expecting an excuse at least.
“The guild leader is not someone I can just say no to and walk away.” Greyson leaned back in his chair. “I’d rather take the mines or pay a fee than go against that woman.”
“What can you tell me about your guild master?” Julian finished up his buttons and John helped him put on his coat.
“That depends.” Greyson kept a neutral face, eyeing Julian.
“On what?”
Greyson held out a hand, “what are you paying?”
“My Lord, I could just–” John started. His face was impassive as he casually began a threat, but Julian shook his head.
“They are information dealers.” Julian adjusted his dark purple coat. It hung down to his thigh and was embroidered with decorative diamonds around the hem and cuffs and neckline. He was wearing a white under tunic, and white pants with silver embroidery that matched the coat. He turned a dark smile to the spy. “How much?”
Greyson held up two fingers and his thumb.
"300 Gold?" Julian summoned a pouch and 300 Gold from his storage ring.
"300 Platimum." Greyson countered, "And that's a discount because I'm currently...upset with our leader at the moment."
Julian didn't flinch as he changed out the coins in the purse with a quarter of the budget for the Northern Fortress, tossing it at the merchant. “You know that I'm going to levy enough fines on your company for what you did to my sister that this money is useless yes?"
Greyson caught the bag and hefted it once before setting it on the floor beside his chair. He had no access to his rings while bound with the enchanted manacles. When the spy straightened, he was smiling. “Guild Mistress Alice Smith, five ft tall, 140lbs, blue-eyed, blond-haired, celestial. She started checking in on us only a few weeks ago… but from what I’ve heard, she’s been active for months now. My buddy in Peldeep let me know that she was the real deal after she caused quite a stir at the Apple Blossom Festival.”
Julian raised an eyebrow.
Greyson held up one finger and Julian sighed. He tossed the man his money and Greyson put the second pouch down beside his current one. This time, he didn’t answer right away, obviously using a skill or perk instead. Eventually he said, “She contacted seven spies in the Emerald Palace and used them to try and perma-kill Their Royal Highness of Peldeep. The spies were all caught, but not before a section of the palace almost burned down during the final battle with the Guild Mistress. She escaped using her portal abilities and then arrived in Nilheim.”
Julian sighed, “I’m assuming there are spies everywhere… but I can’t imagine that all agree to break the law for her. What made you fear her so?”
“Have you ever teleported against your will?” There was a strange tension that held the man’s body, and he was definitely relieving whatever horror the celestial had put him through. “You try fighting the one woman who knows everyone’s secret and what they are most afraid of. We are an information guild. Be it threat, loyalty, fear… or her outrageous Charisma score.”
“I did notice that.” Julian cut in, frowning.
“I won’t tell you what I’m afraid of for any gold.” The informant told him. “But I will say that she knows how manipulate people to do things they would otherwise refuse - even risk their lives… I’m sure I won’t be seeing my Peldeep friend anytime soon.”
“John.” The order came as Julian looked himself over once and pulled his perfectly set coat in one last adjustment. “Lock up our helpful informant separate from the others.”
“At least tell me where you are sending my people." Greyson urged.
“I’m not sending anyone anywhere.” Julian, smiling fiercely. He was officially late, but it was worth it. “I have more questions and I’m sure the Continental Council will as well... Besides, if you leave now you’ll be safe from whatever Mistress Alice unleashes on my family’s home. You should stick around to see how it ends.”
That was enough to make the man hesitate. His jaw firmed. “Just my crew. I will tell you something that will help you defeat our mistress for their safety. They know nothing of importance anyway.”
"Done." Julian didn't think twice. “I swear to Justice that I will send your men for menial labor in a reputable reform mine for no more than one years time.”
The informant took Julian at his word, resolve hardening his features. A debuff shone against his forehead as Greyson let them know exactly how Alice was able to accomplish all of her deeds with one specific skill.