Chapter 33: Scammers
Squawks and Lily glanced at each other. They still weren't sure what to think about Nick, but assuming the prophecy was accurate, this was their chance.
"I'm Squawks, the Captain of a small group of mercenaries. This is Lily, my deputy and scout," Squawks introduced them with a polite smile.
"Nice to meet you, Squawks. Lily." Nick nodded at them in greeting.
"..."
"I'll cut to the chase, then. Why did you want to meet me? Ah, I already heard from Sosora that a seer told you about an Outsider in Tiabe. I want to know why that was enough for you to venture into this place. You're aware of the dangers, right?"
"We're aware." Squawks nodded before shooting Lily a glance. She was being too stiff to seduce this guy. Why had he even brought her along?
"We've always been curious, I guess. So when we heard about an Outsider in the center of Tiabe, we couldn't help ourselves," Squawks explained apologetically while scratching the back of his head with one hand while the other rested on his lap.
Nick narrowed his eyes. He did not believe that for a second. If they were so curious that they would brave this central region of the forest, something that it seemed many residents of Tiabe were reluctant to do, why were they not throwing questions at his face like rotten tomatoes at a bad comic?
"No...That's not it. You're a mercenary captain, you said?" Nick asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That's right." Squawks nodded with pride in his voice.
Nick crossed his arms.