Chapter 191: Fractured
Kurt held the canal grate open as the last of their skulking party ducked through, exiting the city without alerting the authorities. They had lost little time in gathering the few members of Luriem’s seedy underbelly that both met the power threshold, and owed him favours or debts.
An hour after the meeting with Fracture they had gathered, the three red robed guilders now thoroughly outnumbered by the eleven gangers and thugs they had conscripted. Kurt itched to resist their demands, to spit in their face and storm off. Unfortunately, such an action would be unwise, especially with the third, silent figure that had frozen his blood without so much as a gesture.
Well, he had intentionally misinterpreted their request. Had luring half of Luriem’s cutthroats into getting themselves killed or arrested been worth a broken nose? Sure. Had it been worth losing an eye? Almost certainly not, but there was still a chance he could get it fixed.
The real question. He thought, letting the grate fall shut as the last of their little company of misfits, criminals, and pompous dickheads exited the city. Is this little charade worth risking my life over? Our lives over?
Kurt glanced to the side, meeting Maline’s amused twinkle with his one good eye. “At least one of us is having fun.” He grumbled under his breath, noting with more than a little irritation that the robed figures had all stopped to ensure that he wouldn’t try slipping back into the city. They walked for several minutes through the darkness, keeping low and silent as they carefully made their way further from the city’s walls.
He felt a presence by his side, then a hand rested against his shoulder. “How’s the pain?” Maline asked, her words like honey.
“Fine.” He lied, but he could tell by the way her fingers tightened that she hadn’t believed him. He did have a skill for pain suppression, one he made very good use of, but the skill had its limits, and he was quickly reaching them.
“Well, if you need a top up, just say the word.” She demured, leaning in closer with every word. “If you’re worried about what too much dosage might do to you… well, there’s no need. I would never let what happened to poor little Slayde happen to you, my love.”
Kurt gave her the side eye as they walked, earning a playful smirk from the [Venomancer]. Dangerous was an understatement when it came to describing Maline. The deadly potential of her classes combined with her peculiar eccentricities and habits didn’t make for the most reliable company. But… they were partners, and it wasn’t like Kurt didn’t have his own suite of incongruities.