Ends of Magic

“I warn you, no captain will be eager to take passengers they’re unfamiliar with.” Jaus said as they walked down the main street towards the harbor. Tall houses built of rock the same color as the cliffs rose on both sides, interspersed with occasional squares decorated with fountains.

“Let’s talk to them and find out,” Nathan replied absently. He was busy watching in every direction, paying attention to rooftops and other possible angles of attack. Litcliff was the origin of the assassins who’d attacked them thus far. Having an escort was all well and good, but it wouldn’t help if somebody popped over a rooftop and put a bolt through Khachi’s head.

At least the other pedestrians were keeping their distance. They all took one look at the Heirs being escorted by Jaus in his form-fitting metal armor and gave them a wide berth. Most of the people looked like locals, though there was a scattering of sailors and a few who were dressed like farmers.

Behind Nathan the Heirs were keeping a wary eye out, with Aarl taking up the rear. They were using a formation they’d practiced long ago for patrolling Old Gemore. Litcliff was just as likely to house threats as the ruin-infested city was.

We just need to hire a ship, get out of the city. We’ve got a veritable mountain of magical crafting materials and enchanted items to pay with. Looting Giantsrest was profitable.

Jaus looked back at them and chuckled. “You’re acting like a hunted herd of Nindine.” He spread his arms wide. “But this is Litcliff! Gemore might be full of Adventurers craving battle, but here the Oligarchs mandate peace. Fighting is bad for business.” He waggled his finger back and forth reprovingly. “Do not stir these depths, unless you desire a swift death.” His fingers dropped to the handle of the strange club at his side as his face twisted into a grin. The expression didn’t even come close to reaching his eyes.

Nathan rolled his eyes. He’d been threatened by better. “Keep your pants on. We’re not going to start anything.” He rolled his head around, popping his neck. “But if somebody else starts something, we’ll finish it.” Nathan kept his eyes on Jaus as he spoke, making it clear that he was including the Litcliff elite in his category.

The man’s grin twisted into a derisive smirk and he turned back down the road, setting off at a slightly faster pace. The Heirs didn’t speed up and a moment later their escort moderated his own pace to avoid outdistancing them.

All power games and bluffs with this guy. I’d think he was trying to get close to us to attack us but he’s being enough of a jerk that that doesn’t seem likely.