The Mission Postponed

Dawn was nearly there when Gunnir and Cristal arrived. They had managed to secure wares and goods using Gunnir's mercenary past. However, it wasn't an easy task as the situation seemed even worse than initially thought.

Apparently, the merchant murderer has brought inspiration to some sick-minded folk. They now also murder those they believe to deserve it. This includes the rich but also mercenaries and people they have grudges with.

The three party members that stay on guard listen to the story. Until Tika had something to say wondering about the logic behind this decision.

"There have never been more mercenaries in the city. Why would people decide to murder now? The chances of getting caught are pretty high."

"That's the problem. People have been getting caught, but a surprising amount has evaded the mercenaries. Too large an amount to be called a coincidence."

"Any theories?"

Gunnir and Cristal look at each other before the large warrior talks.

"My former colleague, Lhedo was there in "The Pleasant Copper Coin." He had some unnerving theories. Claiming that the Ararazi rebellion's supporters are secretly promoting the murders."

"Are they?"

"The mercenaries believe so, and it's believed they will all be executed before the week ends. The Silver Sons leader has lost her patience."

"How tragic, but we should get some sleep. We have everything we need. We shouldn't linger in a city that's about to explode." Hellas says thinking about their situation rationally.

The rest of the party had no complaints, they weren't hired to solve the issue and already capable people were put on the murderer's tale.

A later dawn than usual greeted the party, the grand duke surprisingly enough already awake with Cristal. Drinking some boiled water mixed with herbs that are supposed to give energy.

With the rest of the party now awake, they start to prepare for departure until the grand duke beckoned them all to sit down.

"We will be postponing the mission." The grand duke simply says still drinking his morning water mixed with herbs.

"For what reason?" Hellas asks whilst frowning, uneasy about the reason.

"Cristal has told me about the situation in this city. I will announce myself to the Silstani family and offer your aid in apprehending these criminals."

"Wasn't secrecy important in this mission? Potential assassins will not sit still." Tika protests wondering where the logic is.

"Then you will have to work harder. You're getting paid enough aren't you?" The grand duke responds harshly.

"You will be compensated for this request. This is non-negotiable."

With that said the grand duke changed into more official attire as he prepared to speak with the leaders of Enver.

As soon as he left discussion broke out within the party.

"What is the meaning of this? What did you say Cristal?" Hellas asks his companion, incredibly frustrated.

"He asked about the situation in the city and I told him what I told you. What happened here to make him act like that?"

"I had a lively discussion with the man. If you were wondering." Sol replies trying to describe it as well as he can whilst not labeling it an unhinged rant.

Cristal simply sighs, not taking long to realize what has transpired.

"Anyway, if the grand duke wishes for this course of action then we should follow. If we want to get him safely to Laige then we have to keep an even closer watch from now on."

"I am beginning to wonder the reason he's going to Laiqe in the first place. He doesn't seem to be in a rush and his behavior from before does beg the question if it was something important in the first place." Tika questions the urgency of their mission seeing how frail the grand duke has been.

"Important enough to have assassins. It must have pissed someone off." Hellas rebukes, making sure the escort mission doesn't get underestimated.

After about 20 minutes the party and the grand duke depart to the headquarters of the trading company. It's located near the harbor and also serves as a local bank. A lot of stares are sent to the clear rich noble getting escorted by capable looking adventurers. Especially in these times of tension.

No one tried anything funny however, the presence of Gunnir a big advantage.

When they arrived mercenaries of "The Silver Sons" approached, recognizable by their silver coloration and the crest with a desperate face nearly drowning in a sea of silver coins.

"What's the meeting of this?" One of the guards asks in a rough tone.

"Tell Sylvester Silstani that Dalbert Estian is waiting."

The guard scans the old man who has regained his prestige as a noble. His attire is formal but made out of high quality material with the crest of the Grand duchy of Creseytesia sown in it. The guard leaves ordering others to keep an eye on the party.

About 5 minutes pass by before the guard returns with three other guards. Clearly of higher station, as their armor is of far higher quality.

The original guard steps aside and returns to his duty standing watch.

"Greeting your grace. Follow me please. Master Silstani is waiting for you in his office." One of the higher ranked guards says politely, aware of the rank of the elder man before him.

The grand duke and his escorts were guided inside in the large and busy building. Merchants are explaining why they need a loan for a business that will definitely succeed. Whilst also artists and other creative minds are discussing possible patronage from the richer families.

The party and the grand duke did not have to stay long in this area. Being led to the upper floors where the merchant families organize their administration and discussed business.

Soon they arrived at a door completely decorated with silver. A figure of a man pouring out silver coins is in the center. The guards open the door but do not enter. In the office the early morning sun shines through this gigantic glass window that takes almost the entire wall. The rays of sun fall on top of the bureau with a silver haired man sitting behind it.

"Whilst I do appreciate a surprise. Next time send a letter of your arrival". The silver haired man in his early forties says still looking at the documents he's working on.

"I wasn't planning to, but I heard about your struggles." The grand duke replies as he seats himself in front of the silver haired man.

The silver haired man stays silent for a bit, the early rays of the dawn making his silver hair and the small piles of silver coins shine brightly.

"And why would this matter to you?"

"I've decided to allow my escorts to help your mercenaries in the pursuit. I came here to warn you."

"Not to ask for permission?"

"No."

"Sigh, I'll warn the silver sons and the other mercenary companies. However, do not cause too much trouble. There's plenty of that already." The silver haired man rings a bell as soon as he finished speaking. The guards open the door, awaiting his command.

"Take them to Aryien and pray to Asariel that her temper doesn't cause trouble." The command confuses the guards wondering if they should actually pray for a bit before guiding the guests.

"What are you waiting for?" The silver haired man snaps at the guards. Making clear that they should not waste time.