Actions & Reactions

"Well, well. Seems we've got quite the quandary now don't we? We both can't claim the property and a court proceeding could prove...difficult. But now we have the kitty speaking her mind, and I would just love to see this cat come out of the bag."

Master Rift glared at his comrade-in-law; an equal in the ever-unequal game of one-upmanship, petty suits, and retirement packages. What could he do? What were his options? The mind of the legal Attendant flew fast and furious. To bring the claim before a judge was dubious at best; to simply take them, with so many witnesses was no choice at all; to slit Notch's throat, bribe the guards, keep loyal assassins close to their homes, AND take the prize, now that began to sound feasible. But where was Tarin?!!?

Almost on cue there was a scream from the upper hay loft and two knives came flying at two different guards! One blade dispatched the poor man's right eye while the other guard jerked away just enough for the steel to penetrate his neck. The stables erupted in confusion as swords were unsheathed, daggers pulled and the little tough dwarf came flying down a rope from the loft with his battle-axe in hand.

Fred and Astra saw their chance, yet both were securely tied. Astra had been roped to a wooden beam near to a stall while Fred was still tied to a saddle -- trussed up like some strange pig. The fighting continued and in the commotion the familiar figure of Master Rift made his way to the two companions. He went to Astra first, whispered something in her ear and then untied her. Fred expected her to knock Rift over the head and free him, but instead she let Rift be and came straight to Fred. None of the guards paid any heed to their freedom, they had to defend themselves from other guards and the axe-wielding madman known as Tarin.

Master Rift led Astra and Fred to an exit within the stables and, picking up two discarded weapons, they soon found themselves in some alleyway. Fred still did not understand why they were keeping company with this man.

"Follow me," said Master Rift. "...and act naturally."

As the two followed, Master Rift couldn't help but think of the consequences of his actions. The Black Market Cult was no simple thieves guild, no, it was a community of men and women who knew what they wanted and did everything they could to get it. There were rules and punishments if rules were disobeyed.

Master Rift began to recite the rules, as he had been taught when he joined this secret society. ~~do not interfere in the activities of any other member; do not betray our presence to the 'accepted' authorities; study wisely the ways of legal entanglement; we support rigged games, petty theft, con jobs, pickpocketing, barter, slavery, auctioning, and assassination (as long as the blood-feud is not incurred); within our towns all is open, but outside you must do nothing that will cause the 'accepted' authorities to notice us; we will take 25 percent of your earnings in exchange for a place to stay, a social standing, and the pleasure of our company; if by some chance you are caught on the outside by the 'accepted' authorities you are alone, we cannot help you; if you are caught within our towns and homes breaking any of our customs and regulations we will hunt you down like the mongrel you are~~

Master Rift knew that no grievance would come from the guards, yet Master Notch was a different story, and this worried him much. ~~atleast,~~ he thought, ~~I do have the woman in my hand~~

1. What evil secret could Master Rift know? Did Master Notch escape the stables alive? Where did Roddy run to? and what will the Paine Gang do when they discover their 'property' missing? Find out in the next exciting episode!!!

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