Enzo the assassin...

As you slowly awaken your hands pull at a thick bind around your wrists. Looking around groggily, your vision becomes clearer and you see Azul and Grace tied together back to back. Their eyes meeting yours as the three of you come to. Remembering the hooded man, you look around to see him kneeling in front of the wheel again, tightening some bolts as he reinstalls it.

You pull at your binds again, trying to stand as the hooded man rises from the wheel slapping his hands together to knock off the dirt. Turning to face you, all you see the glint of a gold tooth under his hood as he speaks.

“Well look who’s up…” His foot driving into your chest as you try to stand, pushing you hard against the tree behind you. “Try to stand again and I will throw your companions here in the bog…”

You boil with anger as you snap back, “Who are you?! What do you want with us?!” Recalling his last words you ask, “How do you know my name….?”

“Oh we have met before John…” Holding up his arm, his cloak falls down to reveal a hook for a hand. “The night you parted me of my hand was the first time…” Crouching down he points at Azul and says, “The second was when Lord Silva was about to cut you two into little pieces.”

Your heart races but you stay strong as you scoff, “Enzo… should have known a rascal like you would use such lowly tricks.”

Laughing in response he says, “Yes… but they seem to be working don't they” Looking down at the three of you bound up.

“Release us, I’ll pay double what my uncle pays you…” You reply as you struggle with your bonds.

Tsk tsk tsk "I don't think so… you see I know you have no such sum of money on you… and I would say that after taking my hand this has become quite… personal.” Shrugging he adds, "Besides! I do have my reputation to keep in mind... can't be known as the man who betrays his clients."

“Well why am I still breathing then…?” You ask out of genuine curiosity.

“Bodies do stink…" He says with a chuckle. "...not to mention it’s a few days journey to your uncle’s camp… hate to show up with a rotting corpse he can't identify...." "So! You have two choices, either you get in the wagon peacefully and I'll spare your companions…”

“Or…?” You grunt as he draws his dagger.

“Or... I can let you watch as I let your whores drown in the bog before I open your throat…." His stern look turning to a sadistic smile as he adds, "Either works for me!”

“Just tell me first… how did you find us?” You ask with anger.

“It really was easy…” Standing up he points to Grace and adds, “Down the road there is quite the angry apple farmer, said his wife was taken by bandits… a man and an Orc… not too many travelers that meet that description.”

Crouching down by Grace he smiles and says, “Oh and don’t worry, he seemed much more upset he wouldn’t meet his quota of apple production… told me if I found you I should end your miserable life…” Grabbing her throat, he looks over at you and snarls, “Which I might if someone decides to be trouble…”

"Fuck you!" Grace shouts angrily, spitting on his face.

Wiping it off his mask, he stands before driving his foot into her side. "Mmmm feisty one she is... be a shame to end her life. So how about it John? Getting in the wagon or not?"