from the flies on the wall.

Alex and Demon chose to enjoy a rich breakfast with Spike in his office. Not only was the food delivered promptly, but also it was still warm.

Spike explained that the building was mostly empty due to the guild being in an espionage war once again. A particular merchant guild was trying to bring a new thieves guild into the city and that meant that the underworld of the city was in tension between the old and new thieves guilds. Since the one merchant guild was the only partner with the incoming thieves many of the other merchant guilds were being very duplicitous with their support until a clear upper-hand was established.

The street was liable to be targeted in this power struggle because they never made a secret of their dealings with the unsavory customers. And since the new thieves guild was contractually forbidden to approach the street with business Spike was now the inadvertent public backer for the established thieves guild in Gumen'Kal. Spike wasn't opposed to the position, but he enjoyed the opportunity to complain about not being asked if the street would take the role.

Incidentally Alex would have to be careful in town. He'd walked strait into this guild without hesitation so he was bound to be under surveillance by anyone who was invested in the thieves war. Not that Alex was unaccustomed to risks like this, but he'd effectively managed to walk into town during a dangerous time.

"I'm not going to tell you to stay indoors," Spike was telling him, "But do me a favor and don't kill anyone in broad daylight."

"You're not worried about master's safety?" questioned Demon.

"The only fear I have for a mountain is that it might fall on top of me."

"Wise man."

"I object to the comparison," Alex interjected, "I'm not a mountain. I'm not even a mountain man."

"Good point," quipped Spike, "I think the nearest sentient mountain lives in fear of you."

"That's absurd," Alex protested, "If a sentient mountain is going to be afraid of anything it would be your wife."

"No comment," Spike quipped, "I choose life. But if you have anything you need in town be sure to watch your back."

"Well, I did just ruin my shield yesterday," Alex said scratching his chin, "I should probably get that repaired."

"Ah," Spike raised a finger, "All the armories are still only near the military district."

Alex sighed, "You mean the other side of town. So the greatest amount of personal danger." Alex scratched his head, "Do you think it would be wiser to go today or tomorrow?"

"Probably this afternoon will be fine."

"Then I'll head out that way this afternoon. Any plans for the morning?"

"How about telling my the dirty details of your journeys in the years since you last stopped by for a visit?"

Alex leaned back in his chair, "I believe I can spare the time."