On the authority of Geadric

“Look.” You say feigning annoyance. “I’m not orderin’ you to do shit. Orders come from the boss, Geadric to be specific. Needs everyone back to headquarters stat, something big planned. Before you ask, no. I don’t know what it entails.”

The two ruffians exchange mutual surprise. The tattooed one drops the girl who scrambles back against a wall, still afraid.

“Well! Why didn’t you lead with that? Not sure what the boss is doing hiring adventurers but you seem to know your shit so it’s fine. C’mon Brick.”

The tattooed one presumably named Brick glances down to the girl. “What about her? Thought we needed more girls for the funhouse?”

“Fuck the funhouse. I’m not getting stabbed again over misreading the boss’s orders. Let’s make like an egg and scramble.” The hooded man spits on the ground before ducking down an alley with his tattooed companion. The homeless girl looks up to you tears welling in her eyes.

“Listen I don’t know how to thank you for stepping in.”

“It’s quite alright… Though since you seem to be local, you know any gossip on the Redhook guy who lords over these parts?”

“R-redhook? Yeah, I’ve heard things. Nothing good. Word is apparently an elf is on his trail for stealing gold or something like that. So, he’s preparing this big ambush of sorts, got a bunch of goons around his place now.”

HAH! Justice proves useful after all. Steppin’ in might’ve saved our skins. We might’ve walked into an ambush otherwise.

“Interesting… Good to know, thanks.” You flip her a gold coin which she eagerly accepts as you return to the group.

“Well? Satisfied?” Your elven companion remarks.

“Actually yes. Turns out we nearly walked into an ambush… Tons of folks waitin’ to jump us at Redhook’s right now.”

“Is that right? Hmm, looks like I might have to change up the plan.”