Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Oct 10, 2007 15:44:05 GMT -5
It was by far one of the largest contracts I'd ever taken on. The "Cat of Cardaecci" had become renown, and now every noble this side of the Skaldic Mountains wanted some piece of information, or some precious heirloom to be theirs. Not my concern what they did with it, as long as I got my cut.
It was a hot and muggy night, the warm trade winds were coming off the seas, and a variety of odors emanating from the Tiberium square. Perched on one of the taller buildings, I spend a good hour planning my route and subsequent escape plan. Years of experience has taught me to give myself options. A sturdy rope and good hands allowed me access from the top, usually unguarded. After I was in, padded boots and dark attire keep me sheathed in darkness, I imagine the vault should be easy enough to find.
I checked my inventory. Some knockout vapor for quick incapacitation, useful stuff. Daggers, check. I had regular cutlass in a baldric on my back, though I tried not to use it. Some Ch'n smoke balls come in real handy in a pinch too. And of course, standard thieves tools for every possible need.
All checked, I slid down the building, the town crier pronouncing 1:00 in the morning. With ease, I swung my hook tapered rope, secured a hold to the roof, and scurried up. A large lavish window embedded in the roof proved to be an easy access point. An impatient thief might just break the glass, but that could draw attention, so with my dagger, I pried the hinges off with some effort, then secured the rope to make a quick descent. I did my best to hide the rope, still attached for my escape.
The hallways were mostly deserted, but two stationary guards and a locked double doors. Using a mirror, I scouted around the corners, they were clear. there was no way to hide between my position and the guards, so I made my own cover. Daggers drawn, I rolled a smoke ball betwixt them. It was close, but before they could call for help, I got one in the throat, and pommeled the other one in the head. I figured on about five minutes before I was in trouble. Picking the door, I slipped in.
I was set up. Four guards, or more like soldiers, full plate and shields. The ranking noble was there with them, a sick looking smile, draining the blood from my face.
"Nice to see you made it Esponda. Kill him!" He didn't mince words. They charged, and I had enough sense to close the door before they reached me. Grabbing one of the fallen guards swords, I slung it between the door to buy me some time.
It wouldn't be enough though, already I could here the footsteps surrounding me. I made my way back to the entrance. Too late.
"Looking for your rope Cat We figured you'd try the roof, it's your signature. We've been planning this for days. The bounty on your head is worth well more than anything I own." The nameless noble was nigh gloating as we walked up behind me with his escort, and another several guards surrounding me, cutting off the exits. Indeed, they had.
"So I was double-crossed?" I said, trying to keep my cool.
"'fraid so. Don't worry, we'll make it a quick death, I'll even keep your mask as a souvenir." He snapped his fingers, and his guards did me the pleasure of walking in on me.
If I was just starting out, I would have been dead. But I'd learned a few things in my time. Number one, your never dead until your dead. Number two, humans can be fooled. And number three, always be prepared. One of my most special little gadgets was what I liked to call Sunlight in a bottle. The small flask erupted in blinding light as I smashed it on the ground. I shielded my eyes as it blinded the surrounding posse.
At this point, I could have killed the noble, Ashrat knows he deserved it. But vengeance can get a man killed. They'd cut the rope, but not untied it, so it swung, shorted, a few feet above the ground. With once fell movement, I rebounded off a guards shoulders, properly placed, and latched on.
"He's getting away!" one exclaimed as I reached the ceiling. No time to lose, with a running start, I vaulted to another near by building and made my escape.
It seems I've worn out my welcome in Caerdicca. Time to find richer coffers.
It was a hot and muggy night, the warm trade winds were coming off the seas, and a variety of odors emanating from the Tiberium square. Perched on one of the taller buildings, I spend a good hour planning my route and subsequent escape plan. Years of experience has taught me to give myself options. A sturdy rope and good hands allowed me access from the top, usually unguarded. After I was in, padded boots and dark attire keep me sheathed in darkness, I imagine the vault should be easy enough to find.
I checked my inventory. Some knockout vapor for quick incapacitation, useful stuff. Daggers, check. I had regular cutlass in a baldric on my back, though I tried not to use it. Some Ch'n smoke balls come in real handy in a pinch too. And of course, standard thieves tools for every possible need.
All checked, I slid down the building, the town crier pronouncing 1:00 in the morning. With ease, I swung my hook tapered rope, secured a hold to the roof, and scurried up. A large lavish window embedded in the roof proved to be an easy access point. An impatient thief might just break the glass, but that could draw attention, so with my dagger, I pried the hinges off with some effort, then secured the rope to make a quick descent. I did my best to hide the rope, still attached for my escape.
The hallways were mostly deserted, but two stationary guards and a locked double doors. Using a mirror, I scouted around the corners, they were clear. there was no way to hide between my position and the guards, so I made my own cover. Daggers drawn, I rolled a smoke ball betwixt them. It was close, but before they could call for help, I got one in the throat, and pommeled the other one in the head. I figured on about five minutes before I was in trouble. Picking the door, I slipped in.
I was set up. Four guards, or more like soldiers, full plate and shields. The ranking noble was there with them, a sick looking smile, draining the blood from my face.
"Nice to see you made it Esponda. Kill him!" He didn't mince words. They charged, and I had enough sense to close the door before they reached me. Grabbing one of the fallen guards swords, I slung it between the door to buy me some time.
It wouldn't be enough though, already I could here the footsteps surrounding me. I made my way back to the entrance. Too late.
"Looking for your rope Cat We figured you'd try the roof, it's your signature. We've been planning this for days. The bounty on your head is worth well more than anything I own." The nameless noble was nigh gloating as we walked up behind me with his escort, and another several guards surrounding me, cutting off the exits. Indeed, they had.
"So I was double-crossed?" I said, trying to keep my cool.
"'fraid so. Don't worry, we'll make it a quick death, I'll even keep your mask as a souvenir." He snapped his fingers, and his guards did me the pleasure of walking in on me.
If I was just starting out, I would have been dead. But I'd learned a few things in my time. Number one, your never dead until your dead. Number two, humans can be fooled. And number three, always be prepared. One of my most special little gadgets was what I liked to call Sunlight in a bottle. The small flask erupted in blinding light as I smashed it on the ground. I shielded my eyes as it blinded the surrounding posse.
At this point, I could have killed the noble, Ashrat knows he deserved it. But vengeance can get a man killed. They'd cut the rope, but not untied it, so it swung, shorted, a few feet above the ground. With once fell movement, I rebounded off a guards shoulders, properly placed, and latched on.
"He's getting away!" one exclaimed as I reached the ceiling. No time to lose, with a running start, I vaulted to another near by building and made my escape.
It seems I've worn out my welcome in Caerdicca. Time to find richer coffers.