by Reece Dinn
The Monster approached the counter. 'Yes. Hello. We're looking for an item that is of particular interest to me, and I was wondering if you might have it.'
Panagon grinned. 'Of course, my lady, I have wide variety of items, what is it you're looking for?'
She hesitated.
'The Sabu is looking for a poison that causes someone's appendix to rupture,' said Koma.
The Monster shot her a dark look.
'Poison. Hmmm.' Panagon stroked his beard. 'I'm not one for poisons generally, find it too risky to test their worth, I'm sure you understand, but I may just have something. A little thing I traded for some time ago, but have struggled to make a sale with, give me a moment.' He disappeared into the back of his store, through the narrow door behind the mounds of goods piled up there. A couple of minutes later he returned with a bottle containing a purple fluid.
'This is a poison, whose name I've long since stopped trying to pronounce. Bugeewugee, or something like that. Anyway, when the victim takes it it is said that their insides rot,' he said.
'Bugeewugee? No. I'm afraid that doesn't sound like what I am looking for. But thank you for your time.' The Monster bowed her head, then left.
Koma followed her out. Where did these manners come from? Has she been hiding them all along? Did one of her former handmaiden's teach her them?
'Well that proved fruitless,' said the Monster once they were outside. 'We'll just have to continue our search. Guards, we're going to the next district.'
One district after another they visited, market after market, venturing from one side of the city to the other, but with no joy, unsurprisingly. By the time they reached the final market the sun was slowly sinking behind the mountaintops. The merchants were slowly packing their wares away for the day. It was the norm to take their time, so the Guards said, stretching out the last couple of hours of the trading day before the sky began to darken.
To Koma's relief there were fewer people around now. The Guards however remained vigilant, maintaining their positions surrounding the Monster to protect her. It was almost disappointing to Koma that they'd not encountered any of the gangs, after the state she'd gotten herself into through panicking. Not that I wish to be beaten and raped of course.
The Monster asked each merchant who looked as though they might sell, or know someone who sold, poisons, but no one did, other than those used to prevent pesky dogmas invading people's homes. To Koma's relief the Monster was finally tiring, her optimism fading.
'We should call it a day, Sabu, I think,' one of the Guards said to her. 'It's unwise to be down here after dark.'
At last. The voice of reason. Where were you when I needed you?
The Monster nodded, her face drooping. 'Okay. Just one last merchant. This man looks as if he might have what we're looking for.'
The man in question was a gaunt, pale skinned man with loose fitting grey clothes, and a large orange hat that was like a setting sun on top of his head.
'Him?' said Koma, pointing.
The Monster ignored her. 'Excuse me,' she said, approaching him. 'I'm looking for someone who sells poisons. Do you happen to know of anyone?'
A big smile spread across the pale merchant's face. 'My beautiful lady. You are in luck. I am just the man you're looking for.'
The Monster squealed, jumping up and down with excitement. 'Oh that's wonderful. We've been searching all day.'
Is she serious? 'Sabu, a word...'
'Not now, Koma,' she snapped, waving her away.
'Oh, then it is my lucky day, my lady. I've just finished packing my things away, but for you I'd be happy to bring them all back out again.'
'There's no need. I know what I'm looking for. Do you happen to have, or know, of a poison that can cause a person's appendix to rupture?'
The merchant took his hat off and placed it on the table. 'I believe I have the very one.' His face took on a serious expression.
'You do?' She bounced up and down again.
Koma went to touch the Monster's shoulder, but stopped herself. 'Sabu, please. I..'
'How much would it cost?' the Monster asked, again ignoring her.
'How much are you willing to spend? It is a most expensive, and rare item. Very dangerous too. I can't just sell it to anyone. It must be a high price, to guarantee that whoever uses it is wise and just.'
The Monster clicked her fingers at the Guards with her purses. They brought them over.
'Sabu, I don't think that this is a wise decision,' said one of the Guards.
'Did I ask for your opinion?' she snapped at him, the obnoxious girl Koma loathed so much emerging once more. The Monster snatched the purses from the Guards, then opened them to count the money she had.
Koma tried to take the purses from her. 'Saima, this is fool..'
The Monster evaded her. 'I have seventy three yorae left.'
The merchant pondered this for a moment. 'Normally I would charge seventy yorae, but today, since you are so beautiful, I shall give it to you for sixty five.'
'Deal.' She began to count out the money.
Koma stepped forward, about to stop the merchant as he disappeared behind his counter to rummage through his wares, but she stopped herself. Why should I? It's her money. I tried, but she wouldn't listen. Besides, when she tries to use it as evidence she'll realise her stupidity, and be laughed out of the city by her mother and the Socrae-al. No. She can learn the hard way. One day, she'll understand that she needs to listen to me. She smirked.
The merchant came back around the counter moments later holding a vial containing a very peculiar looking fluid that glowed green and swirled around as if a storm brewed inside it.
'This is one of the most dangerous poisons I've ever encountered,' he said. 'If the victim survives the appendix bursting then their pain only grows from there. A couple of drops is all it takes. But don't let any touch you. It'll rot your skin.' He handed it to her.
She took it eagerly with her good hand, then handed him the purse she'd counted fifty five yorae into with her gloved one..
The merchant almost snatched it from her. 'Glad I could be of service to the most beautiful Sabu this country has ever had.'
She placed the vial inside the purse containing the remainder of her money. 'No, thank you, kind merchant. When I am Saban I shall see to it that you are commended for your service.'
The merchant bowed.
The Monster curtseyed, then walked away. Koma hurried after her. The Guards gave her a confused look as she past them, like they couldn't believe what they'd just witnessed either.
'I have it,' said the Monster, clutching the purse tightly. 'The evidence I need. It's here. I'm going to stop them, and avenge my father. And it's all thanks to you, my dear Koma.'
Koma shook her head. I'd pray to your gods that the dragons come and burn you all alive before you get the opportunity to humiliate yourself.
Chapter Forty Six
The gang roared with laughter as they drank and ate all the food and booze the Drowners'd left behind. Everyone sat around a big fire on the cavern floor drinking themselves senseless while fondling dozens of whores they'd hired for the night from every brothel nearby, paid for with the Drowners' loot.
More Drowners had escaped than they'd hoped would, including the two most important members, Jonbu, the wannabe elf, and the Drowner himself. Still they'd killed more than enough of them that the Drowners had been forced to flee Nograi and Nuchai Districts entirely, leaving just the Main District under Drowner control. The raid had been a resounding success. The Merchers were already reclaiming Nograi and Nuchai for themselves, Cutter leading the assaults.
A petite girl with long red hair snuggled into Awon's side as he drank a mug of sweet tasting ale that Batterox had brought over for him. The girl stroked his arm, then her hand slowly drifted to his crotch.
Norox sat on all fours on his other side, drinking his own ale whilst silently staring into the fire, as he was wont to do these days. Ten and Helma were cu
rled up together near the fire, kissing like young teenagers, sloppy but passionately. Once again Ten had managed to avoid most of the fighting, despite staying by Cutter's side the whole time. Cutter had taken care of anyone who'd come near him. He'd narrowly avoided being shot in the head however when the Drowners had opened fire, or so he'd said. Awon hadn't bothered to question him further on it. He knew what his friend was like, the fact he was alive was all that really mattered. Ten had his uses, but fighting was not one of them.
Awon tilted his head to face the girl stroking his crotch. She was pretty enough, with cute little freckles and soft features, and she was already paid for, so he decided he may as well make use of her. The girl looked at him lazily, her eyes barely open. She'd either had a lot to drink, or she'd been given something else to make her more compliant. Awon didn't care which it was.
'Let's put that pretty mouth of yers ter better use,' he said, spreading his legs a little wider.
She glanced down at his crotch, but it took her a couple of seconds before she realised what he'd meant. She half smiled at him, then dropped her head down towards it.
'Please, Awon. Not here,' said Norox. 'Take her to one of the bunks.' He rubbed the sides of his long face irritably.
'Sure. C'mon.' He nudged the girl. She nodded slowly, like she could barely understand him.
After they'd evicted the Drowners from their hideout, some of them had begun to search the many tunnels down there. They'd found a dozen or so small rooms seemingly dug out by the Drowners themselves. Most contained bunk beds, but others were weapon stores, food and drink stores, and one or two, to the Merchers' delight, had been stores of loot; yorae, silver, and even gold, as well as many other expensive looking items. Banen had roared with laughter when he'd been told what they'd found.
There were still many more tunnels that led even deeper underground, and appeared to lead into the Central Mountains themselves. They went so far that even the Drowners hadn't ventured that deep into them, or so it seemed. Banen had ordered that every exit be blocked off in case the Drowners attempted to reclaim their hideout through one of them. The work was due to begin in the morning.
Awon stood, dragging the girl up with him. She swayed on her feet, then fell back down again, her head lolling to the side, eyes closed.
'The fuck yer doin'? We got things ter do,' he said, prodding her with his foot.
The girl shook but didn't rouse.
'Stupid bitch 'as passed out on me.' He sat back down and took another sip of ale. 'Fuck this.'
His eyes met Farma's, who was glaring at him from across the fire. She sat alone, a bottle of wine her only company. He got up and headed around the fire to her, stepping over and around guys sat fondling, or rutting with whores. He caught sight of Banen's right hand guy, Gobmu, with a girl's head bobbing up and down between his legs, while he kissed another girl. Clearly he was making use of the whores.
'Whatcha glarin' at?' Awon asked when he approached Farma.
She looked up at him, still glaring. 'You, yer stupid cunt.'
'See yer got outta the raid. Missed out on some good fightin'.'
'I 'ave more uses than jus' fightin'. Unlike you.'
'Fightin's all there is.'
She tutted. 'To you, cos that's all yer can do.'
He sat down in front of her, taking a large sip of his ale. She copied, swigging from her bottle of red wine.
'Very lady like,' he said.
'Fuck you,' she spat back.
'So whatcha reckon 'bout all this? Think this our new 'ome?'
'Hope not. It's cold, damp, an' smells.'
'Looks great though.'
She shrugged.
'Wanna go sumwhere more, err, private?' he said, sidling up beside her.
'Think I'm jus' one of these whores?'
'No. Yer fer free.'
She punched him hard in the arm. 'Prick.'
'Whatcha do that fer?' he snarled, rubbing his arm, surprised that it'd actually hurt.
'I ain't jus' sum one that fucks any ole guy, yer know?'
'But we done it a coupler times already.'
'Cos I liked yer.'
'What?'
She slapped him hard across the face.
He threw the remainder of his ale into her face in retaliation. 'Bitch.'
'Fuckin' cunt.' She spat at him, but missed.
'Why'd yer hit me?'
'Yer got no feelin's do yer?'
'Course not. Who the fuck wants 'em?'
She shook her head. 'Made a mistake. Won't be makin' it again?' She stood up, her long black skirt rising, revealing her thighs.
Awon rose up onto his knees, spreading his arms out wide. 'C'mon. Jus' wantin' some fun 'ere.'
'Go 'ave fun with that whore girl over there. She might 'ave woken up by now.' Farma spun on her heels and stormed away.
'C'mon, come back. Yer not gonna get no one else with teeth like that,' he called after her.
She didn't even glance back.
He spat, then went to take another swig of ale, only to realise he'd wasted the last of it on her. 'Fuckin' bitch,' he muttered.
Batterox was safe guarding the ale for himself over by the bottom of the pathway that led up top. The finless yegeyor was surrounded by guys, including the Brebuu. He and it had become inseparable since the Konar ambush. Whenever he turned around they were laughing and joking together, or drinking. If he didn't know any better he'd have said they were fucking.
'Fall out with your woman?' someone asked.
Awon stopped in his tracks, startled.
Ekviv grinned, yellowed teeth revealing him. The dark skinned guy was sat on the floor right by Awon's feet and he hadn't even noticed he was passing by him. Even in the light the man had a way of blending into the shadows. He had his curved sword on his lap and was washing it with a wet cloth.
'Aye. Stupid bitch got feelin's that need tendin' ter. Ain't gonna be the one ter do it,' said Awon.
Ekviv ran the cloth down the edge of the blade. 'She's a rare girl.'
''ow's that?'
'She actually likes you. I can smell it on her. Like a gutmat in heat.'
'Like a wha'?'
Ekviv shook his head. 'You don't have them here. Doesn't matter.'
'Yer not drinkin'?'
'I don't drink the drink of my enemies, only their blood.' He spat on his sword then rubbed the saliva into the metal.
'Yer fuckin' weird you,' said Awon.
'As are you.' He scratched at the yellow lizard tattoo on his face. 'You all are really.'
'Guess yer 'ave ter be ter be in this game.'
Ekviv laughed. 'You may be right. Go on now, I've got work to do. Go drink and fuck. The night is yours.'
'It's yers too. 'eard yer gutted three guys in one swing with that sword there.'
Ekviv smirked. 'All who get in Deathbringer's way perish. I drink their blood and it eats their souls.' He laughed hard at that, his laugh like the cry of a karron, high pitched and mad.
'Yer fuckin' lunatic.' Awon walked away, a little scared, which was a rare feeling for him, but the man from the deep south could do that to a person.
He continued over to Batterox and the Brebuu. The two were regaling a tale to the other guys around them.
'..strung him up by the legs and began hitting him with a hammer all over his body. Poor guy told us what needed to be said long before, but you know Red, once he goes red there's no stopping him,' bleated Batterox, while making a grunting sound.
Everyone burst into laughter, ale spilling out of their mugs.
Awon squeezed through to the front of the group. 'Need more ale,' he said, holding his mug out to Batterox.
The yegeyor snorted at him, nostrils flaring so much that Awon thought he was going to suck him up his nose. His yellow eyes hardened. 'You don't know how to say please, do you?'
'Don't be a jenni.'
'Fill up the mug,' said the Brebuu. 'There's been hard fighting lately. Cutter values any man good in a fight.'
'Can count 'ow many teeth I knock outta yer fuckin' mouth,' Awon snapped back.
Batterox sniggered. 'You don't know how to take a joke you. Lighten up.' He snatched Awon's mug out of his hands, filled it up from the keg that he was sat on, then handed it back.
'Thanks,' said Awon, snatching it and having a sip. It tasted sourer now.
'Doubt you could count my teeth though,' said Batterox. He suddenly loomed over him. 'Or your own as I rip them out one by one.'
Awon didn't cower away. He took another sip of ale. 'No. probably not.'
Everyone burst into laughter at that, including himself.
Batterox shoved him back, nearly causing Awon to spill his ale. 'I was wrong. You do have a sense of humour. Glad to see it.'
'Course he has a sense of humour,' said one guy standing somewhere behind Awon. 'The shit I've seen this lad pull. In fact, here's a story for you all. Do you know how this whole thing started? This little shit killed Jonbu's right hand man.'
'That was you?' exclaimed another.
'Yer. Burnt his bakery down with 'im in it,'' said Awon, puffing out his chest, not bothering to see who had spoken. 'Was tryin' kill 'is son. Bastard gotta away. Gonna find 'im an' kill 'im.'
'Who's this lad?' asked another guy.
Awon spun around to face him. 'I'm Awon. The meanest bastard in this place.'
'Ha. More of that humour,' said the Brebuu. 'Here, have a fried dogmas.'
As Awon turned around he was pelted in the face with a hot piece of meat. He managed to grab it before it hit the ground. The meat crunched in his hand. 'Ta,' he said, and bit into it. It tasted like it'd been over the fire for a year it was so charred. It crumbled to ash in his mouth. He spat it out and threw the rest away, managing to hit a guy in the head a short distance away who was fucking a young, naked girl knelt on all fours before him. The guy didn't even notice he'd been struck.
'Wow. That guy's goin' fer it,' said Awon.
'Humans mate like it's a pleasure,' said Batterox.
'Yegeyor don't enjoy sex?' asked the Brebuu.
Batterox looked at him disgusted. 'How is it enjoyable? You stick your penis in, then a second later you spew inside the woman to impregnate her. Where's the pleasure?'
