Captain Evans and agent Dark calmly walked out of the inn they were staying at. The streets were slightly humid this night, and public workers could be seen lighting up the street oil lamps individually.
Such primitive lighting techniques almost snapped the captain out of his train of thought. He could hardly believe there existed humans out there that didn't know about the wonders of electricity. In fact, if he didn't see it with his own eyes, he likely wouldn't believe it at all.
But the facts were there. Even this type of generalised public lighting was rare int the forest cities they had seen. People usually had to make do with the light spilling out of houses.
That, and the light from the moon and stars.
Jeanne took a moment to admire the sky. Light pollution as well as regular pollution made it nigh impossible to get this view anywhere in Forchrit.
"Watch where you're walking." Reminded Evans. "We don't have enough time to spend it stargazing."
"Yes, sir." She dodged a puddle. "So what do you need me to do ?"
He glared at her silently. "You're really straightforward. Don't you want to know my plan first, or what it's for ?"
They walked in silence for a couple seconds.
"You know, captain, I expected you to know this better than anyone. In the military, we... I don't get to ask those questions. We're here to do the work, not understand it."
"You'd be forgiven for acting a little out of line, so far from base and fellow countrymen. Most of our team have already taken this liberty. I am curious as to why you haven't."
She blinked a few times.
" .... Are you, though ?"
They stopped.
"Excuse me ?"
Jeanne looked straight in her superior's eyes.
"I could explain it to you. I could tell you all about how no mistake I made has ever been forgiven, how no matter how perfect I was, I could only barely survive. I could tell you all this. But I don't think you'd listen. I don't think you are actually curious. I think you are trying to make yourself more approachable. I think you are trying to be a good leader, and I also think you're doing a pretty good job.
"But I don't think you're curious. And my story can't be told to someone who won't listen."
Evans maintained her gaze for five good seconds. Jeanne stood there, under the stars and dim lamps, waiting for a verdict.
Eventually, Evans started walking again.
"Fair enough. You don't seem to require close bonds to operate. You are a good soldier. One who also doesn't forget to use her brain. That's why I chose you for this. The others are great in their fields, but discussions... Are not their forte."
Expressionless, Jeanne followed suit. The sound of boots once again filled the empty streets. "So we'll be negotiating."
"Hopefully. Here's the plan...."
***
Twenty minutes later.
The tavern was a huge social point of Toulu. Basically every traveler spent their time here, either to have fun, find work, or make connections. This place was full of the three.
It was a massive structure with two imposing floors. You could see the packed terrace from the ground, and hear the cheer and laughter from two blocks down. People were constantly crossing the threshold of the entrance, going in alone and impatient, exiting drunk, with companions in the same state holding on to each other.
Evans and Dark looked at it for a long time.
"Are you sure they are here ?" Jeanne asked a reasonable question.
Evans did not move an inch, still absorbed in his inspection of the building. "Even if they aren't, which is unlikely, we can find their location in here."
'Hmm.. this pillar is slightly weaker... A good majority made from oak... Chairs look sturdy, difficult to break and make a weapon out of...would take roughly one minute for everyone to get out, ten seconds if they jump out the balcony...'
Twenty second later, during which the two recived their fair share of strange looks, Evans suddenly moved and entered the bar without further hesitation.
The smell hit first. A blend of smoke, alcohol and sweat forced its way into the visitors' nostrils, making Jeanne reel slightly. Evans, him, made a conscious effort to keep face.
Quickly analyzing the room, he saw quite a few tables playing cards, at least two heated disputes, around five broken glasses on the ground, the piano on which an employee was playing fast background music, and finally...
'There.'
In the very center of the room, a tall, armoured, handsome blonde guy seemed to be trying his best to woo his two waitresses. He was wearing a mystical-looking headpiece, as well as an amulet and a few rings. His armour had golden patterns, and the sheathed sword at his waist was as big as his whole arm.
He was talking louder than needed. "You know, I just took a hit on the general's head. If you know who I am, you'll know they're basically giving me free money."
He played with one of his golden rings while raising one of his eyebrows at his uncomfortable audience. "So, tonight, I can leave you a big tip... If you'll accept it."
Jeanne shuddered, and Evans had to make another effort to stay impassible.
The two waitresses were trying their hardest to retreat politely, avoiding eye contact while constantly doing little bows.
"How much do you make ? Can't be that much, and I bet YOU girls aren't married... Can you give me one reason to refuse ? You can't, right ? So how about it ?"
The five other people at the table seemed extremely concentrated on their drinks or equipment, for some reason.
It had been a while since Evans saw such stressed people, especially in a peaceful town.
"Well, this establishment pays generously, sir Dow. Really, I'd be ashamed. Please don't worry about us."
"Come on, how can you say no to free money ? Don't be ashamed, I'm giving it to you ! Just don't be a stranger afterwards, okay, sugar ? Why don't you write your adress on the bill, I'll come by, alright ? Or you can just follow me to our room, that works too. Whatever you want !"
"You see, I, uhh, have... plans, for tonight. So, really sorry, but-"
"Are you the one who took the mission about the general ?" Evans had gauged the situation sufficiently, and finally put an end to this painful conversation.
The man, who was apparently called Dow, looked at both of them up and down. "And who might you be ? You know, it's kinda rude to interrupt a good time."
Evans dragged a chair from another table and sat down with them. "My apologies, but this is quite important." He looked up at the waitresses. "Could you bring us one more bottle ? We have to talk."
Without missing a beat, the one that had been talking exclaimed: "Right away, good sir !" and dragged her friend away in a flash.
Dow made a slight movement towards them, as if to stop their flight, but ultimately decided not to. Somewhat annoyed, he glared at the serious captain in front of him.
"This better be good. Did you not see what I was doing ?"
"Did you ?" Jeanne asked curtly.
The fancy captain glared at her with angry blue eyes.
Putting his elbows on the table, Evans reassured his interlocutor. "Trust me. You'll want to hear this.
"I am the captain of the party that took on the three other generals. She, behind me, is one of my sodiers. Together, we have barely had trouble hunting them, and even though that last one will be tougher, we have a great deal of confidence in completing this endeavour."
He took a breath. This next part would be a gamble. If he was right, and unlucky, the church would have an excuse to press charges for heresy or diffamation. But the situation was just desperate enough to allow it.
"Let's be frank. The biggest obstacle we have faced in this town is the Helio church. Bishop Anderson has been barring our path at every opportunity, and so far, we came through anyway. However, this time, just short of reaching our goal, you showed up, perfectly serving the church's interest while not preparing for the incoming dangerous mission.
"I believe you have been paid to delay us, and are not actually planning on completing the assignment."
The table suddenly seemed quiet. Dow's companions seemed stressed, and looked to their leader for guidance. He suddenly got very serious, rested his head against his fist, and asked : "That's a wild theory. Have you noticed that if you're right, I could still just report you to my boss and get you trialed ? Nobody is that stupid. Why would you tell me this ?"
The two paused as a new, male waiter came to bring a brand new wine bottle. He took a bit more time than necessary to really gauge the two troublemakers and their entourage. For a moment he even looked like he might say something, but ultimately decided not to.
Not even sparing the waiter a glance, Evans stayed focused on Dow the entire time. Once the waiter left, he slowly took the bottle, opened it and poured himself a glass.
"I told you this because..." He then refilled Dow's glass, too. "No matter what, you are still the one who accepted this mission publicly. No matter what, if you bring the last general's head, they have to pay you.
" And we just so happen to be the only ones in this town to have the ability to get this particular object. We never needed the whole bounty. Even half would be plenty."
He raised his glass.
"So how about it ? Can you give me one reason to refuse ?"
Dow was stunned for a second, then laughed loudly. "Well, this is certainly an interesting proposition !" Playing with his glass, he thought about it a little. "You konw, I really can't give you a single reason to say no..."
He put down his glass and suddenly dropped all pretense of friendliness.
"But I refuse."