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Date Posted: 19:55:35 02/25/02 Mon
Author: Erlic Eastlore
Subject: Knowing the truth
In reply to: Isobel and Jade 's message, "Taking it in" on 11:11:27 02/25/02 Mon

Erlic could only imagine the thoughts that must be going through the heads of the various adventurers. He was primarily concerned for Marz, and Corum, Corum only because wherever Marz went, his friend was sure to follow; Marz, because the youth acted first, and thought later, especially after having witnessed the youth’s outpouring rage at the loss of an urchin, and Ravin for the empathy he normally allowed himself to feel. He realized that with the four of them, the fight against the ambush that he most certainly realized would be set at Queen Kazabet’s castle, the battle would be quite difficult. Yes, he wouldn’t mind help from the others, but by the same token, he also didn’t want to risk their very own lives on a matter that basically concerned he, Marz, and Ravin.

He took into careful consideration that Tristan would not heed his words, and simply follow Marz because of the relationship they shared. But he had tried to warn everyone that because of that simple word, relationship, Tegol would somehow try to take advantage of the situation, thus weakening the very resolve that someone would normally have.

Erlic didn’t have to worry about friends, for he really had none, at least no close friends to speak of. Grant it, he had made acquaintances along the way, but never a really close relationship to speak of. He had tried with Laurel, and failed miserably, as he expected he would. He would never find himself in the socialite arena, unless he was being paid to do a job that required it.

By all standard terms, he was primarily a businessman. His dealings with assassin guild masters had earned him a reputation, a business reputation, and in business there really wasn’t time for social gatherings. Yes, you could have the casual drink here, and there, but that was as far as it went. Everyone involved in that particular business usually remained quite distant with the exception of those who had the uncanny ability to get close to people, to dupe them into thinking they were their closest friend, only to murder them in the very end.

He had announced his warning, hoping that everyone understood the dangers involved. Tegol was not a man that thought rationally, rather he acted on instinct, and being grounded only by the advisors he constantly kept. They were the ones that had to be feared the most, and because they usually had to report back to Tegol, they had to insure that any endeavor went well, or there would be repercussions from the crime lord to face.

It suddenly dawned on him that no everyone was aware of the multiple dangers facing the group. Grant it everyone already knew about Tegol’s attempt on the tavern, as well as his possible future attempt to capture them at Kazabet’s castle. But there existed still the danger of the assassins in search of them, and Alakbar, the Sheikh’s son that traveled with them. Jade, the newcomer hadn’t been alerted to this bit of news, and since everyone else was thinking about the tavern, Erlic felt it best to update the young woman.

He tapped Jade on the shoulder, and bid her to follow him. When they reached the opposite end of the tower, Erlic stopped, and spoke. “I feel that by setting you free,” he began, and suddenly stopped. He was definitely slipping, for he hadn’t even noticed that she was finally outfitted in normal garb. He hadn’t taken the liberty of examining her before, but at the moment found her even more appealing now that she was dressed. “As I was saying,” Erlic continued. “I believe that by setting you free, we might have dragged you from the frying pan into the fire. You should be made aware of another danger currently threatening us. The youth Alakbar,” he pointed in the general direction of where Justin stood guarding the Sheikh’s son, “is the son of a sheikh, and because we freed him from a group that had him kidnapped, they are also after us. By they, I’m referring to assassins, precisely the Slayers.”

At least she was made aware of the dangers that threatened her should she continue with the group. “I thought that you should know.”

Erlic still wondered about the woman, and why she had been shackled to the wall in the cell. How could she possibly escape unless she had thieving abilities? But hadn’t the Sharm stripped her of any clothing? So why the need to shackle her as well? He stared into her eyes trying to justify the questions that currently went unanswered. Was there more to the woman than met the eye? And yet she presented herself extremely well, as if very confident in her abilities.

He was at it again, and that was his major problem. He didn’t view a newcomer as a new adventurer, but rather a suspect. He now realized that he had done that with anyone he met. Business. That was the only way his mind worked. It, perhaps, was the only reason that he never made friends, for he chosen that lifestyle long ago, and had never altered his views, even though his mentor warned him that such strengths could prove to be one’s weaknesses.

Suddenly he felt very tired, and very drained, and would have liked nothing better than to simply sleep, but knew it was out of the question. He had to remain in control at all times, even when he slept. How ironic. He specifically had learned the art of sleeping, and keeping awake at the same time. Survival. It was a constant struggle, a game, and a way to survive. Especially now with the newest events unfolding before his very eyes. The countless deaths, the kidnapping of Dalo, Jake, and Eremis. The rescue attempt of Dalo, and Jake, only to find that Tegol had taken Eremis. He wished he could rush to avenge the deaths of those he thought dear, at least in his mind, and knew he could only wait, and it was the waiting that was the hardest part.

He had found himself still staring into Jade’s eyes, a depth in them that could easily captivate any man, but not him. Why? Too many questions for him to start philosophizing about, and trying to earn an answer. Change? He didn’t know how, that was relatively obvious. So, for now, he would have to simply remain Erlic, Señor Frio as Isobel so quaintly referred him as. For the first time in a long time, his infamous grin appeared on his face without him even realizing it.

“You can travel with us as much as you please, and leave when you wish,” Erlic finished as he addressed Jade once again. “As I said, there is more than one danger threatening us at the moment.”

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