{"id":2618,"date":"2019-03-02T07:44:59","date_gmt":"2019-03-02T13:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2618"},"modified":"2019-03-09T07:37:27","modified_gmt":"2019-03-09T13:37:27","slug":"2618","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2618","title":{"rendered":"Lucky Luck – Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 3: A Lucky Job<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gwen moved slightly so the server could take the plate away.\u00a0 Zoe had talked about the town, showing that she could pick up information from people, and even mentioned that some bounty hunter was looking for a woman with powers.\u00a0 The description was long brown hair, and brown eyes, and a mage.\u00a0 Gwen felt a bit of relief they were not looking for her, and relaxed a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, are we really leaving then?\u2019 Zoe asked, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, a bit too crowded here,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 The merchants would be here for another couple of days, and with so much activity she felt anxious to leave.\u00a0 She also knew with what Zoe saved her, she could afford to move on to the next town before looking for jobs.<\/p>\n

\u201cBigger towns mean more jobs,\u201d Zoe said, as if reading her mind.\u00a0 \u201cYou could do some bounty hunter jobs or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, already do stuff like that,\u201d Gwen replied, not going into details about what she had done before.\u00a0 The customers of the inn, their attitudes made her uneasy.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really don\u2019t handle crowds well do you,\u201d Zoe said, catching Gwen off guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, no, old habit, too many people around and I like to keep an eye on that, don\u2019t trust people and pickpockets,\u201d Gwen replied, skirting the issue slightly.\u00a0 \u201cAnd the people around here make me nervous as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, here, why\u2019s that?\u201d Zoe asked back, making a point to look around at the people.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t see anything wrong with these people, most are actually quite nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey look normal, but each of them has a secret they hold,\u201d Gwen stated, taking a look around at the group before continuing.\u00a0 \u201cSecrets they don\u2019t want told, of course we all have that, but these people have larger secrets, ones that effect more people, ones that can cause governments to cease to function.\u00a0 It\u2019s their positions that create such things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well I guess so, though some normal people might have that,\u201d Zoe said quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThink so, it\u2019s possible,\u201d Gwen said, recalling her own secret which was dangerous to anyone around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are,\u201d a male voice said, causing them both to turn as a man walked up to their table.\u00a0 Gwen recognized the man as john, who they had met the other day.\u00a0 \u201cMust be a lucky day, thought maybe you had left town already.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen privately wished she had gone upstairs to pack, now she would have to listen to some proposal from this merchant.\u00a0 A look over at Zoe seeing an excited look in her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, we were about to head up to pack,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 Gwen had no idea if the girl was excited about leaving, or leaving with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, I am in time,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should pack up and leave, shouldn\u2019t wait too much longer before heading out,\u201d Gwen said, knowing how long it would take to reach the next town.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yes, about that, I have a proposition for you then,\u201d John replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk fast,\u201d Gwen said, hoping things did not get too complex.<\/p>\n

\u201cHush,\u201d Zoe said, giving a slight slap to Gwen\u2019s hand, who raised an eyebrow at the girl, who merely refocused her attention back to John.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I prefer we talk about this in private,\u201d John said, giving a glance around, and increasing Gwen\u2019s uneasy feeling.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, we can talk while we pack, right,\u201d she said, looking over at Gwen in excitement at the fact of a job.\u00a0 Gwen realized she had no way of backing out without sounding ungrateful, and reluctantly agreed to it.<\/p>\n

It took them only a few minutes to reach the room, and Gwen waited until Zoe and John were inside before moving in as well.\u00a0 She went over, sitting down across from John, as Zoe moved over the bed, bouncing down onto the mattress before looking on.\u00a0 Gwen thought of a thousand things John might want, and none were good.\u00a0 Her mind already thinking of ways to reject him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s like this, I always send back my money in segments, that way I never had it all on me at one time,\u201d John said.\u00a0 \u201cOne of my trusted associates takes it back so I never lose my profits.\u00a0 The problem is my previous guards went to a rival, and I fear my plans are compromised.\u00a0 I pay well, for delivery of both trips.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen was impressed by the amount of foresight John had to prevent losing too much to robbers.\u00a0 She thought about what he said for several seconds.\u00a0 \u201cHow many other guards, and how many holding the money?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cA total of eight people if you both go.\u00a0 I\u2019m with a friend on this one this time, we each have two associates, one who has the money, the other person is along as a decoy in case trouble happens, and he has hired two guards.\u00a0 Any bigger of a group might attract too much attention, and slow things down,\u201d John replied back to her.<\/p>\n

Gwen tapped a finger on the table surface thinking about the situation.\u00a0 Looking over at Zoe, she appeared ready to go, almost jumping up and down with excitement.\u00a0 Eight people, probably walking into a trap, not something she did every day.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow strong were the ex-guards?\u201d Zoe asked, as Gwen continued to think about the job.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot too strong, had some fighting power, probably nothing more than a level nine, eight at the highest,\u201d John replied.\u00a0 Gwen realized the ex-guards were probably no match for her.\u00a0 Looking over at Zoe, then back at John, she finally made up her mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, but I must be crazy, walking into a trap isn\u2019t my idea of fun, or easy,\u201d Gwen said at long last.<\/p>\n

\u201cWalking into a trap and not knowing, that is mad, if you know the trap is there, you can spring it,\u201d John replied back to her, causing her to roll her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds like you\u2019ve had some military training with philological statement,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome in my youth, spent two years in the town militia, didn\u2019t rank that high to even make level ten,\u201d John answered.\u00a0 \u201cProbably a good thing, I bring in more coin to help the town as a merchant than anything I might have done in the militia.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, where do we meet this group?\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cAnd when?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOutside the gates, my associate is Ben along with Fred, my associate\u2019s friends are Randell and Sara,\u201d John said.\u00a0 \u201cThe only thing left is the fee, how about one hundred creds per trip, and an additional two hundred for both trips successful and no losses for a total of six hundred creds\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen thought about the price for a few seconds, realizing the sum would be quite large.\u00a0 It would make things easy for them in the long run.\u00a0 She also wondered how much they would be protecting if he could afford so much.\u00a0 Deciding she did not need to know, she agreed to the sum.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I look forward to seeing you upon the completion of the assignment, and I have no doubt you\u2019ll do fine,\u201d John said, standing.\u00a0 She stood shaking his hand, hoping the assignment would be as smooth as he thought it might go.<\/p>\n

She did not fear the attack, she hoped the others did not do something so stupid to interfere with her ability to protect them.\u00a0 Watching John leave, she turned to Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, guess we\u2019ve got a job,\u201d Gwen said to Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, can\u2019t wait,\u201d Zoe replied, jumping up to pack.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen made her way down the street along with Zoe, who chatted about a story she heard in the market square earlier between two merchants.\u00a0 Gwen politely listened, but looked around watching to see who might be watching.\u00a0 Only one person seemed to be watching, but the moment he noticed her looking he turned away.<\/p>\n

Her interest in keeping an eye out also extended to Zeltran, the last person she wanted to meet.\u00a0 She had not seen him since this morning, and hoped he had gone on to another town looking for his target, or whatever.\u00a0 At the gate she spotted six people, including John who stood there waiting, and waved her over.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Gwen, over here,\u201c John said, as they moved over.\u00a0 Gwen noticed two of the others appeared to be merchants, two looked to be mercenaries, and the last a woman with black hair slightly longer than Gwen\u2019s.\u00a0 \u201cThis is Celia, the other merchant.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi,\u201d Zoe said, with a smile, the cheerful attitude seemed to catch the woman by surprise, bringing a smile to Gwen\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, pleasure,\u201d Celia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese two are my merchants, Ben and Fred,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re waiting on my two,\u201d Celia said.\u00a0 \u201cThe other two are hired guards.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Gwen said, sizing up the two, and received the same look in return.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look like she\u2019s much of a fighter to me,\u201d one said, giving a nod towards Zoe.\u00a0 Gwen figured he was the leader of the two, turning towards him before answering.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has other purposes,\u201d Gwen said, allowing them to think whatever they wanted.\u00a0 She knew they would assume things, and it would eliminate any moves they might make on Zoe later on.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bet,\u201d the other one said, with a laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now, let\u2019s all get along,\u201d Celia said, looking at the two mercenaries, who merely nodded towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think I see Randell and Sara,\u201d the one named Ben said.\u00a0 Gwen looked to see a couple making their way out of the city and towards them.<\/p>\n

\u201cCelia,\u201d Randell said, looking at the group.\u00a0 \u201cIs this the group?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, behave, both of you, and I\u2019ll be waiting for your return,\u201d Celia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe really should get going,\u201d Gwen said, looking up at the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe you\u2019re right,\u201d Ben agreed.<\/p>\n

They said their good-byes from John and Celia, who whispered something to Sara, before walking off back into town.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked over at Zoe, who waited patiently off to the side.\u00a0 They started out and she made a mental note to keep an eye on the two mercenaries, as they continued to look at Zoe a bit too much for Gwen\u2019s comfort.\u00a0 Zoe seemed oblivious to attention, or ignored it.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, is it true that there are different ranks of fighters?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, based on a system of one to ten,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cUsually eight though ten are the low class foot soldiers, then there are the middle class, four through seven, make up the file and rank soldiers, levels two and three are the elites and level one is the top class, the real monsters of the fighting world.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWow, and there are people at each level?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but not all of them are nice people, or even that smart,\u201d Gwen answered, not saying anything about who she knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever met any of them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSome, even a level one,\u201d Gwen said, seeing a look of amazement on Zoe\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019ve traveled quite a bit,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

Gwen merely nodded, but said nothing about where she had gone, either in the Realm, or the Shadowlands.\u00a0 She did not know how much other others would know, or what they might say.\u00a0 She still had a job to do, and a long way to go to complete it.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked back as Ben called for a break.\u00a0 The group found a nice spot to sit down, and eat a snack.\u00a0 Gwen took out two nut bars, handing one over to Zoe, who gratefully accepted it along with some water.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, been doing good, and so far, been peaceful,\u201d Ben said, looking up at the sky.\u00a0 They still had a few hours of daylight left.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s not get too lax, we\u2019re still not there yet,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Sara said.\u00a0 \u201cWe still have a lot of ground to cover.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything can happen, so we shouldn\u2019t let our guard down,\u201d Gwen said to them.\u00a0 She really wanted to get to the town and back with no problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot that right, had one year, a large group of raiders dropped in on us, what a fight that was,\u201d Randell said, with a shudder at the memory.\u00a0 \u201cWe didn\u2019t lose anyone, but Gregory did, two guards for three raiders.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo how far are we?\u201d Gwen asked, hoping they had gone past the halfway point.<\/p>\n

\u201cPassed the halfway point back at the three rocks,\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most dangerous part of the journey,\u201d Gwen said, watching them all nod.\u00a0 Raiders usually attacked near the midway points where it took the longest to get help.\u00a0 Only the smart or stupid attacked closer to the towns.<\/p>\n

She glanced up seeing one of the guards walking over, looking at Zoe once more before looking at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, can you use that?\u2019 he asked, his tone indicating what he thought of her abilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think you want to find out,\u201d Gwen replied without humor.\u00a0 He turned his attention from her to Zoe.\u00a0 Gwen watched, ready to jump in, but did not want to be overbearing.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey babe, how about we celebrate in style,\u201d he said, looking at Zoe, who appeared uncomfortable with the attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, no thanks,\u201d Zoe politely replied, as Gwen stepped between the two, earning a chuckle from the seated guard.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s outta your league man,\u201d the seated one finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen she\u2019s defiantly out of your league old man,\u201d the reply came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, perhaps we should think about heading out if everyone finished,\u201d Ben said interrupting the standoff.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t want to waste too much light, still winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d the seated guard said, standing with a stretch.<\/p>\n

They started back off down the road, with Gwen leading the group with Zoe.\u00a0 She looked over at the smaller girl due to the fact she was so quiet.\u00a0 Such a thing had yet to happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou all right?\u201d Gwen asked, wondering if something had happened, or if she stepped in too soon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThinking,\u201d Zoe replied, not going in to details.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you like one of them?\u201d Gwen asked, wanting to know the answer.\u00a0 She would not stand in the way if the girl did like one of them, but the image of Zoe with either of the other two did not settle well with Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not my type\u201d Zoe replied quickly, looking up at Gwen then back to the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cUn-huh, so what is your type?\u201d Gwen asked, grinning slightly at the blush that appeared on the girl\u2019s cheeks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I guess I don\u2019t know,\u201d Zoe replied, not looking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs he tall, handsome, blonde hair, black hair?\u201d Gwen asked, pressing slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not sure, maybe tall, or at least taller than me,\u201d Zoe said finally.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people are taller than you,\u201d Gwen replied giving her a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHa-ha.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen started to reply, when she felt auras up ahead.\u00a0 Looking down the road she saw no one coming towards them.\u00a0 Extending her aura even more she sense six people up ahead, and knew they had to be hidden.\u00a0 She frowned slightly as she realized one was a mage, the other five were fighters.\u00a0 She held up a hand to stop the group.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Ben asked as the other two guards walked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou two, stay with the merchants, Zoe, stay here as well.\u00a0 We have five hidden magic users, and one mage up ahead,\u201d Gwen said to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re going to take them on alone?\u201d the bald guard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can avoid the trap easier by myself than if you were with me,\u201d Gwe said.\u00a0 \u201cOur job is to protect the merchants, you can do that by staying here with them than by coming with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about me, I\u2019ll be right here with the merchants,\u201d Zoe said, not arguing with her.\u00a0 Gwen felt grateful for that, and waited for the other two guards.\u00a0 They finally agreed, but stayed a bit further out as Gwen continued down the road before stopping close to the trap.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can come out, I know you\u2019re there,\u201d Gwen said, speaking up so they could hear her.\u00a0 She brought forth some fighting power, and kept herself ready for the attack she knew would happen.\u00a0 She knew the mage could feel her power, but unsure if the others could.<\/p>\n

She avoided two arrows easily, slightly disappointed that they had attacked.\u00a0 Taking some throwing stars she sent them flying towards the bushes, hearing muffled thumps as three thieves dropped from the trees.\u00a0 Two large bodies dropped down in front of her, holding swords.\u00a0 She recognized the grunts of the group, as they smiled slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t take us both on and him,\u201d one said, pointing to a person off to the side.\u00a0 By the posture she knew he was the mage, and concentrating on starting a spell.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, watch me,\u201d Gwen said, launching another throwing star towards the mage causing him to break his concentration for defense as a shield of ice appeared.\u00a0 Gwen used that break to attack the two fighters in front of her.\u00a0 In less than a second she had both of them disarmed and looking stunned at what happened.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019re no match for me, you have fighting power, but not much, and he is a low class mage, which means he can\u2019t produce a defensive spell while completing his attack spell.\u00a0 Get lost, you\u2019ve already lost three of your companions, you can be next.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched, waiting several heartbeats as they tried to figure out what to do.\u00a0 The mage seemed to be the only one with brains as he turned and ran off into the bushes.\u00a0 Gwen felt him run further and further away, out his spell range.\u00a0 The other two went for their swords, attacking her as quickly as they could.\u00a0 Gwen easily blocked the attacks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave you a second chance and you blew it,\u201d Gwen said, countering the blows with her own attack.\u00a0 The thieves stumbled slightly barely realizing what happened to them.\u00a0 Gwen watched as they fell to the ground.<\/p>\n

Cleaning her blade before walking back to the group she endured a quick check over by Zoe, who seemed concerned that nothing happened to her.\u00a0 The others looked on wide-eyes at what she had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever seen such speed,\u201d one of them said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat level are you at?\u201d the bald man said, looking at Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d have to say at least level seven or higher.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEh, enough to cause problems,\u201d Gwen said avoiding the question.\u00a0 \u201cWell, the path is clear, so we should get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the mage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s still running,\u201d Gwen said, her aura had tracked him running away and the last she felt him, he was still moving away quickly.\u00a0 \u201cWith his group gone, shouldn\u2019t be a problem, especially if we keep moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSound good,\u201d Fred said.<\/p>\n

The group continued on, but now the other two guards gave her a look of respect, awe and fear.\u00a0 Zoe alone seemed unaffected having seen her power once already against Stephos.\u00a0 Gwen hoped nothing else happened on the way to the town.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen felt relieved they arrived at the town, with some daylight left.\u00a0 The torches were being lit, and the last rays of the sun fading away giving birth to a beautiful sunset, which Zoe pointed out to her.\u00a0 Now as the group made arrangements for the next morning, and when they would leave, the merchants went back to their homes.\u00a0 Gwen made her way to the inn along with Zoe.<\/p>\n

She walked in feeling a strong fighting power nearby, looking around but did not recognize anyone.\u00a0 She knew it was not the mage from before, as the power was stronger, but despite not seeing anyone familiar thought the fighting power seemed familiar to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow much for a room?\u201d Gwen asked when she reached the innkeeper, trying to remain casual in case someone watched her moves.\u00a0 She did not want to give away anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cFive creds,\u201d the man replied, looking her over.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Gwen said, about to ask for two room when she recognized the fighting power, Stephos.\u00a0 He was close by and probably still after Zoe.\u00a0 Deciding to not let the girl out of her sight, she replied to him.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll take one room for me and my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

The innkeeper shrugged but tossed her a key as she handed over five creds.\u00a0 \u201cThird room on the right,\u201d he said to her, turning to the other two guards that followed her into the inn.\u00a0 She looked over at Zoe who seemed thoughtful about something, but did not seem upset at sharing a room.<\/p>\n

She made her way off with Zoe behind her down to the room.\u00a0 Entering the room she noticed once more only one bed, but a bit larger than the last one, and two could sleep comfortably on it.\u00a0 She looked over at Zoe who had a strange weird, happy look on her face.<\/p>\n

\u201cNice, not quite like the last room, but at least its clean,\u201d Gwen said, looking at the wash basin, and the small table and chair before walking over to the window.\u00a0 She had a view of the street, and only had to wait a moment before Stephos appeared, confronted by several guards.\u00a0 They talked for a few minutes before he walked out of town, much to Gwen\u2019s relief.\u00a0 Looking back in the room Zoe had set the backpacks down on the table and going through the items.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow about something to eat?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cS-Sure,\u201d Zoe replied, looking up at Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, I\u2019ll treat,\u201d Gwen said walking back down to the eating area.\u00a0 She spotted the other two guards, who waved them over.\u00a0 She looked over at Zoe making sure she felt fine with it before heading over.<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting job, eh,\u201d the bald one said.\u00a0 Gwen had studied them while on the road and knew he was Sven, and the other man\u2019s name was Otto.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, it could be worse,\u201d Gwen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear that, at least this one is legal,\u201d Otto stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cAye,\u201d Sven said, motioning for the waitress, who came over so they could order something.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do illegal work?\u201d Zoe asked after the waitress left.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho hasn\u2019t in this line of word,\u201d Sven answered.\u00a0 \u201cWhen you\u2019re strapped for creds, you\u2019ll reach a point where you\u2019ll accept just about any job to survive.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t mean we\u2019re suicidal though,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cThere are some targets out there no one will touch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLike that contract on Stephos,\u201d Sven said, sharing a glance with Otto.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a hit out on him?\u201d Gwen asked, it was something she had not run across yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be new, he\u2019s had on one his head now for years,\u201d Otto said, looking over at Sven.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d say it\u2019s been about ten years now, the bounty offices don\u2019t generally talk about it much anymore, not after that last group,\u201d Sven said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh gods, that was a disaster, what was that, eight years ago?\u201d Otto asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, seven, they had asked me, but I was on another job,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cA group calling themselves the Collectors, six of \u2018em, not too good, and he killed them all.\u00a0 Left their bodies strung up on the road as a warning to others.\u00a0 Nasty sight,\u201d Sven said with a slight shiver.\u00a0 \u201cA few try occasionally, but meet up with the same fate.\u201d<\/p>\n

The waitress returned with their food, setting down the plates and walking back off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one has come close to collecting that,\u201d Otto said, taking a swallow of his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy doesn\u2019t he conqueror a spot and rule it?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeard that would put in out in public, and add in the Realm which probably would start looking at him closely, and while Stephos is strong, there are many in the Realm stronger than him,\u201d Sven answered.\u00a0 \u201cStephos enjoys his power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTimes are changing though, especially in the Realm,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cHeard the latest tumors, not good.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u2019 Gwen asked, her curiosity piqued.<\/p>\n

\u201cRebels are making a scene, attacking the current king,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cThey are using the Shadowlands as a hiding place, gathering support.\u00a0 They want to make a new army, especially after that last try a couple of years ago, big scandal, remember that one well.\u00a0 Rumor was some sort of fracturing of the Royal Family, someone tried to take over, killed hundreds.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFelt that one all the out here,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cHad members of the Realm scouring though looking for someone.\u00a0 Killed hundreds more doing that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHeard they eventually caught the person, executed her on the spot,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cWas lucky to avoid them back then, that\u2019s when I met up with Otto here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, but that family needs shaking up,\u201d Otto replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, who is running this rebellion?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cRumor is Ruth\u2019s fianc\u00e9e is,\u201d Sven answered, causing Gwen to cough at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay?\u201d Zoe asked, looking over at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, swallowed wrong,\u201d Gwen replied, taking a drink to cover her slip up.\u00a0 She thought about what Sven and Otto said, wondering what happened in the Realm.\u00a0 She had a much different account of those events, but choice not to say anything at the moment.\u00a0 She did not believe the rumor about who led the rebellion now, she knew for a fact all the leaders had been killed.\u00a0 As for who currently led it, she was positive that person had been killed as well.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, where are you from?\u201d Otto asked, bringing Gwen out of her thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe, here and there, no particular place.\u00a0 Parents were killed in a raid, had no one else, had to learn how to survive for myself, job to job, fortunately I was strong enough to get good work,\u201d Gwen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, sounds like me, though I have a sister back in Krish, haven\u2019t seen her in a few years.\u00a0 She married had a couple of kids, wanted me to settle down last time I was there, wasn\u2019t for me,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHave a daughter back in Blackwood,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cHowever me and her ma don\u2019t get along, so I don\u2019t visit often.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen had the impression that like her, they did not tell everything in the story.\u00a0 However she did not press the issue.\u00a0 Most bounty hunters had some shady past, and the few who didn\u2019t were usually family who had been in the business for years.\u00a0 Few pushed for additional details past the original story.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about you?\u00a0 Don\u2019t look like the type to be doing this?\u201d Otto asked, looking at Zoe.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever knew my parents, grew up in an orphanage, going from place to place,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cGuess I was lucky to not be sold as a slave early on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll say, a lot of orphans are,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cSo, think anything will happen on the way back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t say, we did deal with that group on the way,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean she did,\u201d Sven said.\u00a0 \u201cEasiest fight I\u2019ve ever had.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must have had some training,\u201d Otto said, looking at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome from a man who served in the Realm\u2019s army,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 Not quite a lie, but the closest she could come with actually giving away anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, there are some old soldiers out here, retired and wanting a peaceful life, though I don\u2019t find it very peaceful out here anymore,\u201d Sven said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you were lucky, trained up with that power you have, makes your abilities even better, you must have learned how to use your aura to scan for others,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, is a real advantage when out on the road,\u201d Gwen replied back to them.<\/p>\n

The conversation drifted to other subjects, as Sven told of some of his jobs, entertaining them.\u00a0 They were not as bad as Gwen first thought, normal mercenaries trying to get through life.\u00a0 Similar to what she was trying to do.<\/p>\n

They ended the meal heading back to the rooms and with a plan to meet up the next morning, eat and then meet with the merchants for the travel back.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen strolled along with Zoe, who had been quiet for a change.\u00a0 Gwen felt unsure if something bothered the girl or not.\u00a0 Sven and Otto had agreed to guard the rear of the group with the merchants in the middle.<\/p>\n

Gwen wondered if Zoe had been awake this morning.\u00a0 Gwen awoke to the feeling of someone snuggled up against her once again.\u00a0 Sometime during the night Zoe had snuggled up to her, and once more the girl slept nude, much to Gwen\u2019s chagrin.\u00a0 The feeling of the girl\u2019s soft skin, the curve of her hips, the soft breasts pressing into her side, all sent her thoughts anywhere but on innocent thoughts.<\/p>\n

Something about the girl attracted Gwen\u2019s attention, as much as she tried to fight it yet something drew her in.\u00a0 True, she had met prettier, and sexier girls in her travels, but none ever seemed to make Gwen want to be with them more than a night.\u00a0 Zoe had long blonde hair, and a sexy figure, and the girl was cute, but her attitude seemed different.\u00a0 The mix of shy innocence and sexy vixen contradicted each other.<\/p>\n

The combination meant Gwen wanted to know more about the girl, who she was, what she liked, and dislikes.\u00a0 One big question that came to mind, how did Stephos enter the picture, and why did he want Zoe so much?\u00a0 She had the feeling they would meet up again, and that his appearance at the town last night was not an accident.\u00a0 If so, then someone was giving him information about their movements, or they were tailing them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think about the clouds, sometimes they move so quickly, and other times, it\u2019s like they are standing still, maybe their alive or something,\u201d Zoe said, breaking the silence.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked over to see the girl looking upwards through the break in the tress at the clouds.\u00a0 She looked up herself seeing the clouds Zoe spoke about barely moving at all, puffy white.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably won\u2019t rain,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cLight clouds, something I\u2019m grateful for right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, what\u2019s that?\u201d Zoe asked, looking at Gwen then back up at the clouds.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, this time of year, those dark clouds could mean rain, or snow, or something else, you never know which,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 \u201cThough I\u2019d rather have the snow than rain right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm, yeah, I guess that\u2019s true, still,\u201d Zoe said, looking up at them.\u00a0 \u201cThey are beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen looked up once more realizing that her companion had the ability to see the beauty in things instead of the practical side.\u00a0 When had she lost that ability?\u00a0 She could barely recall a time when she did not look at the world in a certain way, the way she had been trained.\u00a0 Then came the betrayal and violence, and she wondered if she ever could see the world that way again.<\/p>\n

Gwen spotted the three rocks, and realized they were at the halfway point.\u00a0 The most dangerous part of the trip.\u00a0 They had passed a few people on the way, no one claimed any problems, even one wagon.\u00a0 She noted that the bodies of the raiders had been carried away already, either by scavengers or wild animals, she did not know.<\/p>\n

Zoe continued talking about some building she had seen back in another town.\u00a0 She half listened in until she felt fighters ahead.\u00a0 Signaling for the group to stop, even as two men jumped down in front of them.\u00a0 She frowned knowing they did not carry anything of value, and wondered what the thieves wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, well, I see we met again,\u201d a voice said, speaking up, one she recognized.\u00a0 She looked off to the side seeing Stephos walk out of the bushes.\u00a0 \u201cYou interrupted my men yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re men, should have guessed, they were not very good,\u201d Gwen replied, feeling around for anyone else.\u00a0 Stephos would not be so stupid as to do a frontal attack, his character did not work that way.\u00a0 \u201cThought you learned your lesson last time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no, we have unfinished business, and as for her, well, she is mine, aren\u2019t you sweetheart,\u201d Stephos said.<\/p>\n

Gwen felt two more behind them, and made a signal to Sven and Otto, hoping they caught it and took care of her rear.\u00a0 \u201cMy friend and I are not in the mood for you today,\u201d Gwen said, shielding Zoe from him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re not going to hand her over, thought you\u2019d have gotten tired of her yapping yet, she does talk too much, a bit of an airhead if you ask me.\u00a0 Pretty little thing, but missing so much on top,\u201d Stephos said, grinning slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that, she\u2019s obviously got more brains than you,\u201d Gwen replied as her aura felt a change, and she realized her mistake.\u00a0 \u201cOff the road, now,\u201d she yelled out, pulling Zoe with her into the bushes<\/p>\n

Zoe protested even as the spell rushed down the road.\u00a0 Gwen took a second to look around, seeing four merchants motionless by the stunning spell.\u00a0 Sven and Otto had managed to leap clear.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn it, can\u2019t you do anything right?\u201d she heard Stephos yell.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay here,\u201d Gwen said to Zoe, quickly focusing her aura, and finding what she was looking for, the mage who cast the spell.\u00a0 She threw several throwing stars, watching as the mage managed to deflect one, and ran off as the other two embedded themselves in the trees splintering them.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome back here coward,\u201d Stephos yelled.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeems like your little surprise didn\u2019t work as well as you hoped,\u201d Gwen said, looking at Stephos, who was still watching his retreating mage, and now appeared less cocky than before.\u00a0 She brought up her fighting power waiting to see what Stephos would do next.<\/p>\n

The standoff lasted a few seconds, as Stephos looked at her, then the others, before retreating back into the bushes.\u00a0 Gwen had the impression that once again they would see each other again.\u00a0 It also brought up the question, why was he so obsessed with Zoe?\u00a0 It was something she might have to talk with Zoe over again, and maybe push a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that was fun, but,\u201d Otto said, trailing off and looking back towards the still stunned merchants.\u00a0 They all looked over, seeing the four figures in the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure, but I don\u2019t think they were after money this time,\u201d Sven said logically.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe mistakenly thinks that I\u2019m in love with him,\u201d Zoe said, speaking up to them.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve told him time and again that I\u2019m not interested, but, well, you know how some guys are, thinks if he can capture me he\u2019ll win my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, some people are strange, and you\u2019re cute, and I wouldn\u2019t mind going out with you, but I\u2019ve found if someone isn\u2019t interested, it\u2019s easier to move on,\u201d Otto said, sounding rather reasonable.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, plenty of willing people out there to go for rather than focus on one person,\u201d Sven said.<\/p>\n

Gwen listened to the girl tell the story but had the feeling it was not true.\u00a0 She knew Stephos had different intentions for Zoe, and it had nothing to do with love.\u00a0 She did not show any emotions about the story even as she made a mental note to keep her guard up.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they should be fine in an hour or so,\u201d Gwen said to the group after checking them out.\u00a0 \u201cGuess we wait for a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a nice day for it,\u201d Sven said, walking over to a fallen tree and sitting down.<\/p>\n

\u201cMight as well get comfortable then,\u201d Otto replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there no way to undo the spell?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeed a mage, and neither me or Otto are, I know you\u2019re not Gwen, and I doubt you are ma\u2019am,\u201d Sven replied back to her, impressing Gwen with his manners.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, no I\u2019m not,\u201d Zoe replied, looking over at Gwen.<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing I know can undo this except time,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

The group settled down to wait until the spell wore off.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen made her way to the room at the inn, the same one as last time they were there.\u00a0 John had kept the room for them for when they returned.\u00a0 At the moment she had something important on her mind, and waited until they started getting ready for bed before bringing up the subject.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Zoe, you know Stephos won\u2019t stop coming after you, right?\u201d Gwen asked, looking over at the girl.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know,\u201d Zoe replied, sounding slightly defeated.\u00a0 \u201cI hoped he would forget about me, but it doesn\u2019t look that way does it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Gwen said, sitting down on the bed.\u00a0 \u201cSo, how much of what you told Sven and Otto was true?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-I don\u2019t know what you mean,\u201d Zoe replied.\u00a0 Gwen wanted to believe the girl on the story, but something about it seemed off, especially after meeting Stephos now for the second time.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think you do, if he was so enthralled with you, he would have tried a different tactic when we first me.\u00a0 He was ready to rape you that day,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cHe has a reason, and will continue to try, but if you share the reason with me, maybe I can help you out.\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked over at Zoe, who obviously seemed to be thinking about what she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you a slave?\u201d Gwen asked, not really thinking it was that.\u00a0 If she was, Stephos would have approached the situation very differently.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s a complex situation, in a way I was bought, but also taken by him,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cI have some, talents, and some people wanted those talents, but he refused to hand me over despite getting paid for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen sat back a bit, thinking about what Zoe said.\u00a0 Stephos appeared the type of man who might go back on his word, or even a business deal.\u00a0 She accepted the story for now, but the idea of Zoe having \u2018talents\u2019 made her wonder.\u00a0 She did not press at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cSounds about right from what I\u2019ve heard of him,\u201d Gwen said, seeing Zoe relax slightly as it appeared the subject would be dropped.<\/p>\n

Gwen changed into a night shift before heading towards the bed, and to look at Zoe, who finally stood up after being quite for a few seconds.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not sleeping nude again, are you?\u201d Gwen asked, not sure which answer to receive.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep,\u201d Zoe replied with a smile.\u00a0 Gwen groaned slightly before slipping into the bed.\u00a0 She would have to endure this a third time.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen felt relieved to have completed the job with no further complications.\u00a0 Now back at the inn, and sitting across from John who looked rather pleased.\u00a0 Zoe had taken off to the market looking for anything they might need after sorting through their supplies.\u00a0 She had proven quite adapt and taking care of it, at least better than Gwen had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I knew I made the right choice in asking you for the job,\u201d John said, handing over small bag of coins.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe price seems like a lot of creds, not that I\u2019m complaining, but how do you afford that?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake most of my money here in these big cities,\u201d John replied.\u00a0 \u201cSo I have to protect my returns.\u00a0 Being robbed even once is a much greater concern even if I split it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Gwen replied, adding the coins to her purse, a magic bag which was enhanced to carry more than what it showed. Many coin purses were like this one.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you looking for another job?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t know, probably head out someplace,\u201d Gwen replied, not wanting to stay in any one place for too long.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you head over to Setta, look up Hans, he runs a small business, security, always has jobs available, mention my mane and he\u2019ll listen, been a good friend for many years,\u201d John said, Gwen gave it some thought, realizing that it would be good to know people in such places.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat type of jobs?\u201d Gwen asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnything to do with security, people look towards him for many things, so the jobs can vary.\u00a0 I usually hire from him, this year the person he sent wasn\u2019t that good, bailed on me early on when learning about the ex-guards,\u201d John said.\u00a0 \u201cBut anything from guarding a person to a spot.\u00a0 Never know what someone might consider valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen agreed with that.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d have to think about it though,\u2019 she finally said.\u00a0 Having a spot where she could get jobs might be great, but she had problems settling down in one spot for too long.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll send him a message you might be around,\u201d John said.\u00a0 \u201cHeard from Ben that you were attacked twice, on the first trip.\u00a0 I understand the first attack, the second one on the way back makes no sense.\u00a0 Ben had no idea if it was the same group or not.\u00a0 He was stunned by a spell, or so he said.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was, something about wanting revenge for spoiling the first attack,\u201d Gwen replied, not quite lying, as Stephos did mention the first attack.\u00a0 She saw no reason to tell him the real reason behind the second attack.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they knew that you\u2019d return, so I can only assume that they had been told,\u201d John said.\u00a0 \u201cI might have to switch tactics a bit, think of something new.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll think of something,\u201d Gwen said, as a woman walked up to the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cA successful trip, my mercs had quite the positive compliments about you,\u201d the woman said, looking at Gwen, who finally recognized the other merchant partner and took a second to remember the woman\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey were very professional as well,\u201d Gwen replied back to Celia.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I try to hire the best,\u201d Celia said.\u00a0 \u201cWhere\u2019s your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, getting ready to leave,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlready?\u00a0 Shame,\u201d Celia replied.\u00a0 \u201cThought you were part of John\u2019s group, want a job?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at the moment,\u201d Gwen said, watching as Zoe walked into the inn carrying the few supplies with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, got everything,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood,\u201d Gwen said, standing.\u00a0 \u201cWell, if you excuse me, we need to be off, don\u2019t want to wait too long before heading out, want to make the next town while there is still daylight. Might take your advice and head towards Setta.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple of days travel, but some good resting towns on the way,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust be sure not to get lost, it can take you out of the way,\u201d Celia said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t think they\u2019ll have any problems,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n

Gwen took her leave, as she and Zoe went back to the room to pack and leave.<\/p>\n

End part 3, continued in part 4<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lucky Luck by AJ Marks Part 3: A Lucky Job   Gwen moved slightly so the server could take the plate away.\u00a0 Zoe had talked about the town, showing that she could pick up information from people, and even mentioned that some bounty hunter was looking for a woman with powers.\u00a0 The description was long […]
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