Narrator:
Jhereg, as is his want, tours his camp at dusk, to keep the sun out of his sensitive eyes. The tour usually lasts well into the night, shaking hands, hearing the swearing of oaths, and in general trying hard to look noble. It also allows him to get a read on how much experience in the wilds his people have. Some of them are pitiful, sure to meet with mishap if they run afoul a woodland creature or person that understands how to move in the woods.
It comes as a rude shock to Jhereg to realize that tonight *he* is being stalked. By somebody who makes no noise, and can not be found when looked for. But he does palm a dagger just to be on the safe side.
Jhereg:
I don't *think* our camp is too close to the castle to be in the forbidden area.
Narrator:
Jhereg carefully sets out to expose his tracker into making a mistake. His armour feels woefully inadequate around his shoulder blades. At first it seems like the attempt is working, in a second the stalker is going to be unable to follow without giving himself away. Jhereg slowly puts an arrow to nock and starts to draw...
[SNAP!]
The noise is *behind* Jhereg, who spins knowing that his grand plan for putting this arrow into someplace showy on his target isn't going to come off as planned. In fact, he doesn't even have a target yet, he's going to have to work to hit *anything*. As he comes around, something - no two somethings - come flying through the night air at him. He flinches before he realizes that they are two halves of a broken stick.
Schol:
Hello is this the Jhereg Castle Preservation Society Meeting?
[steps from behind a tree when Jhereg lowers his bow]
You know you really ought to be more careful. You could get hurt like that. It's good to see you my friend.
Jhereg:
That type of thing can get you killed.
Schol:
Why do you think I was standing behind the tree? Anyway I took precautions.
So how's life been treating you?
Personally I've been evading bounty hunters who've been answering your invitation.
Jhereg:
It's good to see you again my friend. I have been hoping you would come. I have a place for you here if you are interested. I need a scout and most of these *soldiers* need a keeper in the woods. Think you might be interested?
Schol:
Yes, if you can keep these bounty hunters from trying to put my head in a bag and run for Lethebridge at the first opportunity.
Jhereg: [with a chuckle]
Harold didn't do you any favors with that reward of his did he? These men are sworn to me. One of the advantages of being a lord is that my word is law, especially in this part of McMannon. Once I make it clear that I like seeing your head attached to your shoulders most of the problem is solved. You will still have to be on your guard for awhile. Somebody will decide to try it anyway.
Once we break camp your value as a scout will begin to be more important to them than any reward Harold might have offered. I have already weeded out most of the most xenophobic types anyway.
Schol:
Sounds okay. Anyway if I had any serious objection I wouldn't have shown up. So how's the pay.
Jhereg:
The pay sucks unless there is any truth to the old rumors of treasure in the castle. I can offer some good fringe benefits though. All the food you can eat, a safe place to sleep and a chance to practice your magic without interruption. In return, I want you the scout for me and help me polish my skills with the katana.
[Holding out his hand, or whatever elves do to seal a bargain]
Have we a deal?
Schol: (Leading Jhereg away from camp)
Who needs gold. I have more than I can spend. Which isn't saying much. Anyway I was talking about the companionship. (Just about the time Jhereg realizes he's left camp behind he sees Schol's horse and Schol stops to draw a sword from his saddle)
I have a few conditions attached. I only work at night. I sleep during the day and I get first pick of anything interesting we come across.
(Schol offers his hand in the custom of the humans.)
Deal?
Jhereg:
Response
Schol: (Schol offers a finely made katana)
I found something you might be interested in. Whatcha think? What's it worth to you?
Jhereg:
By the way have you seen either Tiberious or Evaine? I sent messages for all three of you.
Schol:
We went our separate ways. I haven't seen either of them for quite a while.
Rich:
Forget talking to Dave. I just remembered that Schol has a Spare katana that he doesn't really need.