101 Blood and Shadow (2/2)
And boy, was he devastated when he found out about his comrade's untimely death.
At first, he thought that it was the doing of those bastard guards, where they tortured Halbert for fun and giggles in their sick amusement. He then feared that he was too late in saving him. But as it turns out, it was actually some form of sinister magic that played a huge role in this incident, where Halbert died before getting the chance to confess their client's name.
Additionally, he can't intervene at the night of Halbert's capture, where the Baron is witnessed alongside with the guards, and it's not worth the risk. He thought that it would be best to wait for Halbert to be imprisoned where he could free him instead, but such is no longer the case.
”Halbert told me that the client was a Mage, the esteemed Dean from Flocaster.” The young man's frown turned more prominent as he thought more about the vile elf. ”If anyone were to blame, then it's most likely him… Luthais Faelar.”
The name, he uttered every syllable with both hatred and rage.
The general public always thought that the Guild of Shadows is simply a group of crooks and thieving outlaws who'll do anything for the sake of gold and riches, no matter what the cost. They are also a guild of highly trained thieves who knows how to get the job done with brutal efficiency without taking their morals and the dire consequences into account.
But what the people do not know is that the Guild also adhere to a set of values and conducts that separate them from a mere Bandit hunting for the innocent and the weak. No, the Guild is much more than that.
Even thieves have their standards of honourable conduct, no matter how twisted it may be in the eyes of the many. One thing that's for sure is that they value their camaraderie and friendship towards one another, leaving no man behind in their line of contract as much as they possibly can. They also never steal from the poor, and provide some subtle assistance, especially to the beggars and orphanages every now and then.
The Guild of Shadows is like a Brotherhood, the one aspect that makes them comparable to the Warrior's Guild. Every member of the Shadows are treasured, and their precious lives can never be replaced. That's the decree that every Master or Mistress of the Shadows have emphasized to their subordinates in every generation of thieves to promote a harmonious working environment amidst the disorder of crime and mayhem.
”The death of one Shadow demands the dark honour of blood; paid with the price of disgrace, degradation, and dishonour, all for the eternal suffering that would ensure even after the offender's passing from this cruel world.” The young man closed his eyes while reciting one of the doctrines presented in the Shadow Tapestry.
The young man gave one final bow of respect to his friend's crystal before withdrawing it inside his Inventory, where he will be taking it to the Guild Priest for a proper burial, and not to be disposed of like trash as ordered by the Diener.
”May you walk in peace among the Shadows, Halbert Payton.” The young man gave his last sincere words to the departed.
With his mourning concluded, the young man decided to return back to the Guild as the mission is already forfeited.
Sure, he can resume it by assuming the mantle more directly and kidnap the Lady instead in Halbert's place, but the Shadow no longer is affiliated with the quest the moment when Luthais' magic was invoked.
Blood and Shadow demand the elf's demise, and protocol dictates that the quest for dark revenge should be consulted first with the Mistress. As a result, the young man will beg for the Mistress that it will be he who will be performing the deed as a form of shadowy retribution and redemption for failing the mission itself.
And by the dagger shall Luthais fall under the subterfuge of Connor Raulf, that he promised until his dying breath.
\u003cQUEST FAILED!!\u003e
\u003cA Lady's abduction\u003e
\u003cQuest Summary\u003e
\u003cQuest Completion\u003e - Help Halbert in case he failed his task. [X]
___
\u003cQUEST START!!\u003e
\u003cBlood and Shadow\u003e
[The death of one Shadow demands the dark honour of blood; paid with the price of disgrace, degradation, and dishonour, all for the eternal suffering that would ensure even after the offender's passing from this cruel world. Those are one of the binding words that are found at the Shadow Tapestry which every Guild member of the Shadows strictly follow. As such, you are to first head back to the Guild and consult with the Mistress of Shadows regarding this disquieting affair. From there, she'll provide you with more of what you are going to do.]
\u003cQuest Completion\u003e - Speak with the Mistress of Shadows and get her permission to do the honour of shadow vengeance.
\u003cQuest Bonus\u003e - (???)
\u003cQuest Rewards\u003e - (???), (???), (???)