Book 3, Chapter 4 - The Reunion (1/2)

“Come, another round!”

The two met clinked their glasses together loudly.

Cloudhawk down the contents of his mug with a series of chugs. He wiped droplets of foamy beer from his face with a dirty forearm and put the mug back down on the table. The girls cooed and lauded his drinking ability while refilling their glasses.

After the first glass Cloudhawk became more boisterous, his eyes watery. Anyone who spent any time drinking with Cloudhawk would be impressed, because it was obvious he was just playing around. It was easier to move mountains than to get this wastelander drunk. It was a ruse to trick others into thinking he’d let his guard down.

“We’ve got six months to finish the mission. Now that we’re here, we have time before results are due.” Cloudhawk lifted his glass again. “There’s no rush. We open that store as soon as possible though. Saving up some funds has to be our first priority.”

Gabriel’s face was tinged red after polishing off his first mug. The alcohol was already working to chisel at his guarded exterior. The scent of the barmaid’s perfume permeated his nostrils and he let go of some of his disgust. It just went to show that anyone got used to the wasteland given enough time, whether it was Gabriel or someone as intractable as Selene Cloude.

“What do you need so much money for?”

“To repay my debt, obviously. Some of which you’re responsible for, too, I’ll remind you. There’s no escaping it!”

Of course there was a reason for Cloudhawk’s decision to open a store here in the Sandbar. Aside from a possible future living here, he also had a mountain of gold he owed to Skye Polaris’ illustrious granddaughter. Thirty or forty thousand, at last tally.

But what was the plan?

At the House of Demonhunters auction, a single high-quality relic in working order could fetch a thousand gold coins only. Cloudhawk’s debt was enough to make a small noble family collapse under its weight. Even the likes of the Cloude family would struggle to pay it off.

And every day it was collecting interest, like a snowball made of shit that was only getting bigger as it rolled downhill. Hell, at this rate he expected it to hit a million before too long.

Thankfully, Dawn was sent off to distant lands after her time in the sanctuary. Cloudhawk hadn’t seen her once since getting out of Hell’s Valley, and he considered that lucky – chances were he’d meet Terrangelica before he could get a word in edgewise. Dawn dogged him to repay the loan like her life depended on it. However, not all of it was Cloudhawk’s alone to bear. Gabriel was responsible for some, and a good chunk at that.

Three years in Hell’s Valley was no picnic, but Cloudhawk wasn’t beat nearly as often as the others. Besides, with his natural fortitude and healing ability, when he did face the whip his recovery was quick. Most of the healing salves Dawn brought for him he ended up giving to Gabriel. Others had the support of their families to lean on. Not the fugitive, especially once he turned his back on Frost de Winter. Who else could he turn to? For three years he received Cloudhawk’s help, so now he was obligated to stay and pay his part.

Gabriel glowered into the contents of his mug. “Hell, you should have enough skill to wiggle your way out of a little debt. Steal a few pretty trinkets and this business is done, no?”

Their store was, in fact, already open. Only, they didn’t have much variety. Aside from the odd wasteland trinket, most of its contents were brought from the elysian lands. The newest elysian weaponry, superior demonhunter armor, exorcist bows and staves, even quality medicines. He’d managed to bring a fair amount of inventory with him, even if it wasn’t very diversified.

Cloudhawk was a uniquely talented thief.

“Sure, I had that idea, but the question is where can I find a good score? Even if I score something, how do I fence it? I can’t say I’m very eager to be hunted by the whole domain.” Cloudhawk rolled his eyes. “Screw around enough in one place and you’re bound to get caught. Best plan is to make some money as honest as we can. But I’m done talking about this depressing shit for today. C’mon, drink!”

Cloudhawk’s eyes scanned the bar, even as he spoke. Like he was looking for something. One of the more attentive barmaids noticed. “Is milord looking for someone?”

He was, and at the moment the Warden wondered why he hadn’t seen her yet. Struck by inspiration, Cloudhawk fished a few gold coins from his pocket and slapped them onto the tabletop. The girls stared, transfixed. None of them had ever seen someone so liberal with his money. Did he just not have any silvers or coppers? Every time he opened his hand it was filled with gold. A single coin would buy a dozen men willing to work themselves to the bone, a dozen beautiful women willing to do whatever he asked.

“Let’s play a game.” A grin spread across Cloudhawk’s face. “I ask a question, you ladies answer. Fastest wins, and the reward is one gold coin. Who wants to play?”

“Oh, me! Me!”

The girls practically wriggled in delight. Gabriel remained quietly watching, wondering what his boss was up to.

Cloudhawk nodded. “Alright. First question – what color underwear are you wearing?”

Pffft! Gabriel spat out a mouthful of beer. This guy had no shame!

Of course, out here in the wasteland it was practically an innocent question. To Gabriel it was almost incomprehensibly lewd.

The girls practically yelled over each other to answer. One even removed her panties to prove she was telling the truth. Cloudhawk was satisfied with her zeal and awarded her the first gold coin.

“Not bad, not bad.” Cloudhawk continued. “Is there a girl working here, ‘sha’ something?”