Chapter 268 (1/2)

Book 3, Chapter 4 – The Reunion

“Come, another round!”

The two ether loudly

Cloudhan the contents of his s He wiped droplets of foa 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 ti with Cloudhaould be i around It was easier to et 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 tiain “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 polishi+ng off his first uarded exterior The scent of the baro of soot 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 re it!”

Of course there was a reason for Cloudhawk's decision to open a store here in the Sandbar Aside froold he owed to Skye Polaris' illustrious granddaughter Thirty or forty thousand, at last tally

But as the plan?

At the House of De order could fetch a thousand gold coins only Cloudhawk's debt was enough to ht Even the likes of the Cloude fale to pay it off

And every day it was collecting interest, like a sobll er as it rolled downhill hell, at this rate he expected it to hit a

Thankfully, Daas sent off to distant lands after her tietting out of hell's Valley, and he considered that lucky – chances were he'd ewise 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 soood chunk at that

Three years in hell's Valley was no picnic, but Cloudhaasn'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 hi to Gabriel Others had the support of their faitive, 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 noas obligated to stay and pay his part

Gabriel glowered into the contents of his le 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 froht from the elysian lands The newest elysian weaponry, superior demonhunter armor, exorcist bows and staves, even qualitya fair amount of inventory with him, even if it wasn't very diversified

Cloudhaas a uniquely talented thief

“Sure, I had that idea, but the question is where can I find a good score? Even if I score soer to be hunted by the whole doh in one place and you're bound to get caught Best plan is toabout this depressing shi+t for today C'mon, drink!”

Cloudhawk's eyes scanned the bar, even as he spoke Like he was looking for so One of thefor 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 froirls stared, transfixed None of them had ever seen someone so liberal with his money Did he just not have any silvers or coppers? Every tile coin would buy a dozento work the to do whatever he asked

“Let's play a garin 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 re what his boss was up to

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

Pffft! Gabriel spat out a uy 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 re the truth Cloudhaas satisfied with her zeal and awarded her the first gold coin

“Not bad, not bad” Cloudhawk continued “Is there a girl working here, 'sha' so?”