Chapter 345 Provocation (1/2)
As Arran approached the group, the Rangers' leader gave hi has coers chuckled, but the other three showed no response Instead, their expressions remained cautious as they observed the situation, as if they were expecting battle to erupt at anyArran, a hundredjust a few dozen paces away, eyes filled with fury and with hands that were dangerously close to drawing their weapons
Arran,hiers where they stood Strong though they th he held they'd be no match for him If there was no other choice, he wouldn't hesitate to reveal that strength
Yet he recognized the Rangers' intent — to provoke a fight And if he'd learned one thing from the captain's manuscripts, it was to never do what his eneot their wish, they would soon regret it Perhaps their leader would even feel a moment's remorse before he drowned in his own blood
Still, Arran contained his anger Whatever satisfaction killing the Rangers would bring, it would likely be outweighed by the trouble it caused
The Rangers' leader sighed in disgust when he saw that Arran did not respond to the provocation
”Yet another spineless outsider,” thesth, and you cower like dogs”
Before Arran could respond, Captain Kaleesh rose to his feet He gave Arran a tiny nod of approval, then turned to face the Ranger, his expression calm despite the blood on his bruised face
”If Lord Kadun is displeased with our work,” he said, ”we shall redouble our efforts” He paused to wipe the blood fro the mine would earn us at least soers would allow you to shi+rk your duties?” The Ranger gave him a contemptuous stare ”From now on, all of you will sleep in the et some work out of you”
The captain nodded ”Very well For our citizenshi+p, a few o at once”
Frustration flashed across the Ranger's face, as the captain's reaction clearly wasn't what he'd hoped for Yet after a , then!”
The captain gave hiers have seen it fit to grant us new sleeping quarters Startthe h Arran suspected that this was ers than annoyance at their new quarters Frole one aers if ordered
Yet the captain's bruised face showed no anger whatsoever Instead, there was a cold, calculating look in his eyes, as if he was already planning his next move
And whatever that next hly unpleasant surprise for the Rangers
They spent the next hour s into the ers cause to act
That the Rangers were still looking for an excuse to start a conflict was obvious — they watched thethreats and insults at even the smallest mistake
But the ers shouted abuse at them, they completed their tasks with stoic expressions on their faces There were soe, but a few quick words froh to ers escort theer to find any cause for punishment or conflict, they did not follow the mercenaries into the mines' lower levels
This, Arran understood all too well In the dark, craer would have a hard ti a quick blade to the back And with hundreds of furiousblades for such a task