Chapter 32 - 32. Silas Of Strongbow Tavern (1/2)
I walked down the path and passed by Joan's and Pointus' and saw a sign that looked like a frothy mug with white foam on it and I guess this must be the Strongbow Tavern that was mentioned by Prius.
I walked up a short flight of stair and opened the wooden door and there weren't many patrons except for an elderly guy in the corner tending to his mug of grog and the owner who was wiping the mugs dry with a cloth.
I sauntered over at the counter and stood there and was greeted warmly by the owner. ”Hello, my name is Silas Brown and welcome to Strongbow Tavern. People around here called me Silas and what can i do for you, young man? I have not seen you before and are you the one that had just woken up from your comatose state?”
”Good evening to you, Silas. Yup, I'm the one who had just awoken like Sleeping Beauty but I'm not a beauty myself. Hah Hah Hah. Well, I'm here to gather some information, if you may. Could we step around so I could talk to you more discreetly?” I gestured to a spot further away from the elderly patron.
”Sure, what do you need to ask, young man?” he asked as he places the mug he was drying up aside and walked over to the far end of the counter.
”Tell me about the White Hand. I believe you are somehow involved with them.” I pointed out to him without any hesitation.
”Err... White Hand? I'm sorry I never heard of that before.” he replied with shifty eyes and a slight quivering little voice.
”Aw... Come on. Would you think a man like you would be easily intimidated by that lowly thieves?”
”No, I'm sorry but I don't know what you are talking about,” he replied as he tried to avoid my cold glare as I searched for answers.
”Look, here are 500 credits. Maybe it could loosen your wagging tongue a little? Help me out here, man. This is for your own and for the safety of the citizens here. Furthermore, you are helping a great deal with the Keating family. At least they too were not involved in this mess. Here, take this...” I coaxed him into revealing the whereabouts of those thieves who were working in the underground network, hiding after they had done their deed.
Silas quickly recovered the pouch containing 500 credits and he stowed it away in his storage. He reached inside his pocket and produced a small key.
”A key to my house, I don't live there anymore. There's is an opening behind the bookcase, slide it sideways and that's their hideout. Remember, this conversation never took place for my safety's sake. Take them all out. There's 8 of them and their leader. They are fast and cunning so be wary, young man. Thank you.” as soon as he slid the key and explained their whereabouts, he slipped back to his place and continued to dry those mugs.
I took the small house key and kept in my pocket and stayed a few more seconds before I made my way out. I noticed the elderly patron was still tending to his drink so he is not a suspect at all. I walked out and wondered where the hell Silas lived since he never gave me the directions.
I looked at my minimal and there it shows the location of Silas House and I walked just a short distance away from Strongbow Tavern. I reached for the key and inserted into the keyhole and turned and it unlocked just nicely.
The house was sparsely furnished, just a bed, a few shelves, a wooden chest that was rather empty and dusty inside and a bookcase. I slid it sideways and it gave way effortlessly. Before I entered, I decided to allocate another 100 points for my Ranger abilities.
After allocating 100 points my DEX had increased slightly. Damage +200 Dodge +20% Stealth +20%. ”Great...its time for action. I changed to quickslot 3 and out came my crossbow. Since I had 20% added to my stealth, I hope to utilise it to the max as I entered the dark passageway.
It was good that I was wearing soft Timberland moccasins as I slowly crept silently and hid among the shadows of the flickering flames of the torches. I saw a head that popped out just near one of the turns and took a quick aim and pressed the trigger.
”Sswwoosshh... Thump”
The bolt flew out and immediately struck the sides of the thief's head. The body was slumped to the side, no gore, no blood except for the protruding bolt. I reached over and collected the spoils and the body disintegrated into the ground.
”Good, no one will miss this guy from his post.” It was a +20 experience point and I collected some credits, a sword and a crossbow. ”Great... I've got my 500 credits back when I passed it to Silas earlier.” I began to think to myself as I cleared the dimly lit passageway as I killed one thief after another.