Chapter 9 A predictable outcome 3 (1/2)

The strange and flamboyant man carefully observed Lenia to see if there was any recognition in her eyes concerning his name. He found none since Lenia had no idea who he was. This pleased him and it would make things easier.

”And what is your name m'lady?”

Don Jesef attempted to showcase his charm as he inquired her name.

'This Don is really pouring it on thick, isn't he? Does he think I am just some ignorant maiden who would be fooled by fancy words and flirtatious actions! I want to gut him right here… If only there weren't so many people around.'

Lenia looked around nervously and realized that she had become somewhat of a sideshow to those in the area. Many were watching the excessive and flamboyant actions of Don Jesef while secretly admiring Lenia's beauty. There were also those who were secretly ridiculing her in their minds and shaking their heads with disdain.

”I must apologize, I do not give my name to strangers on the street. I will be on my way, thank you for your offer of assistance.”

Her words left no room for a response and she quickly left before Don Jesef could say anything further. The Don watched the mysterious woman quickly leave his sight, he was not at all pleased by what had just happened.

”What a shame….Roderan, get out here now!”

Don Jesef called out to a man who had been hiding nearby.

The man named Roderan slinked out of a shadowy corner. He was clothed in mostly black and two sinister looking daggers were attached to a stained and dark leather vest. His face was mostly covered by a shroud but a seemingly rugged appearance lay beneath. He gave off a dangerous vibe which caused many of the onlookers to quickly scuttle away. They wanted nothing to do with this particularly dangerous individual.

”Follow her, and make sure that you aren't seen” Don Jesef hissed, the false smile no longer on his face.

”And take those two klutzes with you, just in case.”

”What do you want me to do to her?”

Don Jesef hesitated, a lustful gaze crossing his eyes.

”Well… it would be a shame to waste such a beauty.. Wouldn't it now?” Don Jesef chuckled menacingly.

”But find out who gave her the bracelet first and deal with it. Someone killed my people. No one kills my people and gets away with it. No one.”

”I understand. I'll get the job done boss.”

Roderan ran off stealthily to follow Lenia.

'I don't see that Don Jesef anymore, looks like I have distanced myself enough from him. Now to get back to my mission.'

While Lenia was not lacking in strength and combat prowess, she was somewhat lacking in her ability to detect hidden enemies. Not because she didn't have the ability to do it, but due to her lack of experience from just being newly created and also the fact that these particular stalkers were specialized in stealth. She was unable to detect the men who were now ably stalking her from the shadows.

Shortly afterwards she had found her way to an area which was heaving with market stalls rather than businesses. She realized that these traders would be more than just willing to relieve her of her loot. A proper merchant would most likely only scoff at her, it wasn't as if what she was carrying was especially valuable.

It took several attempts but she eventually found the right kinds of traders who were willing to purchase what she had from her and she also obtained the items which her master had written on the list. She had more than one request to purchase her bracelet but she refused all offers even though they were tempting. With the small amount of additional money she had left over, she was able to repair the soles of her shoes. This was not an anticipated expense but she couldn't bring herself to face her master with damaged shoes.

'If only I could have purchased more fitting clothing as well! But there is no way I could do that before adorning my master in proper clothing first. That would be blasphemous! I must hurry back to him to attend to his needs! I hope he will be pleased with my results.'

Her feelings of success at completing her mission caused a spring in her step and she was eagerly awaiting the praise she would receive once returning to her master. It was already late afternoon when she had finally completed her objectives and made her way back through the slums and into the sewer where her master waited for her. She had little trouble finding her way back and her excitement from the anticipation of reuniting with her master was apparent to anyone who cared to notice.

Their current home was an abandoned room located somewhere in the sewers. It had once served as a maintenance room, but now had other purposes. Lenia didn't know how long her master had been living there but it didn't seem like it had been a significantly long time. There was very little in the way of amenities and her master slept on a simple straw cot. Despite not having spent any real time in it, she already found it quite detestable, but she trusted that her master had a plan of some kind. Lenia opened the door to their temporary home and Aleksandros was in a sitting position waiting for her.

She happily addressed her master, ”Aleks I have returned!”

Aleksandros remained still, two daggers resting on his lap. ”I see, not alone though.”