Shady

“Facilitator,” Pratik corrected. “Basically, a mercenary work standards. There are things I won’t do, no matter the price, and that’s a quality that’s rather lacking in mercenaries. And, I

“Of course,” Pratik answered. “I’d never want you to say something you’re not comfortable with. I’m just happy for pleasant conversation.” He smiled a bit, forcing himself not to cringe ...

Now /that/ was interesting. “Oh really?” Pratik asked. “Even Lord Bledroe?”

Pratik hesitated a moment, thinking of what he wanted to say next. He doubted a maid that went back that many years was going to tell him anything at all, ...

“That sounds most kind.” Pratik felt a bit of the tension in his shoulders ease. He wasn’t particularly opposed to working for terrible men as long as they paid well, ...

“Oh, of course. I expect you to keep their confidence,” Pratik answered, even though he had been hoping she’d be a gossip. But, then, Ash seemed too calculated to let ...

“Oh yeah?” Pratik asked, genuinely curious. This was even better than he could have hoped.

Pratik followed her out of the room, quickly catching up. “How long have you been working for Lord Ash?”

Pratik eyed him uneasily. He wasn’t quite sure if that was Ash’s way of driving home that literally none of them wanted him there. Or if there was some nasty ...

Well, that was unexpected. He’d hoped Ash would give him more leniency once he proved himself, but moving into the keep was more than he’d expected this soon. They would ...

Pratik nodded, glad he’d kept Ash talking long enough to eat his fill of the delightful dinner. “I suppose I’ll introduce myself once I’ve worn out my welcome here.” If ...

“Not many,” Pratik answered, a little disappointed — but not particularly surprised — that Ash had ended the conversation before it was especially useful to him. “I’ve spent much of ...

Pratik watched the exchange in silence, taking a long drink of the wine. Tarr seemed quite popular amongst the slavers Pratik knew. Which meant he was probably as terrible as ...

“Other deplorables kill them,” Pratik echoed in agreement, picking up his glass of wine. “And then wait for another deplorable to come along and do the same to them. Tis ...

“Certainly, the world would be a much better place with certain people, and circumstances, removed. However I prefer to think more in terms of practicality.” Pratik looked at her coolly, ...