I could hear the low murmuring of the guards as they talked about inconsequential things. Seems the baker's wife was having an affair with one of the guardsmen. One of the guards had won big at dice last night. I was hoping that soon they would get to something useful. My ears tingled as I heard what I was waiting for. A new warrant was issued for someone named Simon. King Kusac wanted him dead or alive, preferable dead. Kusac had doubled the patrols in hopes of finding this renegade.
Another hour had passed but nothing knew was said. No one knew what Simon had done to anger the King. He was accused of treachery against the throne. What kind of treachery was unknown. It didn't mean much though since last week the gardener's son was hauled of on charges of treachery too. The poor boy had planted daisies when the King wanted violets. It didn't take much to be accused of treachery.
I decided I had enough of the rain and spying on these fools. I cautiously moved away from the barracks and made my way back into town. I wasn't noticed but then I had a lot of practice with blending into my surroundings. One needs to when they have eight different warrants out for their capture. After walking for two hours I finally made it back home. I decided to sleep on what I had learned and try to figure it out in the morning.
It was a brand new day and after a good nights rest I believed I had come up with a good place to start with last nights puzzle. I decided to find out what I could about this Simon. I had never heard of him before but it was a large country and I didn't know everyone's name. So I made my way to the local tavern. Always a good place to pick up a little information, if you know the right people and right questions to ask.
The Dancing Lion was a somewhat seedy establishment but I was known there. I had helped out the owner and his family a time or two. Let's just say there is several unmarked graves east of town and leave it at that. I entered the door and smiled as the noise stopped for a couple of seconds. All eyes were on me but for the most part I just ignored them. I glanced around looking for a specific man. Ah. There he is, Gavin. Better known as the Rat. As I made my way to his table I was pleased to note the sound of talking as everyone returned to their own business.
As Gavin glanced up from his food to see who was there, his eyes took on a wild look when they saw it was I. He started to get up from his seat but I pushed him back down saying,"Now Gavin is that anyway to treat an old friend?" He nervously shook his head no. I gave one of my predatory smiles; I am told it can freeze a person's blood. Taking a seat across from Gavin I ordered a drink for both him and myself. Sure I was underage but I knew no one would question me. Besides I didn't plan to really drink it. Seeing that Gavin was still nervous I pinned him with my gaze,"I don't plan to hurt your Gavin unless you make me. I only want some information."
Gavin slowly swallowed what I can only assume was spit and replied, "Okay.... ah whhhaatt is it you wanna know?"
I thanked the waitress as she deposited our drinks and waited till she left before replying,"Simon." Gavin looked down at his food as he said,"Simon.....don't know any Simon. I can't be expected to know everyone Larissa...I mean how am I..."
I didn't let him finish I grabbed his left and brought a knife across it slightly braking the skin,"I don't like being lied to Gavin."
He started to let out a yell from the pain but thought better off it when he got a look at my face. He took a nervous gulp of air,"Look I don't want any trouble."
I nodded,"Neither do I so tell me what I want to know. Who is Simon and why is there a price on his head?"
I kept an ear out for any approaching footsteps and was glad when I heard known. Seems no one was paying any attention to what was going on at our table.
Gavin looked at his hand and then back to me,"Alright I will tell you what I have heard. There is a guy named Simon in the resistance movement. Some say he is their leader. It has been rumored that he has a personal reason for wanting to bring down the Royal family." After making sure he had my attention Gavin continued,"Some say he has royal blood himself if you know what I mean. Some say Old Baka sowed some wild oats in his day."
Though I showed no reaction I was surprised at this revelation. From what Gavin was saying it would appear that my grandfather might have had a bastard child. I hardened my look as I stared at Gavin,"Is that all?"
Gavin bobbed his head up and down,"Yes, I swear it!"
I removed the knife and my hold on his hand slowly,"Alright Gavin but if I find out you held something back you won't be taking another breath." With that I got up from the chair and made my way back home. If Simon was indeed Baka's bastard son then he had a right to the throne. If Gavin knew these rumors then it was possible that they had gotten back to the castle. Heck Gavin may have told Kusac the rumors himself for a price. Gavin would sell his own mother for money. I would have to meet this Simon myself to find out if the rumor was true. Tomorrow would be a good day to travel. Perhaps conduct my own search for these resistance fighters. For now though I am hungry and I bet Mavis has a meat pie she might be willing to sell me.