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[Back to the Stories page] Beggars and Assassins by Paul Comstock Tostig sat huddled in his small corner in the alleyway. It was his place, and as meager as it was, in this part of the city, it meant something. It meant he was a person of stature among the other beggars and urchins. It was an unusual night for this time of year. The temperature was dipping close to freezing, and the humidity was high. It was the type of night that those like himself who did not have the proper clothing or housing to keep warm, chattered their teeth all night, without much sleep. He decided to take a walk. It wasn't really safe for one of his stature to walk around this city at night. The Rhedans often did their hunting this time of night, and he had heard terrible stories about what they did to their subjects. The only thing was that he was tired of hiding, tired of begging, and tired of being something less than a complete and true man. He decided to take a walk. Getting up, he yelled in defiance, "If you want me, Cryda, here I am! All you need do is come for me, but I warn you, it will not be easy!" He kicked the makeshift shelter he had constructed of bits of wood, discarded clothing, and other debris. There were several shuffles, and the sounds of some running feet as others in the area left quickly, misunderstanding his yell as a warning. He felt embarrassed. Most of the others here he considered friends. They had enough grief in their lives without him causing them more. He was forever trying to repay these beggars and urchins for the way he had treated them in his earlier life. He had been an aristocrat, and had been greedy and selfish, praying on and stomping men such as these to get what he wanted. He had been very wealthy at one time, until he became the target of another he had been trying to discredit for personal gains. It had cost him everything for his target was better connected and richer than he had thought. He had been framed, and had lost everything he had, being reduced to a street beggar three years ago. He found that the beggars and urchins were of a much higher character than he had thought. They were willing to help him, even those that recognized him. It made him humble, and he found that he actually knew very little about what drove men, and what gave them their strength. The beggars had a code that they followed which few but ones of the streets knew. Without question or promise, they made him one of their own. The men behind the code gave it its strength. The code was simple. It stated that all men, no matter of what stature or station should be treated as an equal and with respect. He had learned that it was not only a code which beggars and urchins could follow, but one that all men should follow. He no longer hated the aristocrat which had framed and ruined him, but rather pitied him, for he may never have the opportunity to find the truth as he had. It was chance only that had allowed him to find these men and women who had helped guide him to the truth. Only one purpose was left to him, and that was to pay back his crimes the only way he thought would be adequate, and for the rest of his life. He held his head low while he walked, considering these things. He was almost broke, as always. What little he acquired, he used to repay his debt by helping another in need. He had had wealth and used it unwisely. Now he felt it was unfair for him to have more than what he needed to survive, so he gave any extra away. He had been wandering for almost an hour when he noticed that he had entered a park which was in front of the Temple Of Oghma [Ow-ma], God Of Knowledge. This was always a very pleasant place, and Oghma was respected by everyone, with the possible exception of the followers of Rheda, who respected no other religion but their own. In fact, they did not respect even life itself, as their evil and unholy researches attested to. This was a frontier city, and Rheda was almost unopposed, at least openly. Tostig had started a mutual protection system amongst the beggars and urchins of the streets to protect themselves from being accosted by the Rhedans. It seemed to have helped, but it also had increased the number of travelers who were now disappearing, and that was just as alarming. He looked longingly at the Temple Of Oghma, and thought how much easier it would be to fight the Rheda if only they would oppose the evil religion, but of course that was not to happen, as Oghma inherently required neutrality to function properly, afterall knowledge was for everyone, not just a select few. Tostig heaved a heavy sigh, and turned into the park. It was very pleasant in the park with the wind blowing through the rustling trees, and moonlight shining down through the branches. He took a deep breath, thinking what a much more wonderful world it was now that he had a real reason to live other than greed and selfishness. Startled, he noticed a dark shadow near the base of one of the trees. The moon was very bright, but in being so bright, it also cast deep dark shadows, and he only barely made out the figure lying there. He made sure there was no one else around before slowly approaching the figure. It was a traveler. A young man dressed in clothing common to more southern climates. He looked closely at the traveler, fearing that he had fallen on misfortune and was dead or injured. Soon, he realized that the man was neither dead nor injured, but rather just sleeping. He sat down at a the base of a tree just opposite the traveler, and watched over him the rest of the night while the traveler slept. He was determined to let nothing happen to this man. Rheda and her hunters would not get this man tonight. When the first light of morning arrived, Tostig stood and smiled. The stranger was still safe and sleeping. The Rhedans never did anything during daylight, so he knew the stranger would be safe from them, and the beggars and urchins rarely went to parks. He had no more time for this unknown traveler, and made a silent prayer for the remainder of his travels, as he got up, and headed for the market where he did his normal begging. It was not far to the market, and his spot was in a perfect location, as he had a corner just before the main entrance. He visited his alley and small shelter before going to the market, noticing how his anger had left it in a disheveled pile. There was a crowd of beggars around it when he arrived. "Tostig!", one of them exclaimed as he walked toward them, "You're alive. We thought for sure after your yell last night, and the looks of your corner, that Rhedans had gotten you! Did you escape?" He chuckled, "No, Grigor. My frustration was just too much, and I got angry. I apologize for my outcry and lack of control. It wont happen again." The others buzzed. "It is OK, my friend", Grigor replied, "we have all felt the same and others have done much worse than yell!" The others chorused agreement. "Thank you all for being the finest men I have ever known. You don't deserve to live like this, and some day, I vow that I will bring you all up to a decent level of existence, for it is my destiny and payment. "Now that I have said that, it is time for all of us to go to work. On my walk here I noticed many a wealthy and smiling traveler just waiting to fill our begging cups." And with that they dispersed, with the exception of Grigor. "Tostig my friend, you do look troubled today. What may I do to make your day better?" Tostig smiled, "You always did see right through me. I am worried about the travelers that come here. They are always in such great danger from the Rhedans, and I know not how to keep them from harm." Grigor clamped his hand on his shoulder, and gave assurance, "You do what any caring man can, you do whatever you are able." He paused for a moment, and went on, "Do you remember that first day when I found you? You had been running and hiding from the town guard, and you ran into my hovel to hide?" "Yes, and I startled you so much, you dropped the only food you had to eat for the entire day." "Yes, but it was fate that brought you to me, and I believe that. You are bound for greatness, but this time with the Code of Man to guide you, you will be a great leader and do much good." "Sometimes I wonder, Grigor. Sometimes I have doubt, but not today! As usual you have made me pity myself less, and have strength and courage. I will owe you forever for times such as these." Tostig meant what he said. Grigor had been a father figure as well as a friend. "How does the treasury stand?" "Very well. There have been many more travelers in the last two months, and it has almost doubled our stash." He smiled, "Good, then we are very close to having enough." Making a heavy sigh, he continued, "Well, I had better get to work. We can always use more", he stated as he grabbed a gnarled tin bowl, and headed to his begging spot. It wasn't far from the alley where his hovel was, and he made it there quickly. It truly was a good day for his trade. There were many brightly and finely dressed people going to and from the market. Many were smiling which was always a good sign. His cup jingled many times in the first hour alone, and his expectations were high for the day. If he could maintain this for the entire day, it could well be his best day yet. He was startled by someone stumbling over him. "Hey, watch where you're steppin", Tostig said, looking up at the man who had so carelessly walked over him. It was the same traveler he had fond in the park. "Sorry", the traveler said in earnest, "I am looking for the Golden Ram Tavern. Could you tell me where it is?" Tostig was in his normal mode as beggar, and laughed, "It'll cost ya." The traveler pulled a coin out of his bag and held it up in front of him, "OK, you'll get this when I get the directions." "It ain't far. Just go the way you were headin, turn right at the city market, and you can't miss it. Now gimme the loot!" The traveler grunted, and tossed him the coin. It was a temple coin, and was made of solid gold with the imprint of the Temple Of Oghma on it. It was unusual for such a coin to be in the hands of an average traveler, and he glanced back toward the traveler wondering what he was doing with this coin. "Hey, you", a very feminine voice said, breaking his train of thought. It was a very well dressed servant girl standing over him, smiling. "My lady, I truly am sorry for my lack. Your beauty was too bright for a lowly one such as I, and I was dumbfounded. Can you forgive me?" The servant girl smiled. "Consider yourself forgiven. My master has directed me to this very spot to deliver three items to the one named Tostig. Would that be you, good sir?" Tostig hesitated. He was still a wanted man, but most of the nobility had forgotten about him long ago, presuming he had fled to other parts of Britain, or that he had perished. Even with that, there were many that he had stolen and tricked in the past. Many who would remember him well. But, thinking quickly, he realized that only a magician would probably recognize his beaten and worn face now. There was little risk in being recognized, and besides, the girl had known where to find him, and his name. This was his spot, so naturally it would be where someone looking for him would go. "Yes, I am the one you seek. How may a humble beggar like myself be of service?" "Here are the items. I am to await your answer, and take you to my master if you agree." She handed him a ring, a small bag of coins, and a scroll. He examined all of the items, noticing that the ring bore a strange and unusual symbol on it. One which he had never seen before. One which caused a chill to run up his spine. Opening the bag of coins, his eyes widened. There were ten times the coins in this purse as the generous traveler had given him. Truly, this was a fine and glorious day, and the gods were smiling upon him. Finally, he opened and read the scroll. This was a major mistake for his disguise, reading in the open, but he was willing to risk it. He read quickly. The scroll stated that the items were his to keep whether this offer was accepted or not. Beyond that, it only said that if he should decide to accept, there would be ten times as much gold for his trouble. It also said that if he accepted this offer he should go with Manon [Mah-non], the girl who had brought these items to him, and he should go now. Standing slowly, he looked around the street. There were two other beggars, intently watching him and his unlikely companion. He stood, and shook his arms, making one of the many silent gestures which was a warning, and then another, which told them to have him followed. He also left the purse under his bowl with all the moneys he had collected that day. At least his friends would eat well tonight. "I am to go with you, Manon. Please lead on." She laughed, "Please follow, and do not dawdle. It can be dangerous on these streets." He snorted, but followed. She was much more agile and alert than he ever would have thought possible. She had a lithe and graceful body that allowed her to move quickly and efficiently through the throngs of people in the market. He had little time to glance back to see if they were followed as he directed, and he was pleased to find that they were. Manon was very deceiving. He made an effort to study her movements and choices, but found that they changed erratically and often so that he only had a hint of what she would do next. She was obviously highly trained and experienced in the art of combat, something which her outward appearance showed no signs of. When they got close to the far end of the market, Manon quickly stopped, forcing him to run a little past her, as she shoved him into one of the vendors booths, "Through here, quickly!" They moved through the booth and out the back. "Hey, you can't go through here, now get out!" he heard as his companions tried to follow. "I'm sorry, but your friends weren't invited, and they aren't welcome." Tostig didn't reply. He was on his own. They took two other unexpected turns before they arrived at a stately home on the edge of the city. It was ornate, and a great deal of money was required to maintain it, and protect it. This was not someone of meager means who had sent him this offer, and it made him nervous. He could very possibly be walking to his own death. He tried to question Manon several times through out the trip through the city, but she would always just answer later. Well, he was here now, and if the last three years had taught him anything, it was to stand tall and face up to who and what you were, and if that meant paying for your past, even with your life, so be it. He followed Manon into a massive hall, decorated with ornate rugs, tapestries, and furniture. The items here came from all over Britain, some strange and unusual, and others that were just plain beautiful. He was awed so much by the room that he didn't realize he had reached a large wooden door at the end of the hall. Manon grabbed the latch and opened the door, which led into what appeared to be a small study, with a man standing in front of the window. He turned as they entered, and said, "Manon, I see you have returned, and with a visitor." He walked slowly across the room, and extended his hand while smiling, "And you would be Tostig no doubt." The man's nature and bearing relaxed Tostig somehow, but he was still alert. "Yes. Now, would you please tell me why you have brought me here, whoever you are." The other man straightened, and said, "Please forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself earlier. I am Rowiht, prince of assassins, and I do apologize for this method, but it was requested and paid handsomely for. I believe you know the man who paid me. His name is..." "Scyld, Lord Scyld", a voice said from an alcove almost unnoticed and off to the side, as the tapestry over its entrance was pushed aside, and a tall, lanky man strolled out, dressed as only a noble could be. Tostig did recognize him. It was one of the nobles he had tricked out of a massive amount of coinage in his past. "Yes, I do recognize you, and I forgive you, for the error and misdeed was mine." Scyld laughed, "You forgive me! You are still an insolent fool Guthbold, as always. Look at you, dressed in nothing but rags, begging for a meager existence. It is almost punishment enough to know what you've become, but not quite. I intend on making you suffer for everything you have done." Tostig turned his face down, and commented, "Yes, I was once known as Guthbold, but that was in a different life. I did many evil things, to you as well as to others, and now I am ready to pay, so do as you will to me, and I will forgive you." Scyld laughed, pulled out a hideous dagger. "Now I will have my vengeance personally, as I deserve! He grabbed Tostig by the hair, and pulled back his head, readying the knife at Tostig's throat." Just then, Manon yelled a horrendous scream, leaped into the air, and somersaulted over Scyld. Tostig noticed nothing else except for the surprised look on Scylds face and the swell of blood from his neck as he toppled over. Rowiht was already uneasy, not understanding what had just occurred. He had armed himself, and was in a fighting stance. "What is this treachery Manon? He was a client. You don't kill clients." "You do when they are plotting against your mentor and leader. You may be the prince of assassins Rowiht, but you are not the king. He didn't take kindly to this alliance you formed with Scyld, and he sent me to deal with you. Oh, and by the way, he also offered me your job", she said as she lunged toward him, knife thrusting. Rowiht parried, cutting Manon above the eye. The blood quickly swelling out and flowed into her eye. She knew the fight would be over soon unless she made a move, and so she jumped over Rowiht in much the same was as she had done with Scyld, and landed behind him, forcing her blade deep into his heart. She spat onto his body as it lay on the floor, as she gently cleaned her blade, "You should know better than to turn against your own." Tostig had watched most of the fight in awe, unable to move. He was in real terror over the agility and resourcefulness of these assassins. He probably should have tried to run when it started, but it had been so quick and overwhelming, that he couldn't. "Tostig", Manon said, as she still had blood lust in her eyes, "what should I do with you?" He had been ready to die earlier, and now he had regained his composure again enough to accept whatever was to be done to him. "Whatever you please. It appears I am at your mercy." She laughed, "Relax, my sovereign also asked me to set up a good spying network here, however I pleased. Knowledge is power, and I expect to know a lot. Here is the coinage you were promised", she said as she handed over a very large bag of coins. "In exchange, I would like you and you beggar friends to form an espionage group and relay any information directly to me through you. You will be paid regularly and well as long as the information is accurate and fresh. You agree?" Tostig hefted the gold, and laughed, "I would be a fool not to wouldn't I?" Manon continued to wipe the blade that had just killed two men before his very eyes in seconds, blood dripping down her beautiful face and death in her eyes, and stated, "You would. Yes indeed you surely would."