Gotrek & Felix - 06 by Vampireslayer (William King)

Author:Vampireslayer (William King) [Vampireslayer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-04-01T17:33:58+00:00

46 William King

people. It has given me some familiarity with the way such peo-ple operate.’

That is one reason I wanted to hire you, sir. Your reputation precedes you. The duke himself is said to think highly of you, and my dear kinswoman here says you are the most competent mage she has ever met.’

‘Why do you need us then?’ asked Felix. ‘Surely you have hired swords enough.’

That is another strange thing about this whole affair. Even before Brother Benedict vanished some of my guards failed to report for duty. Mostly the day guards, the ones who do not live here in the mansion, but even a few of the residents went out and never returned.’

These are strange times,’ said Felix. The city has been under siege. Many folk are starving. Perhaps they left the city. Perhaps they felt they could get more gold or food elsewhere.’

‘Herr Jaeger, I am, without wishing to appear to be boasting, a very, very wealthy man, and I pride myself on seeing that my people are well taken care of. I doubt they could be better paid or fed anywhere else in this city under current distressing circumstances. My cellars are very well stocked. I keep the house prepared for the harshest of winters. As an old man, in Kislev, you know how to do these things.’

‘Why not take this matter to the duke?’ Ulrika asked.

‘And tell him what? That one stranger has threatened me in my own house? That my guards are disloyal and my mage has disappeared? The duke has more important things to worry about right now! Why should he trouble himself with one old man’s problems when there is a war on.’

‘Have you made inquiries why your guards did not report for duty?’ asked Felix.

‘Again, I sent servants. Some were not at their lodgings. In some cases, the servants thought there was somebody at home, but no one was answering.’

That’s very strange,’ said Felix.

The whole business is very strange, Herr Jaeger. Which is why I need your help and am prepared to pay handsomely for it.’

‘How handsomely?’

‘If you resolve this matter for me, I will pay each of you one hundred gold crowns, plus a bonus depending on how matters turn out.’

Vampireslayer 47

That sounds fair to me/ said Felix. A glance at the dwarfs told him that they agreed.

It was Max who began to dicker.

‘Normally I am paid for the spells and wards I cast, separately from any other fees.’

‘I will pay your normal fees - in addition to the amount mentioned previously.’

‘Fine.’

Then you will do it?’

A glance at the others told him they were all willing to get involved. It seemed it was left to Felix to ask the obvious question: ‘What was it the stranger wanted to buy from you?’

‘Come, I will show you.’

COUNT ANDRIEV’S FAVOURED treasures were certainly well protected. The old man had led them into the centre of his mansion, and then down into a cellar guarded by thick walls worthy of an emperor’s tomb.

The entrance to the vault was through a series of huge counter-weighted doors.

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