The sun was setting by the time they finished buying the rest of the items they needed and found a blacksmith they could pay to repair Zig’s equipment.
“Shall we get dinner soon?” Siasha asked as their bellies began to rumble. The only thing they had eaten for lunch was the chicken skewers.
“Actually,” Zig said, “we’ve got one more thing to do that involves meeting someone at a restaurant. Once that business is concluded, we can eat.”
They soon arrived at a large restaurant with elegant seating and sophisticated decor. The atmosphere oozed with luxury.
“I’m surprised you’re familiar with such a high-class establishment.” Siasha’s eyes were wide as she glanced around.
“This place is for doing business. There are private rooms on the upper floor that can be used for having conversations you don’t want others to hear.”
He gave one of the employees his name and told them he was meeting someone. The employee bade them to follow and led them to a room located at the end of the second floor.
A diminutive man sat inside, already waiting for them. He looked respectable, but even his well-groomed appearance couldn’t hide the shifty air about him.
“Well met, Zig,” the man said. “I see you’re still alive, somehow.”
“And you haven’t changed one bit.”
The two men didn’t seem to waste time exchanging pleasantries and verbal punches. The mercenary took his seat, and the witch sat beside him.
“This is Cossack. He’s an informant,” Zig explained to Siasha.
She smiled and gave the man a little bow. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”
“Charmed, I’m sure,” Cossack replied. “Hey, Zig, what’s the deal with this looker? Is she your woman?”
“No way.” The mercenary shook his head. “She’s my client.”
“Figured as much. You never were the womanizing type.”
“It’s a waste of money.”
“See, this is what I’m talking about.” Cossack shot Siasha a dismayed look.
An ambivalent smile played across the witch’s lips; she wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Not paying her any heed, Zig started to broach the topic of work.
“About that request I made,” he said. “Does it seem like it’s viable?”
“Oh, that. It is…but it’s going to cost you.”
“That’s not a problem.”
Cossack instantly bristled. “You’re seriously going? No offense to the lady here, but there are plenty of groups that would hire you with all the perks. I can even introduce you to a few if you want.”
“Big groups aren’t for me,” Zig said firmly without hesitation.
Cossack didn’t seem disappointed, likely expecting that response from the beginning. He took out two bangles and handed them over. Just one touch made it clear that they were unique, their design different from any mass-produced item.
“Well, whatever,” the informant said. “You’ve made your decision. The ship’s departing in five days. You’ll be able to pass as a young researcher and her bodyguard. Consider these as your tickets; make sure you’re wearing them on your left arm on the day of departure.”
“Thanks.”
Zig was looking over the bangle when Cossack asked him another question.
“There’re a few mercenaries going along as part of the vanguard unit that’s heading over in advance. If you run into them, do you think you could pass along the word to come and see me as soon as they’re back from the job?”
“Are they people I know?” Zig asked.
“You’ll know if you see them.”
“Sure, if I happen to run into anyone.”
Cossack nodded, finding the response acceptable. Once Zig and Siasha put their bangles away, the informant called over one of the restaurant’s employees.
“We’re done with business now,” he said. “It’s been a while, so let’s share a drink. Can you hold your liquor, little lady?”
“As much as anyone, I suppose.”
The table was soon crammed with various dishes, with even more on the way.
“Are you going to be able to eat all of this?” Siasha asked, gaping at the sheer volume of food.
“Hm?” Zig glanced at her. “This isn’t even that much.”
“I’m sure you’ve witnessed his ridiculous brute strength, little lady,” Cossack said. “He consumes just about as much as you’d expect to maintain it.”
“Oh, I get it now,” she said. “So that’s why he can keep his physique even after eating this much?”
The realization seemed to placate Siasha as she watched Zig eat his fill. The contrast of the small and dainty bites she was taking next to him scarfing down the food made Cossack chuckle. As they ate, the two men spent time catching up and making small talk.
Suddenly, Cossack, who was only eating to accompany all the drinks he was knocking back, sighed.
“It’s not like you to sigh,” Zig remarked.
“I heard a rumor about you not that long ago.”
“Oh, yeah? What was it?” The mercenary washed down his meal with booze and leaned back to take a short breather from feasting.
“The rumor implied you might be dead.”
“Heh.” Zig let out a chuckle. “I haven’t heard that one before.” But I have a good idea where it came from. He feigned ignorance, leaning forward to appear interested in what Cossack had to say.
“Not too long ago,” the informant continued, “there was a big fuss in the neighboring country about one of the lord’s sons orchestrating a witch hunt. He decided his personal troops weren’t enough, so he sent out a call for mercenaries. Apparently, you were one of them.”
“You know your stuff. I wouldn’t expect any less of an informant.”
“With that conspicuous weapon of yours, even an amateur would be able to suss it out. Anyway, the mission was a success, but it came at a considerable cost. The bodies were so mangled that not a single one could be identified.
“Apparently, it was a grizzly sight. The lord’s first son and all of his troops were annihilated, and there were no other survivors beyond a few mercenaries that managed to run away. Two fairly well-known groups were completely wiped out in the battle.” Cossack looked thoughtful. “Still, it must’ve been a brilliant battle if they were able to take down the Silent Witch.”
“The Silent Witch?” Zig repeated. He gave Siasha a sideways glance, but her face revealed nothing.