Robert Salvatore: The Spine of the World

"I was with Wulfgar for months," Morik claimed, obviously on the edge of hysteria. "Circumstance forced us apart and forced him from Luskan. I can find him for you-"

"No need," said the drow in the chair, holding up his hand to calm the groveling man. "I am Jarlaxle, of Menzoberranzan, and I forgive you in full."

Morik rubbed one hand over what was left of his hair, as if to say that he wished Jarlaxle had been so beneficent earlier.

"I had planned for Wulfgar to be my primary trading partner in Luskan, my representative here." Jarlaxle explained. "Now, with him gone, I ask you to assume the role."

Morik blinked, and his heart skipped a beat.

"We will make you wealthy and powerful beyond your dreams," the mercenary leader explained, and Morik believed him. "You'll not need to hide from the authorities. Indeed, many will invite you to their homes almost daily, for they will desperately want to remain in good standing with you. If there are any you wish. . eliminated, that too, can be easily arranged."

Morik licked what was left of his lips.

"Does this sound like a position Morik the Rogue would be interested in pursuing?" Jarlaxle asked, and Morik returned the dark elf's sly look tenfold.

"I warn you," Jarlaxle said, coming forward in his chair, his dark eyes flashing, "if you ever fail me, my friend Rai-gy will willingly alter your appearance yet again."

"And again," the wizard happily added.

"I hate wizards," Morik muttered under his breath.

*****

Wulfgar and Delly looked down on Waterdeep, the City of Splendors. The most wondrous and powerful city on the Sword Coast, it was a place of great dreams and greater power.

"Where are ye thinkin' we'll be staying?" the happy woman asked, gently rocking the child.

Wulfgar shook his head. "I have coins," he replied, "but I don't know how long we'll remain in Waterdeep."

"Ye're not thinkin' to make our lives here?"

The barbarian shrugged, for he hadn't given it much thought. He had come to Waterdeep with another purpose. He hoped to find Captain Deudermont and Sea Sprite in port, or hoped that they would come in soon, as they often did.

"Have you ever been to sea?" he asked the woman, his best friend and partner now, with a wide smile.

It was time for him to get Aegis-fang back.