Massively Multiplayer by P. Aaron Potter Read Free Book Online Page A

that most of the musicians who frequented Bitter Edge sounded like they were simply tuning their instruments. The few who did know how to play usually knew but one folk-song, which they would play over and over. This one sounded like he was doing an early renaissance version of "Stairway to Heaven."
    The second surprise came when the minstrel interrupted his song as he caught sight of Druin descending the rickety staircase, and hailed him across the crowded tavern.
    "Druin! Long time no see!"
    The crowd drifted away as the minstrel slung his instrument (a mandolin, Druin wondered, a lute? What the hell did you call those things?) and made his way to the stairs.
    Closer inspection revealed a man in his early thirties, his clothes subdued for a tavern minstrel: olive green leather with black velvet trim. But then, Druin knew, this was no ordinary wandering tavern minstrel, selling his songs and services wherever he could find a crowd with gold.
    It was MadHarp, Gil's man. Gil's assassin. Druin could see no weapons, but didn't let that fool him into thinking that the man was unarmed.
    "Harp. Long time."
    The minstrel smiled slyly. "So glad you remembered me. It's been, what, almost eighteen months since the Great Swamp Trek? We haven't been seeing you around the upper city much since then."
    Druin nodded warily. "Yeah, I've been busy. Making coin, you know. I can't afford much Up-Hill anyway, these days."
    MadHarp tilted his head to one side skeptically. "Really? You underestimate yourself, bro. What are you, fifth circle now?"
    "Sixth."
    "Sixth! See, you should be thinking about moving up from this pit. You're good enough, I bet a lot of folks would be interested in hiring you."
    Now it was Druin's turn to be skeptical. "If you'll remember, it didn't turn out that way last time. I didn't think Gil was that happy with my performance." The moment he'd said it he was sorry, as MadHarp's sly look returned.
    "Ah. I thought so. You've been avoiding us, haven't you? Avoiding Gil, at least. Afraid he's still angry about you letting that vampire princeling get away?"
    "I haven't been in hiding. If I thought he was that angry, I'd be in another town. But yes, now that you mention it, he seemed like he was still ticked off. Why go where I'm not wanted?"
    MadHarp spread his arms wide, and his look of delight was more frightening than a dozen knives would have been. "Then you are in luck, bro! We can solve the problems with your bankbook and your social life all at once. Not only is Gil not mad at you, he wants to see you. That's why I'm here. He sent me to offer you a job. Come with me back to Gil's and he'll explain." He clapped his hands firmly on Druin's shoulders and swiveled him towards the door.
    "Wait a second," Druin protested, "I can't right now, I'm supposed to be meeting someone."
    "Don't sweat it, Dru'. You'll be back soon."
    "How do you know? What does Gil want?"
    MadHarp pressed himself close to Druin's back and whispered in his ear, and his voice was no longer so friendly. "I said don't sweat it, bro'. You think about how impatient Gil gets. Or how impatient I get...you sweat that, okay? You got it?" To emphasize his point he dug something sharp into Druin's ribs. It could have been just his hand, but Druin wasn't betting on it.
    For a moment, Druin considered taking MadHarp up on the threat. After all, he was within the city limits...the guards would come running at the first sound of open combat, and they would target the aggressor. On the other hand, MadHarp was quick, and Druin might already be dead by the time they got there, and if the combat were over, the guards would do nothing.
    He'd lose everything he was carrying, including his weapons, his armor, and the treasures he'd looted from the troll slavers, and run the risk of losing a circle in rank as well.
    Worse, he'd be away from the minstrel for only a few seconds. His body would be carried back to his room upstairs for reconstitution, and he'd re-enter the game