shadowsworn

Abner was sitting at a table in front of a local inn. He was quiet and unobtrusive. His table lay under the shade of the canopy, but he wore a faded dark red cloak and hood that covered most of his face. A mug of beer sat in front of him, but it was untouched.

Occasionally, as the inn was crowded that day, one of the other patrons would come over, meaning to sit down. Abner pulled his hood up slightly, revealing a pale, harshly carved face, and his pale blue eyes, like ice.

"This table is taken," he said quietly, and they all moved away quickly, murmuring appologies.

Finally, Abner saw, without seeming to, coming in through the door of the inn, a small boy in ragged clothes, one of the many street urchins who infested this city.

Abner waited, impatiently, as the boy struggled, elbowing and squirming, through the crowd of people, until finally he stood, slightly out of breath, in front of Abner's table. He held in his left hand a small piece of parchment.

"You have seen him then?" Abner said quietly.

"Yes, s-sir," the boy said, stammering slightly.

Abner nodded. "Tell Issac that his promised reward will be delivered tomorrow. I have pressing things to do today."

"Yes, sir. I will." The boy still waited, his eyes expectant.

With a sneer, Abner raised himself out of the wooden chair. He flipped the boy a silver penny.

"Th-thank you sir." The boy bowed slightly, and handed Abner the piece of parchment, then scuttled quickly away.

Abner carefully placed the piece of parchment in a hidden pocket. With a last look around to see if anyone had noticed, Abner left the inn.

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