Chapter 30 Belle

  Following the instructions on the flyer we were going to meet an Avian named Belle at one of the coastal inns. After walking through the crowd we found the Inn in question, ‘sparrows roost.’ It seemed like an inn specifically made for Avians, with lots of open space on each floor and a set of wood spikes embedded in the wall for non-flying races so they could deliver letters, packages etc.

  We all looked upwards, our contact was on the 8th floor at the very top. Only Derek had any issues with heights, even though such a fall would only bruise him badly, and even if he broke a bone Alice could always fix it. We climbed up the wooden spikes and slowly made our way up, halfway a smaller Avian, probably a teenager or child flapped beside me. I turned to look at her only to have a raspberry blown in my face. I wipe my face of the spit and keep climbing, reaching the top within another minute. As we climb over the edge one by one I notice Derek swaying on his feet looking pale as a ghost. With a small tremble he crashes into the ground. Alice checks him over to find he had fainted.

  “I knew you were bad with heights Derek but fuck.”

  I say, massaging my forehead. After another moment the Avians on the open platform parted as a white one approached us, Belle. As she approached I took a monster to look at the Avians around us. The Avians weren't all the same, they came in all types of color. Some had arms, some had small finger-like protrusions where their wings acted like arms. They all had human-like faces, some had human-like bodies lightly covered in feathers, while others were a bit more bird-like. It reminded me of harpies from my past world's mythology. However they all had wings without exception.

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  “Belle I assume, terribly sorry but our negotiator is indisposed at the moment.”

  I motion towards Derek's unconscious body.

  “That's a shame, guess you'll just have to negotiate in his stead.”

  Shit, fuck fuck fuck. I didn't know a damn thing about this, we always had Derek handle things, he was too damn good to have anyone do it for him.

  “Alright, let's get started then. We are the mercenary company tails of fortune and as the leader I have decided to accept your request.”

  “I am Belle, the request was to slay snow leopards that are currently occupying somewhere close to the northern road heading towards the capital. You see, things are a bit tenuous as the guards are all chasing shadows. The crime rate has been steadily getting worse and my merchant caravan wants out. I'm prepared to offer you three gold coins to slay them with a bonus if you bring back a pelt or two in good condition.”

  “That sounds reasonable.”

  I move to shake her outstretched hand, and at that moment Derek regains consciousness, his eyes immediately locking onto our hands shaking. He rises and gets close, glaring at me. The weight of his glare sent shivers down my spine, my danger sense refused to go off even though my hair was standing on end. After several more seconds Belle seemed to catch that our deal hadn't satisfied him.

  “As a cherry on top I'll spread your name on notice boards I see while in the capital with your deeds you've thus far done.”

  Derek takes a moment before nodding. He quickly scribbles a note of our current deeds and capabilities, handing it to Belle. We part ways, waving as we reach the edge we had come up from.

  [New skill learnt! Basic negotiation- haggle, threaten, plead and negotiate a bit easier.]