Dante Fenthur

[JCrux]

Dante Fenthur stared into fire looking irritable and moody. “Buck up laddie,” said Brawnor as he took a seat on another log around the fire pit. “Things ain’ so bad. We’ve git food, we’ve git shelter, sort’a, and we’ve git our lives. Which is more t’an be said for them blokes we left behin’.”

Dante grumbled, “But this isn’t what you promised me, you old dwarf. You said siding with Leogan would ensure us a piece of the action in the merchant’s district. You said we’d be in good with the Night Masks. But instead of living the life of luxury we’re hiding in the middle of this god forsaken forest.”

“Well now, “replied Brawnor, “these tings happen. You live long like me an’ you’ll see ta’s true enough.” Brawnor chuckled. “An I did get ya in with the Masks. Tain’t my fault Leogan o’er extended his reach. At leas’ ta elf be showin you how to live off the land.”

Dante didn’t rely. He just picked up a stick and poked at the fire while continuing to stare into it. He was in no mood to stop feeling sorry for himself.

“Don’ ya worry, lad. Just wait til tempers die down. Leogan’s dead and we just small potaters.” Brawnor stood up and patted Dante on the shoulder as he wandered away. “We be back in the Masks before you know it.”

[JCrux]

Dante Fenthur waited anxiously in the shadows, eyeing the roadhouse just a short distance down the road. The roadhouse was a popular stop between Reddansyr and Westgate. It was also a popular tavern for certain members of the Night Masks. He had left a note to meet with Markus Fenns, an assassin for the Night Masks. Either this meeting would go well for him or he would soon be dead with a knife in his back. It was a chance he was willing to take; he was tired of hiding in the woods. Still, he couldn’t help be nervous, wondering what will happen.

A voice spoke in the darkness before Dante built up the resolve to approach the roadhouse. “You’ve still got a lot to learn, boy.” Dante jumped in spite of himself. He quickly turned to face Markus. “Don’t worry, boy. If I wanted you dead you wouldn’t be breathing right now.” Dante nodded, slowly regaining his composure. Then both of them moved deeper into the shadows of the forest.

“Are you ready to betray your friends?” Markus asked? Dante spat. “We aren’t that close, and look at the mess they got me in. I’m willing to do what it takes to make things right with the Masks.” Markus smiled. “You always were an ambitious thief.” Dante handed over a crude map he had drawn. “Here, this is where they can be found.” Markus glanced at it briefly before tucking it into his vest. “This goes a long way toward redeeming yourself, but its not enough. It buys you your life, but you still are not welcome in the Dragon Coast.” He hands Dante a small bag of coin. “This will buy you passage on a ship bound for Cormyr tomorrow morning. Make sure you are on it. In time I will let you know when its proper for you to return.” Markus chuckled. “In the mean time, try to learn how to hide better.” Dante was crestfallen, but accepted the news with a hardened look. Exile isn’t what he wanted, but still, it would be better than living in the woods like a second-rate bandit.

“Oh, and Dante, if the map isn’t accurate, or if I find out that this is an ambush you have plotted against the me, I will find and kill you.” Dante nodded grimly. He truly had betrayed his comrades. Now he just prayed that nothing would go wrong with Markus’ plan to eliminate them. Regardless, his next step was clear. He had a ship to find.