Mika looked the man up and down. He was fat enough to make three of Audrey, even with her armor, but he hardly seemed hindered by the extra weight. He stood with the easy grace of a prince or lordling, and was clearly quick on his feet, having left the tavern unnoticed.
"Great!" Audrey burst in, "Where are they?"
The man chuckled, the finer ornaments of his fanciful attire tittering along with him as they swung against eachother, "My dear, I have lived a long and successful life based on the philosophy that one must never part with anything of value without some expectation of a profitable exchange."
Audrey looked puzzled, "Mika, what did he say?"
"He says we need to pay him."
"Oh I see. We give you a dozen gold pieces and you send us to some obscure cave to get eaten by lecsai, right?" Audrey said, "You seem awfully well dressed for a con man."
"Madam, I believe there has been a slight misunderstanding." the man said evenly.
"Oh go burn yourself, hogsodder." Audrey blasted before turning to go, "We don't have time for this."
A blade flashed from thin air, stopping inches from Audrey's throat. She caught herself before she could draw, knowing she wasn't nearly fast enough to stop what would happen if she did. Her eyes glided along the blade back to the bodyguard gripping the hilt.
"Huh," Mika muttered, feeling a slender dagger pressed against his own throat, "I was wondering where they'd gotten to."
"Forgive me, please, for this harsh display, but I am no confidence trickster, nor do I desire your gold."
"What are you after then?" Mika said softly, trying not to tempt whoever was holding the dagger.
"I too desire the Stones, and I know where to find them as well. But once we reach their resting place, only a wizard will be able to break down the barriers protecting them."
"I'm guessing Red said no, right?" Audrey asked, "I'm shocked."
The man harrumphed quietly, "You are clearly unfamiliar with the Red Order." he gestured to Mika, "You explain, Blue."
Mika fought back a curse as he felt a light trickle of something hot on his neck.
"Now, if you please."
Mika looked over at Audrey, "While the Blue Order gathers magical artifacts from the Lost Age to study them, and learn how to make use of their powers, the Red Order believes these artifacts are sacred and should remain untouched." He fought the impulse to swallow, "Most just view our expeditions as disrespectful, but some..."
"Some will kill you for even dreaming of it." The man finished, "I hope for your sake, girl, that Red in there was not of the latter persuasion."
"Dra Lect du ri, fat man!" Audrey cursed, "And my name is Audrey, whoreson! Not girl!"
Mika could have killed Audrey in that moment. She clearly knew nothing of the power of names.
"I grow tired of bickering. Here is my bargain. I will lead you to the resting place of the Shifting Stones and you will retrieve them. Are we agreed?"
Mika looked over at Audrey again, seeing her face turn red with anger. This was not exactly a likable man, but after months of aimless traveling, he was their only lead.