"We'll stay out here in the wilds a while, see how things proceed," Lyncis said brusquely, not even acknowledging the possibility of dissent. "But no need to attract attention with our absence. Unsen, Lougias," Lyncis nodded at the two. "Go to the Guild outpost in Voma and report the completion of our mission. Then find as many extermination quests out here as the Guild will let you take and record them under our name. Our reputation should grant us some leeway in the number."
"Hearn," she continued. "Enter Voma inconspicuously and gather as much intel as you can. I trust you know what to do." Lyncis abruptly turned and returned to her tent.
Unsen took the instructions evenly, as usual, while Hearn grinned slightly at the Boss' trust in her/his abilities. Lougias also stayed true to form.
"Why me?" Lougias grimaced. "I don't want to go into town and get sick from some weird mystery plague!"
"Hmph, that's what you get for always running your mouth," Viers shot back sulkily.
"Come now, Lu-lu, you can be my date!" Hearn grinned wickedly while Lougias shuddered and used Unsen's large body to block Hearn's view.
Two days later, the trio returned to Renitent's campsite, Lougias putting as much distance between himself and Hearn as possible.
"Boss, there was only one extermination mission available at the guild," Unsen sighed as he sat on a log. "It seems like a bit of a nuisance, but I figured we can afford the penalty fee if we decide to drop it." Lougias tore into the waiting meal while Hearn looked on.
"As expected of a small town. A city might have had more options, but best to tuck tail for now," Hearn added.
"What did you hear?" Lyncis frowned.
"Ghastvine and Mortic missed their mission deadlines, and Couvias hasn't spread money in nearly a month," Hearn reported on the three vanished mercenary groups, then gave the chewing Lougais a provocative smile. "Brothels always have the best information." Hearn grinned while Lougias choked on his food. Ignoring the banter, Lyncis turned to Unsen, who nodded.
"The extermination mission is to find any and all scorpioid nests in the Wentos Valley and dispose of them. The request claims there are at least three," Unsen continued with his initial statement.
Lyncis narrowed her eyes. Scorpioids were a nuisance indeed, since their nests were usually well-hidden, the moved quickly, and they could easily hide among the dense vegetation of the Wentos Valley. However, it was a slightly odd request. No one resided in the Wentos Valley, so the petitioner should be from one of the bordering villages. Why would they request the entire valley be cleared of nests, and how would they know there were at least three? Unsen's glum look showed that he understood the oddity of this mission as well. However, it would provide Renitent with a good excuse for staying away from any towns, and considering how poorly the mission paid, it wasn't likely anyone else would have been tempted.
Lyncis looked up. As though they had been summoned, the other members of Renitent gathered around.
"We'll divide up into teams and scout the valley," Lyncis decided. "If anything abnormal happens, make for high ground and send up a signal. The rendezvous will be the mouth of the valley. We meet in seven days, or sooner if there's an alarm signal."
After dispersing into the valley the next day, no warning signal was seen, and seven days later the mercenaries gathered at the mouth of the valley reporting no scorpioid nests found, only signs of predation, and rather brutal predation at that.
"Viers, Lougias, Reckhart, and Duvorn haven't returned yet," Unsen reported gloomily to Lyncis. "They headed for the center of the valley, following the river."
Lyncis frowned deeply. No evidence of scorpioids, yet someone had wanted them here. Why? Was it --
"Stay here! If I find any of you went into the valley without my permission, you don't need to come back!" Lyncis barked at the surprised mercenaries and turned to enter the valley.
"Boss!" Unsen called insistently yet softly. "Let me co--"
Lyncis turned back and glared at Unsen coldly.
"If I am not back by sunrise day after tomorrow, take the others to the bolthole at Sybel," Lyncis brooked no argument. "Do not let anyone know you live, understood?"
Unser stared despondently at Lyncis' back, which disappeared into the trees.