The Connivers of Bosmora, (a redo) Options

[redsrock]

The following will be a remake of the last one. The previous story was rushed and I just hated it. This one will be much better. Expect the first chapter to either come out tonight, or tomorrow.

[redsrock]

Exactly. Helseth is in full control for now.


CHAPTER TWO


As soon as the annoying tax-collector left his house, Sirius went back inside, closed his doors, and immediately knocked back a couple of beers in matter of several minutes. His only option had already been laid out before him, but he didn’t like it one iota. Though he was given yet another deadline, he had a bad feeling he wasn’t going to make this one either. He was giving up too much to gain too little, at least in his opinion anyways.

seventy-five percent of my earnings from here on out? he thought angrily to himself. He absolutely hated Malpen for taking advantage of him like that, for he knew the shady Imperial was going to pocket the money for himself.

But no matter how much he hated Malpen, he had nobody to blame but himself for the position he was in, and deep down inside Sirius knew this. The broken and empty bottles scattered throughout the shop told the sad story of the once-prestigious special-agent for House Hlaalu. For many years he roamed the halls of Mournhold Palace, a hero in every eye, and a model for almost as many. But that was long ago. Those days were over, not that Sirius cared. He had his fun playing spy, but when the unthinkable happened and he was betrayed by his own best friend, things drastically changed for the worst. However, Sirius didn’t like contemplating those events. He wanted to forget the past and move on. Of course, that was easier said than done.

No more than a few minutes after he was finished drinking his alcohol, a knock came from outside. Sirius assumed Malpen was back to agitate him some more, and he angrily stomped over to the door and opened it with great aggression.

“What the hell do you want now?” he yelled loudly as he opened the door. But to his surprise it was not Malpen, but rather a different Breton, this one very scrawny and making a unpleasant expression about his face, no doubt smelling the odor of beer coming from Sirius’s breath.

“…A message from the city of Vivec, sir…” The Breton said wearily. He was careful not to sound suspicious, carefully instructed by Helseth of course. The courier really had to sell the act, and it appeared he had done just that.

Sirius took the envelope, thanked the messenger with no emotion, and then closed the door without waiting for a reply. He belched loudly for a few seconds, and then sat down at his office desk. After cutting the seal with a small pocket knife he took out the letter and read it to himself:

Dear Sirius Mero,

My name is Catolino Balvicci, but you may call me Cato. I have come under the impression from a friend of mine in Caldera told me that you are currently having some money issues. What I have come to realize is that, despite your money woes, you really do have the potential to run a successful business. My friend has told me that your store has attracted far more people than anyone else. I would like to extend a hand in helping you recover.

I am an entrepreneur of sorts, and have helped finance many striving merchants in Cyrodiil. I came to Morrowind just a few weeks ago to find work here, and my friend, Sabatha the Khajiit, immediately told me of your situation. She holds you in high regard actually.

I am willing to offer you twenty-thousand septims. This should be more than enough to pay your debts, and it will also let you buy some nifty new products to attract even more patrons. I know all of must sound like a dream to you, but fortunately for you it is not. Talk to Sabatha, and you will see this is real. She will explain everything, and even give you my address. I would do it myself, but I fear I do not trust the mailing system just yet!

I look forward to seeing you my friend, and until then, good luck!

Sincerely,
Cato

Sirius’s first thought was “what the hell?” He wasn’t too sure what to think, because of all this was happening out of the blue. This ‘Catolino Balvicci’ was a suspicious-sounding character, although the proposed offer was more than tempting. But could he trust the man? That was the question. He threw the letter down and downed a few more beers. He was now more confused than ever…


++++++++++ ++++++++++ ++++++++++


“Yes, my lord, he took the letter. Although I could smell a strong odor of beer coming from his breath, if that means anything.”

Some thing never change, King Helseth thought to himself. “No, actually it doesn’t. I’m not really that surprised, for he’s always been attached to alcohol. Anyways, thank you for sending the message. You may retire for the night.”

The courier bowed slightly and then left the room in hurry, closing the door behind him, happy to finally rest. Helseth immediately sat in his chair and began thinking about the situation. The letter was given to Sirius, and now the only thing to do was wait, and hope that the Imperial takes the bait. His agents were already in Vivec, anxiously standing by in the lobby of an old inn in the Foreign Quarter. They were professional agents, two Dunmer and one Altmer. The three had been trained at an early age and were the best Mournhold had to offer.

Helseth was also a bit weary about the Khajiit, Sabatha. Yesterday his agents had sworn that the cat was trustworthy, but Helseth always had his doubts. However, that is why he offered so much gold to Sabatha. And if she was smart she wouldn’t dare double-cross the King. Either way, it was only a matter of time until Sirius was standing in Helseth’s office one more.

But what would happen then? The King of Morrowind himself knew the situation was going to be awkward, no matter how much he’d prepare. Deep down he knew this situation would come up eventually, and yet he was still afraid. The hard feelings of the past were still certainly present, but there was also a hint of remorse coming from the King. Even though Sirius deserved what he had received long ago, the man’s life had been ruined by the exile.

It would be an awkward scene indeed…


++++++++++ ++++++++++ ++++++++++


At around eight o’clock that night Sirius got the sudden urge to walk over to Sabatha’s house and probe her with questions. The letter had explained that he needed to talk with the Khajiit to learn all of the details, and that is exactly what he was doing. He still wasn’t too sure about all of this, but then again he really did need the money, and there was really only one way to find out if everything was true.

“Who is it?” Sabatha asked seconds later after hearing a knock outside her door. When the Khajiit opened the door, she cracked it slightly, peering out with her yellow eyes hoping that it wasn’t another one of Helseth’s agents.

“It’s Sirius, from down the street. I have some questions I’d like to ask you.

Oh god, he’s here… Sabatha whispered out loud.

The three agents had arrived at her house early yesterday morning, quite early in fact. They stated their proposal and Sabatha at first though she was dreaming. But after seeing the shining gold coins she knew it was anything but a dream. The agents didn’t mention who their master was, but she didn’t care. She’d do just about anything for the gold, which was fifteen-hundred up front, and the another twenty-five hundred after the deed was done.

“Oh, Sirius, of course! Come on in!”

She had been constantly practicing ever since the agents left yesterday. She was supposed to act like she knew this ‘Catolino Balvicci’, and that he was a good friend of hers looking for some business over at Vivec. Sabatha had read the file on the fake business-man, and she was totally prepared. Once Sirius explained what he wanted, and the letter, she started working her magic.

“Yes, I am glad he sent you the letter! I told him all about your situation, and he was happy offer a lending hand. He really is a wonderful man, Sirius. Are you going to take him up on the offer?”

“I don’t know,” Sirius said, a little confused by the Khajiit’s extreme cheeriness. “I don’t really even know where to find the man.”

“Oh, right now he’s staying in Odie’s Inn, in the Foreign Quarter of Vivec.”

An inn? Sirius thought to himself. Why the hell would a man of his prestige be living at an inn?

“Very well, I will make a visit tomorrow night. Though I do have one more question. How do you know this man?”

The Khajiit kept her cheerful smile and replied, “Why, he finances my mother and father’s jewelry store in Cyrodiil. He’s been a family friend for many years, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else more than I do him. He’s really a wonderful man, Sirius.”

Sirius left the Khajiit’s more confused than before, if that was even possible. He was still a bit suspicious about everything, but Sabatha seemed to be a real fan of this Catolino. He’d have to see for himself tomorrow.