Soron's Quest by Robyn Wideman Page B

creatures and treat the city like their own private playground. Do what is needed, but do it in a way that can be explained. I beg it of you. I don’t want to lose a friend because of these animals.”
    Soron’s facial expressions softened for a moment, he sighed. “Alright, but I am dedicating my immediate future to this task. Nothing will prevent me from getting my hands on them, one way or another.”
    Marin nodded, “Good. Now unless you have a better idea, let’s go somewhere a little nicer. I am hungry and we need to discuss your new friends.”
    Soron nodded, and followed Marin out, he would return another time.
    The second pub was much nicer. It was farther away from the docks and catered more to the locals of Venecia instead of the sailors and visitors. As they ate, Marin explained his plan to learn more about the men who had abused Mariah. “I don’t know much about them, but Ramon will. Give me a day, I will talk to Ramon and find out as much about the men as I can, then you can plan a way to bring justice to them.
    Soron nodded, “Alright, I will wait.” Now that he had set his mind to the task, he would take as long as necessary to deliver some justice for poor Mariah.
    After the meal Marin went to find Ramon while Soron head back to the inn, he wanted to check on Mariah.
     

7
    Avenging Mariah
     
    “DECLAN LARSON, CALE PEARCE and Owen Gordon,” Ramon said. “Those are the ring leaders of the group. There are ten to twelve of them, but those three are the main leaders. All come from powerful families with strong ties to the Council. The others follow the lead of those three. Rape, torture, theft, and murder, the list of their sins is long.” Ramon paused and looked at Marin and Soron carefully before continuing. “If you are serious about this, I can arrange it so that you stumble upon an ‘attack’ tonight. It won’t be completely honest, but the men there will all be part of the group.”
    “I’m no saint Ramon, I would gladly take a knife and meet each of them in an alley, but I promised Marin here to make sure I didn’t get my head chopped off for outright murder. Do what you have to, I will do my part,” said Soron. If the law didn’t care about stopping these men, then he didn’t care about the law.
    Ramon nodded, “Meet me tomorrow at the Wandering Donkey around nine o’clock. Bring a couple of your pieces of jewelry.”
    …
    The Wandering Donkey was a rambunctious bar along the waterfront. The pub was known for its excellent food and brought in a diverse crowd.
    Soron spotted Ramon right away, he was talking to a short older gentlemen. Soron went over to them.
    “Soron, I would like you to meet Jarret Case, he is a deal of antiquities and jewelry.”
    “Hello, nice to meet you,” replied Soron.
    “Soron, I have heard so much about your artwork. I am pleased to meet you,” said Jarret.
    Ramon pulled the men towards the back of the pub, “come I have reserved a private room so that we can discuss business in a quieter setting.” Ramon then led them to a medium sized room with a table and three chairs set up for them. “The cook here does an excellent baked trout, I would recommend trying that.”
    As they sat down at the table a server came into the room, bringing a bottle of wine and three glasses. The server explained their menu options for the evening. “Tonight its rib roast with vegetables, the baked trout or steak and lobster.”
    Soron wasn’t here for food, but to keep up appearances he thought aloud over the menu. “The trout sounds good but I have never had lobster. I’ll try that.”
    After Ramon and Jarret order the trout the server left the room, leaving the men alone.
    “Soron, why don’t you show Jarret what you brought, then after dinner we can haggle over price, if you are willing to part with them. I warned Jarret that my lady friends will want me to bid on the pieces, but I promised Jarret an opportunity to see your work.”
    Soron nodded and took