97. Massacre

Leo stood in the centre of the dark guild's hall, the bound and unconscious guild master slumped at his feet. A ring of mercenaries, dozens strong has encircled him, their weapons drawn, eyes burning with hostility.

Leo exhaled. "Really, folks? Can't I just take this guy and leave? I need him for a quick chat."

The mercenaries stared, incredulous at his nerve. One spat, "You joking, kid?"

Another squinted, suspicion sharpening his tone. "Who's this guy?"

A scarred veteran shouted, "That's the Caulem heir! The one with the fat bounty which blacklisted after that job!"

A younger mercenary sneered, "The useless noble brat, huh?"

A burly man, brimming with reckless bravado, pushed through the crowd, grabbing Leo's cloak and pressing a dagger to his throat with a mocking grin. "Don't know how you got the boss, kid, but you think you're walking out of here alive?"