Сообщение от Morec0
(( Back on schedual.
Page 18))
- By midday of the next day, Nilon and company had reached Ratchet, and were startled by the amount of people bustling in and out. Orcs, Humans, Goblins, Gnomes, any and all races were running around the port, into buildings and - each occasion brewing a fight that was quickly broken up by the Bruisers - each other. The five allies pushed through the crowd, staying close as to not be separated. Soon they found themselves at the entrance to the local tavern, and, after taking a brief moment for a head count, they went it.
- The bar was a mess, a fight was either in progress or getting started in almost every corner of the room, and the Bruisers were either too drunk or too lazy to do anything about it.
- Nilon ignored the commotion and walked straight up to the bar. He slammed his hand down on the table to get the barkeeper's attention.
- "Ah, potential customers," the Goblin said as he turned and looked up at Nilon, his lips spreading in a greedy smile. "What can I get you? Thunder Ale? Shimmer Stout? Name your poison I'll name my price."
- "I'm not interested in a drink," Nilon said. "I'm looking for someone."
- "Oh, a trader," the Goblins smile lessened noticeably. "Well you should probably ask one of the Bruisers then, they know the merchants' locations better then I."
- Nilon shook his head. "I'm not looking for a merchant, I'm looking for a sailor. Specifically one named Sprixx Steamfuse."
- The Gobin, startled, stumbled backwards. He regained his balance seconds later, a look of shock and awe spreading across his face. "S-Spixx S-Steamfuse?"the Barkeep repeated. "Of the Blackwater Raiders? Please, tell me you/red joking or drunk or insane. But you probably are if you'relooking for Sprixx."
- Nilon shook his head again. "I'm in my right mind," he said, "do you know where I could find him or not?" The Barkeep pointed his hand to the back of the bar, Nilon motioned to his companions and they followed behind him.
- There was one table at the back of the bar, with one chair at its far end. Two menacing Tauren bodyguards stood next to it, and in it reclined Sprixx Steamfuse, his feet - clad in purple shoes - propped up on the table. Sprixx also wore an elegant Purple shirt and had a hat and pair of pants to match. A diamond-tipped a cane was propped up on the wall behind him. He lazily moved one purple-gloved hand to lift up the brim of his hat. Violet-hued eyes scanned over the group, and then Sprixx said two words. "Go away."
- "No," Nilon bluntly replied, "Not before our business is concluded."
- Sprixx's eyes lit up. "Buisness," he repeated, now rubbing his gloved hands together. "Now there's a word I fell in love with." He grinned wildly and then continued, "So, what kind of business do you have in mind?"
- "I'm looking for transport across the Great Sea."
- Sprixx's grin was replaced by a look of confusion. "I'm afraid you've confused me with someone else," he said. "Wharfmaster Dizzywig runs a cruise ship that can take you down to Stranglethorn Vale. My ship is for... other uses."
- "No, you're the one I'm looking for, Sprixx," Nilon said. "I have gold. I can pay you for your trouble."
- "I love money, Blood Elf," Sprixx said, "But whatever paltry amount you can give me is nothing compared to the killing I've made selling my goods today."
- "Is there anything that I can give you to change your mind?"
- Sprixx's eyes wandered. "Well, maybe there is." Nilon followed Sprixx's gaze. It went right to Celen.
- A strange, white-hot anger grew within him, and before he could stop himself he told Sprixx, "No."
- The Goblin shrugged. "Then I guess our business in concluded. If you'll excuse me." Sprixx stood up.
- Nilon immediately snapped back to his senses. What had he just done? "Wait!" he said, Sprixx stopped and looked at his curiously. "I mean; not directly. A prize like her you'll have to earn." Celen flashed Nilon a "What the hell did you just say?" look.
- Sprixx rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Elaborate."
- "A bet," Nilon continued. "If you win, you get the High Elf."
- "For keeps?" Nilon nodded. Sprixx grinned madly at Celen, then looked back at Nilon. "And what if you win?"
- "Free transport," he said, "For me and my companions, to any location of our choosing."
- Sprixx was lost in thought for what seemed like forever, and then nodded. "I accept. Now, what do you propose we settle this bet over?"
- Nilon opened his mouth to speak, but ended up just shrugging.
- "Hmm, how about a game of Blackwater Twenty-Five?" Sprixx asked.
- "I don't know how to play that," admitted Nilon.
- "I do," Jason spoke up, "I'll play for him."
- "No," Sprixx said, "This is between me and the Blood Elf."
- Jason scratched his head. "Well, I suppose I can teach you then."
- "Whatever you're going to do, you had better make it quick. My shis is scheduled to leave in half an hour."
- And so Jason took Nilon to one side and began to explain the game.
