The Forced Adventures of Misuderstood Company Ch.1

Once upon a time there was an ancient and wealthy city called Bulrock. In said city lived a beautiful and fair princess known under the name of Ves-
- All right! That's enough! Get off me you two! Now to your rooms, on a double! - The old veteran, father of two girls running upstairs and giggling,  shouted angrily. He walked slowly to the shelf where he put back an old book that was supposed to be this evenings’ entertainment for two little devils - his daughters. Apparently they enjoyed gossips more than a good reading. He sighed and went past a big, wooden door accidentally hitting a cupboard with his right foot. Cursing under his breath he walked away leaving the empty room behind.
A few long seconds passed before some whispers could be heard.
- He is gone. - Said a man crawling from under a large, oaken table with misery written all over his face. His ragged clothes made him look like a beggar.
- Too bad, I really wanted to hear the story... - Avowed the little halfling opening a cupboard where he has been hiding for the past twenty minutes.
- It ends badly. - Middle-aged man frowned and looked around. They were in a living room of a rather decent looking mansion. He was certain that even the smallest piece of furniture was worth more than he could ever earn.
- How so?
- Dragon and knights involved.
- Ah... dragons. It's always sad when...
- Not a dragon. He was a protagonist. The Knights were the problem here.- The man interrupted him.
- What?
- Collateral damage.
- What does it even...?
- Doesn't matter. Let's let others in.
- But how could u know that?
- Magic. - He flicked his fingers in mystical manner. The halfling nodded with understanding. Of course a "wizard" couldn't tell him the truth. How would it even look - a great magician with one book called "Adventures of Vesma the princess" and reading it over and over again? As he recalled, he learned his first spell from that book. Weird times.
A few moments later they opened the doors leading outside and let in a group of three female companions. One halfling, slowly nodding to a human lady in light armor, and an elven huntress.
- So let me get this straight, Fifi. You are telling me, that these two morons were hiding in a living room while father, and let me remind you that he is our main concern, was reading a book to his children.
- Yup. - Nodded Fifi.
- All he had to do was to move his leg or get thirsty while READING A BOOK and he would find them crawling like rats under or in his furniture?
- Yup.
- I'm not even asking why it succeeded.
- Relax, friend. - The Elf patted the warrior on her back. - Luck is on our side.
- How again will you call this "luck"?! - Dark hair moved like raven wings when the warrior quickly turned around and looked in the huntress’ eyes. - This whole situation is a mess!
- Well, who could foresee that Riki would run straight past all the traps avoiding every single dart or axe aimed at him and after seeing a hole in the shape of a hand he would stick his own bloody hand into it to see what happens? Or maybe after getting the magic key imprinted on his body he would make a pact with a demon?
- It was an imp to be precise... - Fifi said backing slowly. She knew where this was going and she didn't like it at all. She eyed the ragged man and pointed at the girls.
- Well, honestly, it was to be seen. What troubles me is the fact that this little brat bet our souls instead of his own. Why did he have to be smart, this one time?
- Larissa, Shia will you come in? You know we are burglars, and you are staying outside bickering... - Both looked at the "wizard" but went in without another word.
- Show me this key again, Riki. - Asked Fifi and the halfling moved his left hand with the weird blue symbols written all over it so close to her face that he almost touched her. - You know... it looks more like a drawing of some drunken five year old rather than magic symbols.
- It's not my fault! It was dark and moistly and I had to be fast! Tell 'em, warlock! - The Imp jumped from Fifis rucksack and started to whine in his squeaky voice.
- Oh, shut up already! - All five of them exclaimed at the same time. The whole thing was about to turn into an absolute failure, as always.

***

- So... - Deep, sluggish voice sounded like purring of an enormous panther. - What is the reason for me to enjoy your hospitality? Last time we had this conversation you promised me no more no less than five souls of valorous mortals. After two years, you’ve failed. What is your brilliant idea now? - Said lizard-like creature laying on a blue, square carpet. Its scales were black as well as red all along the spine. Long tail moved a little when sorceress looked at it. Its narrow, yellow eyes were avoiding her figure.
- First of all, your man failed. I did everything according to the plan and they fell for it.  - Young but strong voice was calm. She moved to her desk and took of her hood. Blue robe was contrasting with her gray hair and golden eyes. - Secondly I summoned you to break the news. Do you remember those five brats? I got almost all of them. There is only one more remaining. Now, all we have to do is force them into some kind of an adventure where he will sacrifice his soul for the greater good. Then... Then they are ours.
- Amusing... On the other hand, you could replace him with anyone fitting the pattern.
- No. - She almost shouted. - He was the one responsible for our failure. He needs to pay!
- Revenge. You sound hot when you hate someone.
- Fuck off. - The creature grinned as she went past him and out of the room. He liked her office. Warm, cosy and in the shades of brown. He enjoyed smell of old books and shimmering of a small fountain outside of the lonely window.
- How long are you going to hold me imprisoned? - He asked looking at the door.
- Don't be silly. We both know you could go away anytime you wished to. - She came back with a piece of paper in her one hand and a small wooden stick in the other. - Furthermore you could tear me limb from limb and go on a rampage all around the city.
- And we both know I won't do this. - He sighed and stretched all over the carpet like an enormous cat.
- Because...
- Reasons. - He grinned once more when sorceress rolled her eyes. - When do you begin your little operation?
- I have already begun. - She smiled in a weird way, just like imps do.