Ewin´s always liked his visits of the poorer parts of the city. He spent there a lot of time, but he could never really get used to things these districts prepared for him. The smell of sewage mixing with stench of nearby tanneries, homeless beggars calmly sleeping on the cold cobblestones, sound of lively conversation from pubs of questionable quality… A cocktail of pretty much everything Edwin hated mixed solely for a purpose of humiliation of his senses. Only thing it needed to achieve true perfection was some pompous asshole with blue blood shouting orders.
Speaking of assholes, Edwin noticed a few shady characters watching him. He grinned a little, hoping that those guys will have balls to start a fight. He wouldn´t really mind a little sparring practice to brighten up his mood. “There is no time for this…” he reminded to himself silently and sighed. Hawk had a job for him, and he didn´t want to make him wait any longer. Edwin was man of few virtues and reliability was one of them. He fastened his steps, put a hand around the hilt of his sword and hoped that thugs won´t be interested in prey that could bite back.

He get into the warehouse without any incident, thugs remained on their spot waiting on someone harmless, and soon he knocked on the door in predetermined pattern, an effort was awarded by allowance to step in.
He was quite surprised by the interior of the building. From outside it didn´t look like much, but insides of the place was quite nice. Edwin already visited a lot of these “secret meetings” held by Hawk and this looked like the most pleasant one of them. A cosy tavern was great improvement from dead end of city canalizations or hidden chamber under cheap brothel. And the food was also a change he was glad for. What wasn´t that great change, was the company. He expected Hawk to be there, not a bunch of… random individuals.
“Evening,” he greeted them and doffed his hat with faked courtesy. At first Edwin wanted to ask, what is going on, but he noticed the note pinned to the table and decided to read it first. Basically they should make themselves comfortable, get to know each other and wait for his arrival. Now he regretted that missed opportunity with street brawlers. At least there was a dinner…
He gave his company an inquisitive look. They were a strange bunch of individuals, a dark alley murderer, scholar and a rather childishly behaving girl. Edwin didn´t say anything, just poured some wine into the closest goblet and took a deep gulp. Sometimes, he missed the army.