The Corpse Raiders as they liked to call themselves were not the most intellectual of fellowships in Ylisse, they had simple tastes and often employed simple plans. Simple but very often very effective plans. They were the kind of people you hired if it was a blunt force approach that was required, rather than a more delicate touch. Which is why they employed a plan that should have worked. It had been simple enough; kick the door in, make a commotion, be loud, identify the girl, rough her up a bit and then cart her away into the night while the city watch turned a well-paid blind eye. Maybe she fought back, maybe she ran, either way it would have ended more or less the same. What could one girl alone do, even if she was a half breed? 

In that regard their employer in the capital had been very specific that she not be killed and provided that she was in a good enough condition to talk they could do with her as they liked. It was always nice when jobs came with perks. The only part they took offence to was the messenger who still accompanied them, sent by their employer to ensure his orders be carried out no doubt. However they could not complain in the grand scheme of things, he had been able to predict and follow the half-breeds movements to the letter, leading them to this very tavern. The tavern keeper had already been informed of his role in the plan. And paid for his silence. However the messenger was gone now, as if summoned away on some urgent business.

It was a good plan, which was why it came as something of a surprise when three burly leather and chain clad men burst into the tavern that they were immediately met with a torrent of wizard’s fire. However the order to attack had been given and so without thought it would invariably be followed through, the burning men pushed aside in the confusion as armoured men with weapons drawn tried to force their way through their burning comrades. Some joined them in the flame but most got through, advancing with weapons drawn and teeth bared.