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One way or another, he has to retrieve that medallion, not to mention the other one he found in the underground temple. Jiron’s necklace designating him a Shynti was also taken. If nothing else, those three things must be recovered.

Approaching the thugs outside the dilapidated tavern, they’re stopped by one of them before reaching the door. “What do you guys want here?” the thug asks. Standing there blocking their way with a sword on one hip and red hair waving in the slight breeze, James thinks he must really think he’s something.

“Want to talk with Orlander,” he says coming to a stop.

At that the others edge their way closer to the pair. “What for?” the red haired thug asks.

“That’s between me and him,” James says with finality. He stares down the man with courage he didn’t realize he had. Before coming to this world he would’ve been a quivering mass of jelly if someone had confronted him like this. Amazed at the backbone he’s acquired he takes a step forward.

The thug stops him by placing his hand on his chest and says, “You ain’t getting in.”

Jiron starts to move to take out this man when James holds up his hand to forestall any violence. Looking into the thug’s eyes he says, “Either remove your hand or lose it.”

In the face of such calm certainty the thug hesitates a moment and then removes his hand. “Thank you,” he says as he begins to move forward.

Shhhhht!

Five swords leave their sheathes as the thugs draw their weapons. “Now I said you ain’t getting’ in and I meant it,” the red haired thug reiterates as he threatens them with his sword. The other four are close and their swords are less than a foot away.

Frustration and anger begins to get the better of him and he’s about to let loose the power when the door to the tavern opens. “What’s going on here?” a large balding man says as he steps out. This has to be Orlander. Big, scars covering most of his exposed skin, and an air of command no one can ignore.

“These fellows wanted to see you,” the red haired thug says.

“About what?” he asks.

“They wouldn’t tell me,” the red haired thug replies.

“What is this about?” Orlander asks.

“I’ll tell that to you inside when things are less public,” replies James.

Orlander considers it a moment and nods. “Very well,” he says as he returns inside the tavern.

James takes a step forward and ‘Red’ has to step aside to prevent from being walked into. Not even looking back at them, he follows Orlander inside.

The inside looks just like every other tavern except the clientele is a little more tougher looking. Seven people are seated at the various tables, four of whom are having a game of cards off to the side. One is seated on a stool by the bar with a loaded crossbow laid across his lap, most likely in case of trouble.

Following Orlander across the barroom, James feels the eyes of everyone in the room upon him. Ahead of him Orlander reaches a door on the far side and opens it. Passing through, he leaves it open for them to follow.

Two men with crossbows and another with two swords strapped to his back are already in the room as he enters and takes his seat behind a desk situated against the far wall. After James and Jiron enter, the man with the swords closes the door and takes position behind them.

“Now,” Orlander says, “what is all this about?”

“We’re here to recover some items which were stolen from us,” he says.

One of the three other men in the room chuckles at that and Orlander gets an amused expression on his face. “What makes you gentlemen think I would have anything to do about that?”

“Word on the street is that you would be the man to see about such things,” Jiron states.

“I have been known to expedite the return of certain articles,” he tells them, “for a price.”

“So you might be able to help us?” James asks.

“First I would need to know of what you are talking about,” he says.

“Two people, a man and a woman robbed me and my friends a few days ago,” James explains. “They took off with our horses and many of our valuables. We know they passed through Illion and left with less than they arrived