William "Bill" Hunt's Story

The sun slipped behind the gently rolling hills and sturdy trees of the Ethieven countryside, as the fine spring day (which is to say, there was only a bit of soft rain in the early morning) came to an end. The western horizon was still a thick band of red and orange in the sky but the fading beams of sun were giving way to the deep purples and blues of twilight. The village of Corwen, roughly two day's light ride from Wycombe on the Taunton road, bustled with travelers, finding a place to stay for the night, in one of the three coaching inns the settlement boasted. The Lost Yoeman and The Teamster, were both built in the village proper but The Dog, perhaps the finest of the three inns, was settled just a little northward, a warm beacon for anyone coming south along the road. Not so far away, that it wouldn't be counted as part of Corwen but far enough that it was a little too far to walk in the dark.

Jack Hunt sat with both his brother and business partner, at a table in the back, left corner and fought the urge to slip a finger under the well fitting wig, to scratch a growing itch. Normally the thing, black as pitch, with a curl at each temple and a tail for the nap of the neck, didn't brother him but for some reason, it itched tonight. He was sure that it had picked up a flea or two from a coachman, when they held up Squire Gosebourne the other night. Determined not to give in, if only to spite the man they had robbed for the pitiable haul, he picked up his nearly empty tankard and took a pull of the good brown ale The Dog served.

While William, his younger brother, bartered softly with Braith, over the price of the good Squire's pocket watch, the older highwayman glanced about the common room of the inn. The heel of his left boot scuffed over the floor, as he shifted a little, eager for the night to get on. It had been over a week ago, when Braith, maybe the slipperiest man in the underworld, had come to them with a job. Apparently, old Duke Cyril of Starford, would or already was coming down from his vast northern estates, for the wedding of his eldest daughter and he was bringing her dowry with him. It was hard not to drool over even the lowest estimates, of how much the old buzzard might be bringing in his coach.

Of course both of the Hunt Brothers had been interested in the prospect of lightening the load, those poor horses would have to pull but there was a small problem. The Duke was a smart man and would have more then coachman and a driver with him on the way to Wycombe. He'd have more men then even the bold pair could take on and live to tell about. They would need more robbers for this job, a small gang of their fellow knights of the road and while that meant smaller shares, it would mean they could spend the money. However, most of the men they used to run with, were either awaiting trial or buried at Harrow Hill.

So they had sent out the word, through the system of fences, less-then-completely-honest inn keepers, whores and other members of the underworld, that the Hunt Brothers were planning a big job and wanted some help. Anyone interested should show up at The Dog in Corwen, after sunset on Tuesday, the tenth of April. Look for the men wearing a red and black cockade on their hats.

Now all they had to do was wait. The Brothers did have a bit of a reputation, which might turn aside some of their fellows. After all, Black Jack and Bill had robbed more then one army officer and been chase by more then just a sheriff or the local yeomanry but by the cavalry. While not the most infamous of highwaymen, they did go after those who were more capable of killing or driving off mounted robbers. If they wanted hep, how dangerous was this job and how much could it be worth?

Jack raised his tankard, wordlessly and politely calling for a serving women, while keeping his eyes on the door.

Frank Reed had been on the road for about two days now, only stopping to get fresh water and rest a little. He was travelling to Corwen via the Taunton road heading for a small inn on the outskirts of the town called The Dog.

His contact in Wycombe had been asked to deliver a message to anyone in his line of work. A pair of brothers were planning a big robbery and needed some help. Reed had grabbed his things from the inn he had been staying at and set of immediately. He had heard off these Hunt brothers, they seemed to be making a bit of a name for themselves and he was tired of running solo.

When he finally reached the town of Corwen he slowly made his way to the inn where the meeting was supposed to happen keeping a watchful eye in case this was a set up. He watched the inn for a short while until he was satisfied it was safe. He tied his horse to a stall next to the inn and entered the building.

It wasn’t that crowded and was easy to see most of the people inside. He went to the bar and ordered a drink before scanning the room to find who he was looking for. He spotted the men he was looking for they had red and black cockade's on their hats and were sitting at a table at the back of the inn. He caught one of their eyes and nodded in their direction before moving over to sit down next to them. “Ma names Reed, you must be the Hunt brothers”.

It had been the stupidest idea that she ever had done but somehow it freed her from the place she considered as prison. Having exchange a good petticoat for a dirty pair of trousers, starched white shirt and moth ball smelling vest that was done so poorly that it looked like it was sewn by a blind tailor.

That was all she could afford as of the moment- or rather that's all that she wanted to wear. It was the best identity she could claim, an orphan lad who had no where else to go. She had to thank the gods for giving her a taller than the usual physique despite being a lady, it helped her avoid being dragged into welfare. The government would want nothing to do with orphans too old for the orphanage as it would require too much to spend at and honestly they would rather keep the extra shillings than spend it to on a no good wallygagger.

She did a final look at her reflection, she did her best not to puke as the strong pungent smell of the men's room enveloped. It wasn't the greatest place to be but Georgina Laverence had to make sure she hid all the signs of being a woman and set her game face as a thief. Of course she's a rookie when it comes to being one but she spent most of her life hiding, snatching and keeping some things she considered as her personal treasures. No one really bothered whether the young Georgina would spend her day smelling like a boy or getting messed with mud- all that mattered to her family and the world was Elizabeth, her twin. The prettier, better dancer, more graceful, more lady like and the pride of her parents while the family's helps made sure she stayed out of their way. Sometimes she wondered if her mother even breast fed her or assigned that task to her nanny while she nursed Liz.

There's no room for regret or jealousy now, she had to step up her game and prove herself. She let her hands run on her now short brown hair, poorly slashed with her dueling sword in order to make her look more manly. She missed her long and soft hair. She held back the tears. She's a man now and a man never cries.

George hid her hair under the bonnet she had stolen, it wasn't much but it was perfect. She gave her hidden bossom one final check and made sure it wasn't visible under the band wrapped around her torso and a final check to her knives and most especially at the dagger that she guards with her life.

Soon after, George was more than happy to be breathing second hand smoke from the Dog's customers and their tobaccos rather than the musky smell of urine inside the room she was in earlier. She tucked in her stomach and acted like a strong man as she went on the look out for the two men she had intended to talk to. The very reason why she came to this place even if there was a risk that she her identity would be known.

Looks like one man had already approached them so George decided to let the man approach the brothers first. It would attract attention if she would do the same and George can't really afford that.

Instead, she slipped into the bar and faced the maiden. She seem to be really pretty- how she envied that the maid freely moves with her skirt while she feels stuffy and uncomfortable with her get up. She raised a finger, a signal for ordering a mug of their best without having to talk while her other hand held a pair of precious gem stone earrings. A loot she saved in case she needed to bribe the brothers, actually it was more of a loot- it was a gift from her grandmother- the only person who showed her compassion while the others preferred Liz.

Nestled in one of the darkest corners of the Dog a group of haggard drunks were rabble raising nearly the loudest of all the bars patrons. Small pouches filled with coin clinked and jangled as they were tossed across the heavy ale soaked oak table, bets shouted for everyone to hear on the ill-advised five finger fillet game which centered around a wobbling man with his head on a lazy swivel. It was clear he had drank away his coordination several hours ago, each thrust was off time, the blade hung precariously from limp fingers, narrowly missing the crooked bony fingers. Clack-clack-clackclak-clackclackclack-clack. Guffaws and cheers rang out from the onlookers. In truth Baxter was quite capable of doing this parlor trick with his eyes closed, and from beneath the overhang of greasy matted hair he peered about the bar, watching idly as the others flocked to his potential employers.

The Rat wasn't one who took pride in knowing things. He wasn't any kind of mastermind, didn't worry about competition or the exploits of others. It simply didn't concern him. Loyalties were temporary in this business, passing opportunities for the greater gain. His entire career had been made up of such situations, drifting between groups and heists looking for the next big haul and great thrill. Instincts and professional detachment were everything. Still, even he hadn’t escaped all murmurings of the Hunt brothers reputation.

Thieves after his heart those two were. ClackClack-Clack-Clack-ClackClackClack-Clack.

But the others they were attracting…. That was another issue all together now wasn’t?

For one they seemed to have very little qualm with waltzing right up and making their intentions known, even with the meager wig disguise, eyes had been drifting over toward the Hunt’s table all evening. Now with a handful of equally nefarious characters filling up their seats; people were bound to take notice. The self-righteous powers that be had spies too, and with the Dog being a hot spot for illicit activities, that was bound to cause problems on down the line. Clack-ClackClackClack-Clack.

Secondly, they seemed soft, amateurish. They lacked the hollow gleam of raw determination which The Rat sought in his companions. With the exception of perhaps the thinner of the duo which had most recently joined the table. He seemed young, the curve of his face was too slight, the round of his hips to wide. The oddly shaped boys body language oozed reluctance, and it was clear his friend was the motivating force of their volunteering. But the eyes; they read of something much different.

Third, and most important of all; it meant taking a much smaller piece of the pie. His lips curled, the speed of the knife increasing. Would he simply content himself with sharing the spoils when he would no doubt have to pick up their slack?

Thwump!

He buried the knife in the already heavily scarred wood between his thumb and ring finger his jagged mouth twisting into a pleased grin.

“You lot are lucky ta ‘uv found me in sucha generous mood.” He stood, all feigned intoxication vanishing in an instant as he spring-boarded himself off the booth and over the table, leaving his muddy boot print across the abandon winnings.

In a few, over-flourished steps he was upon the group, jostling in between the duo and elbowing them out of the way. With a theatrical spinning of his hands The Rat dipped his head in a shallow bow. “Lo’ dere laddies. ‘eard you may need ta be getting’ tru a lock er two.”

Jack couldn't help the appreciative grin, spreading across his lips, as the graceful serving girl slipped out from behind the bar and walked towards their table. She was more then very pretty, even in her patched and slightly stained cloths. Unlike his brother, he didn't know her name but you didn't need that to enjoy her beauty, it might be helpful if you wanted to woo her though. He lifted his empty tankard, his hand wrapped around the body o the drinking vessel, so the handle was free to grab, as she asked what she could do for them.

"I seemed ta have run dry" said the elder brother, as his younger looked away from their business partner at the sound of her voice, "Could ye get me another, my bonnie lass?"

"And some supper" added William, giving the girl his most charming smile, as his brother went back to watching the inn's common room, "If ye could, Miss Lavinia."

Black Jack smiled slightly, as his pretty (as more then a few lasses have told him) blue eyes caught a man at the bar, looking at his hat before giving him a nod. Cloaked as the fellow was, he could blend into a night forest better then a shadow. Of course just because he looked like the kind of man they were looking for, didn't make one and it could just been a friendly gesture, one traveler to another. But the fellow came walking over, sitting down before claimed his name was Reed and knowing their last names. So this was the first of their brethren to answer their call for comrades, not a bad start, he looked like a professional.

"Aye" said the elder brother, smiling in a knowing fashion, "That be us. Ye a gentleman out on the road Reed?"

As Reed affirmed that he was a Gentlemen of the road, a highwayman, a mounted robber, another man appeared in the doorway and after scanning the room, made a beeline for the table, with a cocky smile. Apparently not a fan of introductions, the newcomer professed to being a fan of their work and claimed a seat at the table, before naming the brothers and expressing a desire to work with them. William, who had returned to his bartering as the lovely Miss O'Connell went to fetch drinks, looked away from Braith again, before he almost agreed to a ridiculously low price for the pocket watch.

"Well you know us lad" said the younger Hunt brother, his tone light, "But who be you?"

Before their new friend could say his name, more people arrived. A duo, an older rogue with a young boy, maybe his apprentice in tow. While the older of the pair seemed to let out an energy, which made the brothers take a liking to him at once, the boy (who it seems was called Fox, or at least he was by the older man) didn't seem to want to be there. It also appeared the older man wasn't interested in the job, something about the boy having company while he was away.

"Aye" said Jack, as his brother hurriedly closed the deal with Braith, "That was..."

Before he could finish, an almost sickly thin man pushed between the duo, his shabby and ill fitting cloths fluttering around his person, as his hands danced and he bobbed his head. A mouth full of terrible, broken and misplaced teeth was displayed, as he hinted at being a lockpick and not introducing himself either, the forth to do so this evening.

"Locks we might not have the key to" said Jack, "Might be in our future. Why doesn't everyone sit and we'll talk about business?"

Just then George thought of a better plan than introducing herself the old fashion way. After downing her drink and slamming a few coins on the bar, she stood up and fixed her clothes. She eyed the whole bar and planned her "attack" quietly. After a minute or so, she did her best not to be seen or noticed.

As quiet and as quick as she can, she went around the Hunt Brother's table when everyone has settled on a chair- which was now a bit crowded- and like a mischievous monkey she "accidentally" bumped into younger Hunt's chair and apologized, "Pardon me," she said with the deepest manly voice she could do.

She returned back to her seat at the bar and looked down at her loot, George had managed to steal the younger Hunt's golden watch. It looked cheap compared to what her father had brought when he was at his peak as a Treasure hunter and collector but nonetheless it was her key towards the Brothers.

George placed it back inside her coat and looked at the busy table of the Hunt's with her peripheral vision, ordered another drink from the bar maid they called Lavinia and waited until the party would exit the bar.

She hopes for the best that Bill still has no idea that she now has his golden watch, she needed to keep it until they got their full attention. It's the only way she can become a part of them and there's no way she can out bid the others and hopefully her plans would work. Looks like she won't be needing to risk her grandmother's heirloom earrings anymore. She continued to down her drink as a small sly smile appeared on her face as she continued to watch the round of men with the Hunt Brothers.

Elsbeth stood in the shadows near the inn. “Why am I doing this again?”

Brennan did not work in a group. She knew that was exactly why she was even considering doing this. Well, that and the substantial payoff that the job promised. Dowry for a Duke’s daughter and there was a need for more hands to deal with the guards. Elsbeth would have scoffed if word of this job had come from any other source. Thing was, it was Braith Alwyn who had put out the call and for the Hunt brothers. Both parties had good reputations, at least as far as those who moved in this circle could be considered good.

Elsbeth adjusted the coat, ensuring the collar and scarf came up to cover the majority of her face. Blue-grey eyes looked out from under her hat. Brennan of the Grange had a reputation of his own as well and she hoped it would be enough to convince the brothers and Braith that her guns would be a good asset to their little scheme.

“Off we go now...” Standing tall Elsbeth entered the inn.

The Dog had a good reputation for its ale and for being the better of the three establishments that served the area. It was reasonably busy as expected. Groups huddled around tables drinking, talking and gambling. The innkeeper seemed already well into his cups and a pretty barmaid was serving tables and the bar. Elsbeth watched her as she moved towards one of the tables. A voice had called for another drink and some dinner.

Around the table sat an odd collection of people. Scanning each, Elsbeth’s eyes spotted the red and black cockades in the hats. The Hunt Brothers. Both men were broad shouldered and had the look of hard working men. There beside them, blending easily must be Braith. She had heard of his reputation for being very unassuming at first glance but charming once his mouth opened.

Moving to a side table, Elsbeth sat and looked over the rest of the group. Two men were sitting, one sharply featured but shadowed and the other square jawed and tall. Two others were standing at the table, their backs to her and yet another pushed his way through them to the table. Elsbeth huffed a little. For highwaymen that should be keeping things quiet they seemed an obvious group of sorts. They were all men it seemed. No. Elsbeth focused on one of the standing figures. Female, shapely too. Even though this woman wore a coat that was too big, Elsbeth could tell. Elsbeth straightened a little. It was easy to pass herself off as Brennan, Elsbeth did not feature any soft womanly curves that so many others of her sex had.

The group seemed to be settling in to discuss business. Elsbeth stood, if she wanted in on the job she had to get over there. Movement from the bar caught her attention. A dirty looking young man moved quickly and bumping into one of the brother’s chair offered an apology then moved away again. Elsbeth cocked her head. Something was odd about him. Shaking her head slightly, Elsbeth drew her focus back to the table. Moving to the far left, she approached from the shadows.

Stopping beside the table, Brennan sat in one of the few empty chairs. The hat dipped as Brennan nodded to the table. Cold eyes stared out at the group. Gloved hands opened the fasteners of the coat, allowing Brennan to sit comfortably. Elsbeth had learned to sit like a man, not that she did it often as Brennan was a man on a horse not one of leisure. Two pistols sat just inside the coat, Brennan’s trademark.

From this angle Elsbeth could take in the faces of those that were standing. The pushy one, skinny to the point of corpselike, had the look of one who crawled out of the gutter. There was no stopping the ill feeling that crept up her spine as she happened to catch his eyes.

Her gaze went to the other two. One, the man seemed overly outgoing and friendly. From this angle she confirmed her suspicion that the other figure was in fact a woman. Hair was tucked into her hat but there was no hiding the soft face.

All attention was on the brothers. Like Elsbeth, they all seemed to be waiting to hear what the scheme was and of course, what the cut would be for each. “It had better be a good haul...” She wondered now, with so many involved if this had in fact been a good idea. The advantage was she hadn’t signed onto anything yet, if the deal wasn’t good then Brennan would walk away and that was the end of it.

Braith chatted with the younger Hunt brother. Having worked so long with the brothers Braith knew the price that he would be paying for this watch. However, Bill was always very earnest with his haggling and Braith did not want to take that away from him. Truth be told, Braith enjoyed the game as well. He always loved talking to people. It was also a nice way to be able to appear occupied while watching the strangers pile into his bar. The Dog was one of Braith's main haunts. He knew all the regulars by name. Each and every stranger who walked into the bar this evening was carefully noted and catalogued. Braith knew they were coming. He had been keeping his eye on the group of strange drunks in the corner. Nothing too odd about that, yet.

Braith kept the haggling up while he watched the tall, blonde man step in and order his drink. He sat quietly, pretending to inspect the watch as Reed introduced himself. Still holding the watch up, Braith looked Reed over and inwardly nodded. A good start.

The next tall stranger took a seat near by and overpaid for his drink. Braith grinned slightly at the boldness of this one's announcement as he turned and addressed the brothers.

As the couple walked to the table Braith smiled with satisfaction. There will be no shortage of recruits it appeared. Though it appeared only the one called Fox might be staying. He looked him, no, wait. Braith looked more carefully as he placed the watch on the table, yes, a her. Braith nodded, diversification was never a bad thing.

Ah, the drunks, here came one now, but not nearly as drunk as he played. As he pushed through the others and offered his skills Braith shuddered. This one looked capable of acts that matched his countenance. Though, this job will take all kinds, so it's better to have him on our side.

Another stranger, a boy by the looks of it, entered the bar and ordered a drink after taking a hesitant look toward the table. Another interested party.

As Jack ordered another round and the pretty barmaid distracted Bill, Braith chuckled quietly. He decided to have a bit of fun with Bill and made a firm sounding offer that was severely under priced. Bill almost agreed to the price and Braith smiled at him before shaking his head. He was not about to take advantage of some of his best partners. Still, he liked to keep them on their toes.

Another stranger entered the bar and looked the place over. Paying a bit more attention to this table. Though this one looked vaguely familiar to Braith. He racked his brains for the memory but couldn't quite place it. The stranger sat at a table beside the wall and watched the group.

He listened as Jack set about trying to gather the diverse group to order and set a final price with Bill. As Braith reached out to hand Bill the coins for the watch and Bill reached to hand the watch to Braith, they were bumped by the recently arrived boy. Braith nearly laughed out loud as Bill no longer had the watch to conclude the deal. As he was about to address the missing watch the newest stranger began to make his way over. He boldly sat down without making any type of introduction. Braith watched as he sat and raised his eyebrows at the exposed guns. He nodded, that seals that.

At the mention of business Braith perked up, "So, it appears I will have to look up to this crowd." He grinned. "And now that we have a wonderfully large group I think Jack has said the key phrase, and business is at hand. Welcome all to my offices. We have even brought the famous out to play." He nodded in the direction of the newest arrival.

"The interested parties have all made themselves known and we should begin with the most interesting details. It might be best, though, if we all sat close." With that he waved the boy at the bar over, "Please, my boy, come over, join us. And don't worry, I'll adjust the amount of your cut for that watch. I would prefer that you and I talk though." He grinned and winked.

He smoothly turned back to the table and smiled warmly, "I am Braith Alwyn. I'll find you what you need and take care of what you find. The Hunt's run this show and I provide the information. Jack, my lad, why not take the show from here and tell our new friends what kind of excitement you have in store for them. I'll start calculating the division of the shares so you'll all know what you stand to gain, roughly."

Jack flashed a quick smile, as their first unnamed guest claimed he wouldn't give his name in a public tavern. An almost paranoid precaution to keep one alive. Unless a victim, who knew both your name and face, was sitting close enough in the common room, to overhear them talk, your name couldn't hurt but if thats what helped keep you breathing in this line of work, well who was he to comment on it. Besides the name seemed like it would be forth coming and he was eager enough to hear about the thrill and danger of the job they had planned. A fellow with a taste similar to his, never a bad thing when riding out to tackle a job that would take balls of brass.

Before they could get down to business, a young man, squeezing around their table on his way to the bar, bumped into Bill. The younger of the Hunt brothers flashed him an annoyed look but left it at that. There were plenty of reasons a fellow might not want to walk through the middle of the common room, seeing as it was filled with roguish looking fellows, coachmen quick to take offense and possibly someone he might have offended before. There had been times the brothers, had to slink away from a past victims, least they be recognized by voice.

However, there was the issue, of the missing watch. It was really rather clumsy, to grab something out of a person's hand. His frown grew, as he noticed that Braith looked like he was about to laugh. He couldn't figure out if the fellow was new to the life of crime, just plain stupid or looking for a fight. He would be willing to fight, if thats what he wanted but they'd have to head outside, he didn't want to wreck Lavinia's common room. He almost got up but then Braith called the fellow out about it, in a rather friendly way.

Jack watched as a man, or at least he looked like a man, it was hard to tell gender with their face hidden under a scarf and a large coat on, rose from a nearby table and took a chair among their gathering of jolly rogues. No word of introduction, not a question about the job, he just sat down with a nod and opened his coat a little to reveal the butts of a pair of pistols. Jack took an instant liking to the man, it took a certain amount of boldness, to just step out and have yourself counted among a crew of outlaws. There was something about him, like he should know the stranger's name. Not that they had worked with him before but those eyes, with a pair of pistols, it tickled his memories a little.

"Well" said Jack, as their last compatriots joined them at the table, "Black Jack Hunt is me name and me brother Bill is the one glowering about a missin watch. We called this jolly gatherin' ta see if any of ye were interested in aiding the poor horses of his lordship, the Duke o' Starford. Ye see, 'em beasts be hauling the dowry of his lordship's oldest daughter, all the way from the north and they must be gettin tired. It would be mighty kind, if we went and convinced the Duke, ta let us lighten their load. O'course, the Duke and his cronies might not agree, if we just go and talk with 'em, bein cruel enough ta do that to their poor horses in the first place. Goin' ta have ta persuade 'em."

Both of the brothers smiled broadly at the table.

Braith poured through the estimated numbers as Jack talked about the job. As Valentyne introduced himself Braith thought that it was about time. This group was understandably anxious to be meeting in public. Obviously Braith needed to make them all aware that this place was as safe as any. The Dog was Braith's normal place of business. He knew the place well and the regulars knew well enough to leave him to himself. He looked up just as the boy with the watch slumped over. "Ah, we've embarrassed the poor boy", he thought. Braith knew he needed to set people at ease and reset this business with the watch.

"My boy, don't be so quick to leave us," he started in a friendly tone. "We all recognize that you wanted a way to approach us. I believe I should clarify our current surroundings. No doubt everyone here is wondering, why meet in such a public place? Well, the fact is that this place is my place of business and it's well established that the regulars here know well enough to leave me to my business. Also, would it not be even more suspicious for a group the likes of us to be slinking around in the dark places, trying to hide what we're doing? If we're out in the open, we can't possibly be planning something nefarious, can we? Not that we are, of course. As Jack said, we are here to only offer our services to the Duke. We are nothing if we're not helpful."

"As for the watch. My boy, if you wanted this watch, it would be best to wait until Bill and I were done haggling over it. Rather than lifting it from us as we are concluding the deal I would recommend you wait until the deal was finished, then lift it from me. Much less noticeable. As a matter of fact, I would like to talk about the possibilities of you hanging around my next order of business. The next item I sell to another person, not in this group of course, would be welcome back in my hands." He looked around with a genuine smile, "I do enjoy the idea of selling the same item multiple times and every time you lift the item and bring it back to me, I'll cut you in on the selling price."

He smiled warmly at the boy and once again stated, "You should sit and join us. You wanted our attention enough to risk stealing something from me, in my place of business. Obviously you want to be here. Don't leave so rashly. We shall further discuss our side deal another time. For now, listen to Jack's plan. It's a good one, if I do say so myself, and it will result in some nice rewards for us all if you all can pull it off."

George stopped on her tracks as the man who had earlier called her attention had once again called for her's and invited her over the table. Should she accept or should she swallow her pride and hope for the best? She took a deep breath and followed the latter decision. She might as well learn from the best to improve herself rather than risking her life doing small thievery and landing back into her sister's unforgiving hands.

She held her bonnet, turned back towards the table and without raising her head she spoke, "I have no interest in the watch- I've seen greater beyond compare but you got my intention right on tha' spot meyster. I have come and seek the brother's for I've heard great news and I humbly ask to be a part. I maybe dumb and young but I am fast and small," She boasted of her qualities, doing her best impression of a skallywag and changed her accent. Just then a woman dressed as a man spoke about her identity and intentions as well.

Gwen she was called. How Georgina wished she can come out and proudly say that she was of the same gender but alas- she thought about her sister's extended ears and eyes that might be on the look out for her. It was hard enough to go through the slashing of prized lock of hair, she couldn't let her sacrifices go banished because of a small woe.

She then raised her head, turned to look at the brother's Jack first then towards Bill- but how her heart skipped a bit when she saw the younger Hunt's face. There was a rugged yet attractive look in his eyes. Georgina blushed as she realized how different the feeling was when she would come face to face with him. She cleared her throat before looking at Braith, offered her gloved hand, held his hand firmly as manly as she can and spoke, "George, but they call me Monkey for my swift hands and tree climbing expertise. If me presence is still needed I'd be happy as a horse in a graze field to stay and learn. I may come in handy as we would never expect."

Georgina then stayed silent and hoped for the best as she waited for their verdict.





OOC: George tries to sound like a man, just the same as Mulan's voice trying to be Ping (see Youtube)

The Rat’s grin twisted up his ragged face at mention of business. It was clear he had enough opening approval to earn a seat at the table. His attempts to bring a rise out of the pair and perhaps scare away the added fluff he noticed around the table proved largely fruitless. Drawing little more than a few batted glances, a weak shudder from their organizer Braith and a passing look of disgust from the younger of the duo. Perhaps these men weren't the squishy fools he sized them up for initially. Flipping a chair to face him, The Rat plopped down with a swish of his coattails, eager to hear the details of their high-profile quarry.

He remained largely silent, contenting himself with picking food from his festering maw and further assessing his would-be squad mates. Before Braith could launch into his briefing, another pair of interruptions, perhaps even more brazen than The Rat’s own took place. A clumsy extraction of a pocket watch from one of their employers pockets. Disbelieving looks were passed between the seated thieves, one jumping to offer his services to “deal with it.” In the commotion another joined their midst, silently seating himself several to The Rat’s left; giving the vile man a direct view of the fancy pair of cannons strapped to the mysterious strangers ribcage.

A handful of the others seemed to buy the bravado, commenting on the newcomers no-nonsense attitude. Braith even going so far as to indicate he was a name to be known and a face to be recognized. Being ignorant as he was The Rat was having none of it; writing it off as an elaborate act. The fancy guns, the wordless entrance, it was akin to a peacock attempting to woo a mate with a glittery flash of its tail. A belief made even more ridiculous by the mental gymnastics necessary to justify his earlier entrance.

Braith paused momentarily to invite the amateurish pickpocket who had busied himself at the bar. A questionable decision at best in The Rat’s opinion; the piece of his money pie shrinking in minds eye. Still couldn’t hurt to keep some fodder around as a decoy should things get out of hand…

One of the taller men at the table, looking several years The Rat’s junior, was the first to leap at the Hunt brothers prospect of raiding the Dukes dowry. Offering up his name, Valentyne Elfrith, in the process. He seemed overly enthused at the mere prospect of being seated at the table and it was clear he was perhaps lacking in the area of experience. Soft. The teen’s promises to not disappoint did little to quell the look of skepticism Baxter cast in his direction.

In short order the next piped up, the young boy and half the pair he had split earlier. A well crafted retort for Jack’s horse humor. The Rat had a certain appreciation for witty repartee, making a mental note to verbally prod Fox should he grow bored. The realization of his mistaken identity took several seconds to register as the boy introduced himself as Gwen; The Rat’s highly expressive face furrowing as he gave Fox another once over. Were he capable of embarrassment he may have felt a pinch that he hadn’t seen it to begin with. Still, contrary to the outlook of many of his peers, sex was of little concern to the famed lock picker, his earliest years with Rabbit had taught him that. There was no arguing that women were more than capable of towing the line in this business, and a dagger to the gut will still spill blood no matter who holds it.

His perverse hollow eyes wheeled across the crowd, sensing his opportunity to introduce himself. And he would’ve too, had the golden watch not been placed almost directly in front of him by the would-be thief. After casting a disgruntled look in their direction, as Braith warmly accepted the feminine lad into their midst and explained their location.

The thought hadn’t even crossed Baxter’s mind. It was all the same to him, he’d as just as soon planned the event from the pews of the Duke’s wedding. Jump out from beneath the bishops robes, maim the bride, cripple the in-laws and steal the cake. He simply operated in a world where the law didn’t apply, with the entirety of his adult life having been spent at odds with the powers that be it was second nature.

Braith having spoken his part and the pickpocket invited to sit, The Rat wasted no more time.

“Well den, Duke o’ta Starford yew say? Colour me interested in savin dem poor wittle horsies.” He gave the group another gnarled grin that could curl the blood, “Say ‘ello to da Rat, chums.” he jeered giving the table a hearty slap with a grubby palm “Gawtz a feelin we gon’ be makin beeyootiful music tagether, I dew.”

Braith accepted the proffered grip of the boy and nodded, "Okay, Monkey. Though we have a Jack, nimble and quick has its uses." He appreciated the boy's willingness to come back to the table after being called out. It showed a developing character that experience should tune into a fine pick pocket.

He looked at Gwen as she offered her hand toward the Hunts and winked, "Fox seems quite fitting. Bold, yet cunning. Though I, for one, appreciate the offer of a first name. For business. Or elsewise, as you state." Gwen's boldness caught Braith's attention more than a little, and with a playful tone and smile, "There are aspects of this business that could use a feminine touch. I would welcome one such."

Braith turned his attention to the man who called himself the Rat. "It is heartening to see such care for the downtrodden animals. I can already imagine the fine symphonies we will compose." Braith, while slightly put off by the Rat's general appearance, knew the man would be useful for any distasteful tasks required. Not having a sure hand in a tight spot was the common downfall of these operations. Braith had no doubt Rat would not be queasy.

Braith was taken a bit by surprise as a hand shot out in front of him. He looked down at the gloved hand with a grin, "Another glove. This crowd is quite wary. It's enough to think I've started associating with thieves."

He looked to the brothers, "This one's a quiet type. Brennan of the Grange it is, though. The pistols and the eyes." He turned to look at Brennan, catching the man's eyes. "Yes. Jack, Bill, if you need a shot, there is none more accurate." He watched Brennan with respect as he introduced him to the Hunts. He had heard the exploits of this lone bandit. The stories of his riding and his accuracy made it through many of Braith's informants.

With introductions completed Braith thought the group would be capable of the heist. The Hunts' planned their operations well. With another welcoming smile on his face, "Jack, you've gathered a fine group of animal lovers. I suspect we would all like to hear your plan."

Jack continued smiling, as their overeager and first nameless comrade, became only overeager. Valentyne Elfrith, not a name he had heard before but the fellow was young and wouldn't have been robbing (or much else) for very long. So a lack of reputation was to be expected. Ignoring the youth, who had stolen the watch to his brother and business partner. Not that he wasn't interested in the outcome or if they were going to get the watch back, he was, that watch was money in his pocket but at least one of the three starting partners in the gang, needed to pay attention to the gathering of thieves.

The next villain to agree to the plot, was Fox and that was a shocker, not that they agreed but the revealing of a gender. It also was a comfort in a way, as she went from a pretty boy, whom it might appear that Roster was buggering , given how easily the older stood with the junior, to a young woman he could be sleeping with. Not that it was anyone's business but it would be something he'd be puzzling about, while they rode, while they waited in ambush and right up before the robbery. Again, not that it was his business but it was something his mind would used to distract himself from the jitters and it was much to rude to go asking an armed bandit about, especially if it was a touchy subject. But Fox was a woman, mystery dissolved and something interested added to the gang. Reaching up, the elder Hunt touched the front peak of his tricorn, tripping the leather hat to the woman.

"A pleasure to have ye Fox" said Jack, flashing her a grin that meant his statement could be taken more then one way, as he shook her offered hand.

Bill had returned his attention, to the pickpocket, as Braith called him out. It really wasn't that the watch had been snatched from his person. Normally it would but the fact that he had just taken it out of his hand, with nothing more then a simple bump into a chair! It was the insult to the profession that bothered him the most. He almost wanted to grab the fellow's shoulders and give him a little shake. You never take things out of the hand, until you smacked the person around or were holding them at pistol point. If you were just walking by, you slipped nimble fingers into a pocket and fished out anything of interest.

Still the fellow looked properly cowed and the watch was returned. Picking up the time piece, the younger brother lost his frown, simply studying the youth, as he both named himself and requested to join the gang. The voice seemed forced, like he was forcing it deeper then it naturally should me. Something a boy would do, hoping to make the adults pay attention to him, like he was their equal in experience. Then, he looked up at the younger Hunt brother, with a face flushing red. While he should be ashamed to face him after that attempted at picking his pocket, they would have to work on this inability to face a victim after the crime.

"Well" said Bill, when Braith finished shaking the youth's hand, still gloved as if he didn't trust them, "Ye might as learn from some 'o the best."

With William's words, the scrawny, dirty man introduced himself as the Rat and while the brother's heads didn't whip around to look at him, their light colored eyes did focus on him. The rat of all men to come out of the gutters to join them, a known killer with a shriveled black heart, who could open locks by glaring at them. Rumors of cruelty and malice attached themselves to his reputation, like remora to the belly of a shark. A legend in their mists.

As if the Rat wasn't a big enough surprise, Brennan of the Grange, the highwayman of the Callowlily Road and someone how had escaped the King's Justice for nearly a decade, was sitting at their table as well. Nothing well known robber, attracted to their offer of a large haul from a rich old man. A better shot with a pistol, was not to be found, on the island or on the mainland for that matter, if one was to believe the tales. However, the offered hand was gloved. While they might write the insult from George off from his youth, the implications from the older and more experienced highwayman, was not to be ignored.

"Aye Braith" said Jack, reaching out to shake Brennan's hand but halting, digits almost within reach of the silent robber's, "But ye can no trust a man closin' business with his gloves on."

The elder Hunt left his statement hanging there, watching and waiting for a response, as he looked at Brennan.

Jack flashed a friendly smile, letting the silent robber before him know no offense was meant, as Brennan withdrew his hand and stripped off the glove. The dim, flickering light of the inn's common room, hid any outward signs that the now offered bare hand was not the one of the man and it wasn't until the Hunt brother wrapped his fingers around it and shook, that anything different was noticed. Right off, the hand was smaller then he had expected, although that could be blamed on thick leather gloves. There was something off about the fingers as well, they seemed long, not the correct proportions they should have been. The first thought that popped into his head, was that he was dealing with a young noblemen, out getting a taste of adventure. That would explain everything, his body was still growing.

Or at least that would have been the first and only explanation he came up with but a second squeaked in the back of his mind. A tiny voice, crying out from far away, that it was not the hand of a nobleman's brat he was shaking. For the brief second or so of contact, the voice called out that this was the hand of a woman. A claim his mental state rejected, he only thought of it because Fox had revealed herself to be a woman and really, how many women pretending to be men, could this one single job pull out of the wood work? He'd be surprised if there was a female highwayman, other then Fox, within twenty miles. Maybe if they were dealing with a gang in a large city or in a whore house, where you might get robbed after completing the deed you already paid for.

"Good ta have ye" said Jack, now that the all the introductions and handshakes were over, "And I suppose that everyone would like ta know, how me and me brother, are thinkin' 'o helpin' those poor beasties."

William, turning his attention away from George, reached into the inner breast pocket of his coat and pulled out a rolled piece of a paper. As he spread it across the table the rogues were gathered at, it proved to be a very good map, with the top corners torn out. If you were to overlay their map, to say the ones issued to the drivers of the royal mail coaches, one would find that the missing pieces of their map, would match the size of the royal seals on the maps of the coachmen. They must have used the same mapmaker.

"The Old Road" said Jack, tracing a thick line, running from Wycombe straight north to Starford and so named for being the oldest road in the kingdom, although long is disrepair now, "Is tha quickest and most direct route for his lordship ta take but we hears, he's not commin' that way. Braith here tells us that his lordship start on the Old Road but a day out from Starford, he took some old cart paths over ta tha Dunwich Road, ta confuse any gentlemen of the road, who might be out ta help his horses."

The elder brother's finger, which had been resting on the dot labeled Starford and moved south on the map, as he spoke, cut west and north, to a thinner black line. He tapped it a few times and began following the road southwest.

"According ta what we know" Jack continued, watching the faces around him, "Tha Duke plans ta switch roads at Gainsborough, finish commin' south on tha Brackley Road. If he not ridin hard and we leave on the morrow, ridin' cross country, we can catch him, just outside Brekin Wood, where tha woods give way ta tha Barrowmoor. We meets his lordship in tha last o' tha trees, take those tired horses west, out inta tha moor for a bit ah grass and then takes 'em into the wood, outta tha wind. Our good deed done, we ride around behind his lordship, cross country back ta here, tell old Braith all about it and lay low for a while, in case his lordship is in an awful fit over his horses gettin a rest."

"We ride a bit hard" added Bill, "Find a nice play ta wait for 'em before they ride outta the wood. Surprise 'em ye might say."

Braith watched Brennan's discomfort with interest. "What could be making this gunslinger so nervous that..." He got a full look at Brennan's hand. He looked up, into the piercing blue eyes again, this time noticing the length of the eyelashes. The softness of the top of the cheek bones that were just barely visible. The fineness of the eyebrows. Without the hint of her hand Braith would have continued to been fooled by the hardness in the eyes. She watched him stare at her for a time before Braith finally gave a friendly and knowing wink.

"So it appears we have all made friends among thieves. I do so enjoy the subtle company of these groups."

He sat back and listened as the Hunts went over their plan and the Rat expressed his evaluation. Braith frowned slightly. He made a mental note, "If this is the place another gang runs...." He was interrupted in thought by the Rat's mighty guffaw.

"Oh? I would think you more than capable of making friends, Rat. After all, we all like you just fine around this table. Maybe if they were re-introduced to your better qualities and the skills and abilities of your new friends?" He appraised the table with a smile, "I'm sure you would all be more than capable of convincing the Rat's old friends that they made a mistake in their evaluation."

Once more looking at the Hunts, "I'm sure a minor adjustment to your plan will suffice. Shall I see what I can find about these old friends of Rat's?"

Gwen swept Jack’s form with an admittedly exaggerated look of appraisal. Flirting with men was almost a default for Gwen, not necessarily from any real interest, but because it was an effective tool when running a con, which she’d pulled in taverns and along the highways as often as when she went merrily a-robbing with Rooster. She’d learned very quickly from the start that it was far easier to rob a man blind with a coy smile and a well measured show of cleavage, than to play the shy frightened maid. Though she was working with the Hunt brothers, not conning them, which meant perhaps this was not the best response to the obvious overture. Still, she’d be a fool to completely trust anyone of her fellow thieves in the room, and Black Jack Hunt was actually quite attractive in his own way, with perhaps the exception of what was obviously a wig sitting on his head.

“Likewise. I look forward to becoming…better acquainted.” A little flirting never hurt she decided, though she’d have to be careful around Braith. There was something just a bit too observant about him. He seemed like the type who could see through personas, and pick apart carefully crafted masks with the ease other men exuded when scratching their arse, and she simply didn’t want to deal with that. So wisely, she chose to bite back a cheeky retort about the kind of “feminine touch” he had in mind.

“Well then m’dear, seems everything’s squared away then, so I’ll be on my way.” Rooster remarked pleasantly, standing from his seat. “Don’t do anything stupid.” He said in parting with a meaningful look, the most serious he’d come off since entering the tavern. Gwen knew what he meant by that, but was hardly in the mood, and less than pleased with Rooster’s borderline divulging tone.

“I’d say the same to you, but I’d simply be wasting my breath.” Gwen quipped with a smug showy grin before Rooster made his leave. The rest of the time she spent mostly listening to the brother’s plans, and observing her fellow thieves. Gwen had her suspicions about Brennan, certain features on the face and hand being a bit too fair to be male, though she was hardly about to call him(her?) out on it. If the stoic thieve wished to keep his gender a secret, Gwen wasn’t one to judge. The Rat, in a word, was behooving of his name. She had no doubt he was capable and could hold his own in this little operation. She was also not surprised to hear the man had enemies, she knew his reputation, and was not likely to be sleeping without an eye open anytime soon. The rest seemed a little harder to get a read on, though for the most part they looked…green. Especially the pickpocket. Well, they all started somewhere Gwen figured. As long as they filled their roles and didn’t cause them any undue setbacks, she wouldn’t complain.

“Brilliant. When do we leave?” Gwen asked, brow quirked now at the younger Hunt brother.

Elsbeth was relieved when Jack finally shook her hand, although it never showed. Was that a recognition that something was odd that she felt in the way he grip her hand? Elsbeth held her breath again. He let the hand go and got to the task of explaining the plan.

She moved to replace her glove, looking up she saw it. Others had been watching, carefully observing the interaction between Jack and Brennan. Elsbeth pulled the glove on. Rat had been watching and while his attention now turned to the map she wondered just how observant the man was.

Her eyes met Braith’s. He was staring. It was a bit disconcerting just how much this man noticed. “He knows...” The way he was looking at her left no doubt in her mind. “Go ahead, I dare you....I will have you shot dead before the words leave your mouth.” The cold eyes dared the man to say something.

Braith winked at her, a quick subtle movement that the others, their head bent over the map would miss. Elsbeth blinked twice, unsure of what had just occurred. Her eyes lost the challenge they had been silently giving. He wouldn’t give her away. She should have figured. Braith knew Brennan’s reputation and knew that in this world that reputation meant everything. “Smart man....” She had to admire his quick mind and tactic. Elsbeth was grateful. She gave him a slight nod in thanks.

Elsbeth caught Fox’s eyes over the table. She felt certain the woman might know as well. “Like sees like.”

Elsbeth was relieved that no one was going to call her out in such a public place. She shifted her attention to the map, confident that Brennan’s identity was safe for now. It was a well made map to be sure. Listening to the plan Elsbeth felt confident that she had made the right choice in staying. Hard riding and surprise, these things she could do and do well.

Rat’s laughter drew her eyes to the man. So he had enemies, not surprising. The man didn’t exactly scream warm and cuddly. She was sure there were more than a few who had their issues with him. Ever on top of things Braith offered to find out what he could of Rat’s friends. Fox seemed ready to go. Leaning onto the table slightly, Elsbeth looked over the map one more time before looking at the Hunt brothers.

Brennan nodded in agreement.

Jack smiled openly, as Fox looked him over. It never hurt one's ego, to be appraised by the gender of their attraction, not on the eve of what could be a very long trip with them (which it might, if the duke proved to be wrathful and they needed to disappear for a while). And most definitely not, when the appraisal appeared to end favorably in your favor. That smile broadened, as she mentioned becoming more acquainted and Rooster made his departure. Well, if the cockerel was going to be away, maybe another might get into the nest.

Both the of the brothers turned to the Rat, as the infamous man made his option of the plan known to them. So the fellow had friends lurking about in Brekin Woods did he? Well they didn't need to stick long in the dark forest, just enough to loop around behind the Duke and pursuit he might raise, to hide their tracks and then they could ride south again, across the farmlands and estates of the gentry, over hill and dale, until they once again reached The Dog. They doubted any of his old comrades might come upon them and if they did, well they were all armed and the Hunt Brothers were willing to defend their prize.

"Aye Braith" said Bill, "If ye can find were they haunt, we can avoid 'em. If not.....we can persuade 'em....like we will his lordship."

The brothers chuckled darkly but quickly cut it off, as Valentyne added a concern about the plan and Fox wanted to know when they were to leave. It was Bill's turn to smirk, as she directed an appraising gaze upon him. His heart as still set upon the lovely barmaid serving tables in this very inn but what happened out on the road, stayed on the road. Besides, while he was loyal beyond death to his older brother, completing for the night with a woman, was more then fun.

'Well me lad" said Jack, smiling, 'We 'ave our sources, keepin' tabs on his lordship and word 'ill get ta us. Never ye fear."

"Have yer horse ready" added Bill, "For first light Fox. The Hunts leave this inn then."

"Ta success" the brothers said together, lifting their tankards as a way of declaring the night's business done and their pact made.

----------------------------

It would seem that was world was nothing more then shades of grey. As was normal in the April weather, massive banks of fog had risen in the night and now hung low over the landscape. The sun was not yet in the sky but it's light could be seen, just popping over the horizon, far in the east. The black of the night, was mostly lifted, hanging on only in patches under rocks and the western facings of the hills and forests. Droplets hung on the corners of roofs, threatening to fall with the slightest of breezes.

Sleepy-eyes ostlers opened the door to The Dog's stable, long before the cocks crowed. The Hunt brothers lead their mounts from their stalls and out into the cool grey. They had yet to see any of their compatriots but they didn't doubt that at least a few would show up. Rat, Fox and Brennan were steady and experienced.

Brennan sat impassive. The brother's, no doubt with much intelligence from Braith were keeping an eye on the Duke's movement. Not surprising but good to hear. The Hunt's had a reputation for a reason. Bill told Fox to be ready at first light and as tankards were raised, Elsbeth relaxed just a little in the chair.

The hard part was over. Now just to meet the next day, take down the Duke's caravan and make off with the loot. As the group broke up for the evening, Brennan stood and with a nod of his hat to the group headed for the door.

Elsbeth wanted desperately to pull the scarf from her face, to breath in the night air and free herself a little from the bonds of being Brennan. That was too close, too stressful and now some of them knew her secret and seemed somewhat trustworthy enough to keep it, at least for now.

She headed to the stable, got her horse and slipping on Brennan rode off into the night. Riding for a while ensuring no one was following, Elsbeth switched roads and headed into the brush. Once in a copse of trees.

Sliding out of the saddle, Elsbeth pulled the scarf off and unbuttoned her coat. She tied off the horse and then sat heavily on the ground, leaning on a log. Her head went back. Too close, that had all been too close and too stifling. She could have walked in there as herself and it would have been so much easier. They had taken to Fox, no questions another woman might not have bothered them.

Elsbeth drew off her hat. Of course, Fox was extremely attractive and flirty and Elsbeth was not. With a sigh she place her hat over her face. It didn't matter, Brennan's reputation got her in this and she would use it for as long as she could. She had built that up after all. Her father started it but it was Elsbeth who had been keeping the figure alive and active. “Play to your strengths. Ride and shoot, these things above all else you have the advantage on.” Her father's voice penetrated her thoughts, a longing built in her chest.

Elsbeth closed her stinging eyes and fell into a restless sleep. The log and ground were hard, possible mistakes in the plan kept playing in her head and the damn horse wouldn't settle down. Well before the meeting time Elsbeth sat and cleaned all four of her pistols. It was a loving way in which she paid attention to them. Each one was cleaned, and readied. She would not be the weak link in this plan.

Standing, Elsbeth fixed her clothing and her hair. Finally, placing her hat on her pinned up hair and pulling the scarf across her face, Brennan mounted up and rode off.

Arriving at the Dog's stable at a slow gait, she stopped and watched as another rider approached where the brother's waited. None of the rest were here yet. This person was new. With a light kick of her heels she steered her horse towards the brothers and the stranger.

Brennan gave the men a nod but remained in the saddle. Blue eyes looked over this new man. Overhearing his question, Elsbeth looked to the brothers. Another body meant more cuts but her share would still be plenty. She wondered if the Hunt's knew the man or if like the rest he had come to meet them but perhaps just arrived late. No matter in the end, if no one else showed the extra body would be appreciated.