Chapter 379: Night Entry

In some places, smugglers are backed by wizard organizations.

Watching Sam upstairs, Helag formed a plan.

***

After finalizing the deal, Sam placed the small wooden box in his spatial ring and, slightly tipsy, left the tavern for home.

Though only a first-level gaseous wizard, Sam thrived in Sord City, backed by a powerful Eye of the Storm figure.

Over the years, he became the underground leader, unchallenged.

Everyone knew Sam was just a pawn; his real power lay with his backers.

Sam appeared to run Sord City’s underworld, but control rested with those behind him.

People respected his backers, not Sam himself.

Sam understood his role, content as a pawn.

For him, it was enough, granting him everything he desired.

Money and reputation satisfied Sam; he sought nothing more, staying within bounds.

His backers were pleased, supporting him for years.

Sam knew crossing the line meant becoming a corpse in Sord City’s sewers.

The underworld leader would change, no longer Sam.

Outside the tavern, Sam boarded his carriage, driven by a longtime confidant.

Inside, he lay back, drowsy from drink.

The carriage reached Sord City’s affluent district, home to large estates for the wealthy.

The driver guided the carriage into Sam’s yard, stopping.

He opened the curtain, calling, “Sir, we’re home.”

Sam, groggy, woke with a headache, aided by the driver.

He stumbled upstairs, waking a woman named Joelly.

Joelly, in a camisole and nightgown, with long, pale legs, heard Sam and helped him to bed.

Sam, eyelids heavy, glanced at Joelly undressing him, then fell asleep.

***

“Hey, wake up.” Cold water splashed Sam’s face.

He awoke, finding himself in his bedroom, Joelly asleep beside him.

The room was his, but a black giant stood before him.

The giant, in black armor, exuded a terrifying aura.

Sam knew he couldn’t handle this intruder and instinctively reached for his communication stone.

Helag held up a ring between two fingers, asking, “Looking for this?”

Sam, now sober, quickly assessed the situation.

He realized a misstep could mean not seeing tomorrow.

Sam didn’t threaten Helag with his backers, knowing Helag wouldn’t appear without confidence.

“What do you want from me? I’ll do what I can,” Sam said calmly.

Helag, seeing Sam stay put, replied, “I need your help, hence my visit. Here’s a master-servant contract; sign it, and we’ll discuss your task.”

“A master-servant contract?” Sam considered fleeing but doubted he could escape Helag.

Who asks for help with a master-servant contract?

Sam knew signing meant his life was in Helag’s hands.

More importantly, if the master died, so would the servant.

Helag said, “Sign it, and I’ll release you after the task.”

Sam eyed the contract and Helag, distrustful.

Someone demanding a master-servant contract wouldn’t release him after.

Helag added, “You can trust me or… die now.”

His calm words chilled Sam.

Sam hesitated, considering calling for help, but it would be too late.

“Fine, I’ll sign.” Sam, resigned, pricked his finger, marking the servant’s spot.

Helag, satisfied, added his blood, sealing the contract.

From that moment, Sam was bound to Helag.

Helag needed Sam’s help leaving Eye of the Storm territory, but trust was key.

Sam could easily betray him.

Helag couldn’t risk it, unwilling to trust a stranger with his life.

The master-servant contract was the best solution.

With Sam as his servant, trust was assured.

Helag smiled, “Now, I’ll ask some questions and give you tasks. Do them well.”

Sam nodded, “Yes, sir.”

He couldn’t disobey Helag.

Sam glanced at Joelly, sleeping, and asked, “Should I deal with her?”

Helag shook his head, “No need. I gave her a sleeping potion; she’ll sleep until tomorrow afternoon. No need to worry. I won’t stay in Sord City long.”

Joelly’s pose was enticing, her legs and shoulders exposed.

Sam offered, “If you like her, she’s yours.”

“No, let’s focus on business.”

Helag had no time for distractions; leaving Eye of the Storm safely was his priority.