The alley closed in around him like a vice, the scent of sweat, sunbaked stone, and impending violence thick in the air.
Caius let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders. 'Four of them. At least one knows how to use that axe. The others? Probably quick. Probably mean. This is going to be a pain in the ass.'
The gold-toothed thief smirked at him. "You going to stand there all day, mercenary? Or are we doing this?"
Caius ignored him. He flicked his gaze toward the alley's entrance. Halvor was still standing there, looking like a pig who had wandered into a wolf den.
'Stupid bastard. You should've run by now.'
The axe-wielder stepped forward first, rolling his thick wrists. "Hand over the merchant, and maybe we won't break all your bones."
Caius scoffed. "That's cute. You think I'm just some nameless sword?"
The thug tilted his head, amused.
