The Rem Mercenary Company. Or rather, the notorious Rem Mercenary Company.
They were infamous for their cunning and brutality. Their commander, Machiavelli, was especially adept at deception and disguise, exploiting people's weaknesses to get what he wanted... as he had with Francois.
Francois was new here, after all. Machiavelli's act had fooled him into overlooking the Rem Mercenary Company's sordid past.
As soon as the Rem Mercenary Company arrived in Free City, they rushed beyond the Long Wall to drive off the Mad Dog Duke's scouts. Then they sent Rangers to find nearby Villages, descended on them, killed every man, and brought their severed heads back to Free City to claim a bounty.
They had done it often enough to make it a routine.
"That wasn't our agreement... We hired you for 120 Gold Coins every seven days," Francois said with a frown.
"It's an unspoken rule among mercenaries, Minister," Deputy Commander Armando said humbly. "A little extra reward keeps us motivated... Otherwise, you may find your mercenaries only pretending to work..."
"In light of those heads..." Unable to decide, Francois chose to take them to Annan. "But don't bring them to the City Lord's Mansion."
Before long, Annan met the Mercenaries. Most wore Ranger-style gear; only their commander, Machiavelli, carried a heavy greatsword.
Deputy Commander Armando repeated what he had told Francois, who confirmed, "Seventy-three heads in all."
But Annan had no intention of paying them. If he dared take out the money, Illymoyas would come swooping down.
"Then we can only do what's written in the 'commission,' City Lord," Deputy Commander Armando said, narrowing his eyes and stressing the word.
Annan disliked their attitude but said nothing. Only after they left did he ask Francois, "You didn't take them to see Dean Breichim?"
Francois gave a bitter smile.