A young man came into the pub, appearing too young to be asking for a drink, and he walked straight to the bar. He said something quietly to the barkeep, then left as quickly as he came. The barkeep motioned for Elindine to come over, and whispered something to her. She took a quick step back, and asked “Are you sure?”. The barkeeper nodded.
She appeared stunned. She shook her head and turned back toward the group. Her face showed a disquiet.
Hargus had known Elindine (or ‘E’ as most people knew her) for a very long time. He knew that whatever news she had been given had an impact. “What is it E?” he asked.
“Torvald Linx is dead. I should be happy about it. But I’m not sure what to think” she replied.
Faz was quick to react. “About time! That miserable bastard walked this ground for too long! What a waste of air!” Faz was usually quite reserved. This outburst was uncharacteristic. Richa and Mr. Kite were taken aback.
Richa spoke first. “He was not a kind man, but I cannot deny he did many things to benefit those without.”
“And usually, there were significant strings attached,” replied Mr. Kite. “If he did something that was to someone else’s benefit, you can bet it was to his as well.”
They traded stories back and forth of Linx’s magnaniminty laden with repercussions. E was watching Hargus, who said nothing. He seemed lost in thought. She finally said “Hargus, you haven’t said a word. Why so quiet? Surely you don’t mourn this man. I think all of us at one time or another ran afoul of his interests.”
Hargus looked the group. He leaned forward in his armchair, forearms on his thighs. He took an extra moment or two before he spoke.
“I have no love lost for the man. He took advantage of those who needed his assistance, and looked to benefit personally from every interaction. Of that, there is no doubt. And yet… he had family. Individuals who relied on him, cared for him, who will feel his loss. And what made him the man he was? Why did he choose to take advantage of those less fortunate?”
Hargus shook his head. “I have no answers for these questions. In the end, this is another being of this world who no longer walks it, for ill or good. I have no desire to revel in his death. Let him pass.”
The group sat in silence. What would they be remembered for? Would they be mourned, or just allowed to pass? Hargus raised his mug in a toast. “To being remembered”. They all lifted their vessels, and nodded, then returned to quietly sipping their drinks in thought.