How much did you tell him?

What we agreed to.

Of all the things that had happened back in the bakery those words stung Clergy the most. Even more than the new bruises he was sure Nitara had given him. He winced as more pain jolted through him. Ok, maybe not more than the bruises.

They'd been walking down a city street for a few minutes now. Crowds strolled beside them along the stony path, enjoying all the sunlight and street fares the local shops had to offer. The easy smiles and laughter made it hard to believe that someone from here could've created the prison, but at this point he was getting used to being surprised. Without his memories the world seemed filled with things he didn't understand, but he was starting to realize that there were even more things he wasn't being told. Whether it was Amos, Abel, or even David, everyone had their own agenda. Good intentions or not, he couldn't wait for it to be convenient for someone to tell him the truth. He'd have to find it on his own.

A sharp breeze raced through the street.

He grabbed his hood.

After Stella and Abel had fixed up his bandages, they gave him an eye patch for his right eye and a hooded cloak to help cover his face. They were worried his wounds would draw too much attention, and judging from the few stares and murmured tones he'd been getting, they might've had a point.

"Don't worry about them," Micah said, walking over and putting a hand on Clergy's shoulder. "You don't look that bad. They're just being nosy."

Clergy gave him a look. "I saw myself in the mirror when I woke up."

"And if you saw yourself now, with the hood and eye patch, you'd realize how well you were rocking the 'troubled bandit' look."

Clergy laughed at that. "Y'know, you're being surprisingly friendly with me." He paused as his smile started to fade. "Considering how everyone else acted when I woke up," he said nodding toward Nitara who was walking a few paces ahead.

Micah sighed. "Listen, I know how this looks. A bunch of violent strangers abduct you from another bunch of violent strangers and then ask you to forgive them for being violent. I wouldn't be convinced either." He tightened his grip on Clergy's shoulder. "But I'm asking anyway."

"Do you really expect—"

"I'm asking," Micah cut in, "because despite what you might believe everyone back there has already had to walk through fire and brimstone more times than I can count, and it's taken its toll. On all of us. But they're my family, and I just want you to try and give them a chance before you pass judgment on them. Alright?"

Clergy wanted to argue but his heart had already made the decision. He shook his head. Goddammit, he thought to himself. "Fine," Clergy said. "I'll try."

Micah smiled. "Thank you." He hoisted up the basket resting under his other arm. It was filled with the bread Stella was making earlier. 'Sweet buns' is what she called them. She'd given it to Micah before they left, though Clergy still didn't understand why. What were they supposed to do with a bunch of sweets?

"You two are falling behind," Nitara called back to them. "Keep up, we're almost there."

"We're right behind you Nitara!" Micah said, taking his hand off Clergy's shoulder. He turned back to him. "We should pick up the pace. Don't want to get on her bad side."

Clergy raised a brow at that. Was I not before? He quickly fixed his face though and gave Micah a slight nod.

"Just remember to keep looking around as we go," Micah said as he started walking ahead. "You never know what might spark your memories." He stopped. "Oh!" he said, turning back to Clergy, "and don't forget to try the sweet bun Stella gave you either. That'll change your life." With that he turned around and jogged back up to Nitara.

Clergy reached inside his cloak and pulled out a sweet bun wrapped in cloth. Change my life, huh? He smiled as he went to take a bite. Guy sure knows how to make a sale—

His eyes went wide.

Holy shit this is delicious.

It was light and buttery with just the right amount of crunch to satisfy him. The red and brown swirls inside had such a dynamic taste. Fruity, sweet, with just a hint of spice that danced along his tongue and warmed his whole mouth, until the buttery flavor melted and soothed the heat away. Before he knew what had happened he'd scarfed down the rest. He nearly took a bite of the cloth at the end too. He stared into the empty rag. Damn, why'd I eat that so fast? He paused. Wait. He looked back over at Micah. So the lucky bastard we're going to see is getting a whole basket of these? He stared in awe at the basket. If he'd forgotten what envy felt like before, he remembered now.

He couldn't even have brought me an extra—

He bumped into a stranger on the path and got an extra death stare for his trouble. Alright, he thought, as he found his footing again. Maybe I should just focus on where I'm going. He was definitely still asking Stella for more though, but that could wait. He looked around the pathway again. But honestly where are we going? The only other thing worth noting besides the rows of shops was the massive stone building at the end of the street. Though something about the huge staircase, columns, and dome ceiling just didn't scream 'secret meeting place.' Guess it couldn't hurt to ask.

"Micah!" Clergy called out.

Micah fell back to where he was. "Yeah, what's up?"

"What's that building over there?"

"You mean Caleb's Hall?"

Clergy just stared at him. "I don't..."

"Right, sorry, the memories, I forgot. I guess we never really finished the explanation about the Council."

Micah explained everything that went on inside the Hall. He told him about the King, the Council, and the founding families. It was a lot to take in, but Clergy followed along for most of it. At least enough to understand the important part.

"So... Gad is pretty powerful," Clergy said.

Micah stopped, grabbing Clergy's shoulder to hold him back. "Yes," Micah said. "Yes he is." He gave Clergy a serious look. "You still want to go through with this?"

"I..." he began, then he sighed. I don't know, he said in thoughts I don't know, he said in his thoughts, but stopped short of admitting it out loud.

Micah let go of his shoulder just as Clergy turned and looked out at the city. At the lines of buildings and homes, gently sloping down into a dark line in the distance. The Inner Wall. The stone border between the upper and lower districts. Micah had explained what it was when they'd left, but right now it was just another bleak reminder that out there in the city, looming in the shadows, someone wanted him dead. And they almost got their wish. He took a breath. But not this time. He looked back over at Micah. "You said it yourself, I'm already knee-deep in this shit. There's no sense in pretending otherwise."

Micah smiled. "That's the spirit."

They started walking again. They passed another shop. Another crowd. Another family. It was easy for Clergy's thoughts to get lost in the moment, but it also made him realize there was something else he was curious about too.

"So, everyone back in the shop is related?"

"Oh no," Micah said laughing. "We're not all related, at least not by blood. Ezra's my little brother, but other than that we're all from different parts of the plains."

"And how'd you end up fighting Gad?"

Micah paused. Paused for a while actually. Shit, Clergy thought, maybe I shouldn't have asked—

"It's a long story," Micah finally said. His hands were trembling. "Let's just say he's taken a lot. From all of us."

Those were the first truly harsh words Clergy had heard him say. He knew better than to press for more.

Nitara had stopped up ahead. She was standing a couple of buildings away from the Hall. It didn't take long for the two of them to catch up to her.

She looked back at Micah. "Are we good?" she asked.

Micah nodded. "We're good."

She looked over at Clergy. "Then from this point on you keep your hood up, your head down, and your mouth shut." She turned around and sighed, almost remorsefully. "Alright... let's just get this over with."

Ok... Clergy thought to himself. That wasn't weird or anything. Nitara's change in character aside Clergy couldn't help but feel nervous. Going to meet some secret member of their group seemed bad enough, but doing it just steps away from the powerful Councilor— and his army of guards— that they were trying to stop? Clergy had his limits. But I guess these guys just like to keep their enemies close, he thought to himself.

They kept walking. Clergy figured they'd turn down some alley any moment now. Maybe even open up a secret passage in the wall. Except they didn't. They kept going. Past the line of shops and into the circular plaza surrounding the front of the Hall. Ok, so maybe they keep their enemies really close. That was no big deal. They'd probably just walk around to another building or something.

Except they didn't.

They made their way up the large staircase, past the crowds of colorful tunics and the towering marble columns until they ran into a couple guards stationed near the entrance inside.

One guard was preoccupied with another group but the other one noticed them immediately. "Hold on ma'am," he said walking over as he held out his hand. "Only members of the Council and their families can come into the main hall, unless you have special permission from Councilor Knowles' office, and I'll need to see your pass for that."

Well that sounds bad, Clergy thought to himself. He glanced over at Nitara.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she said, bringing a hand to her chest. "I didn't realize they were taking security this seriously now!"

Clergy was stunned. Who the hell is she?

The guard dropped his hand. He took a step closer. "Yes ma'am. We've had some violent incidents in the lower districts recently, and the Councilor wants to make sure those bad actors don't cause any trouble here."

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"Wow, really? That's terrible!"

"Yes ma'am, it certainly is. That's why we're doing everything we can to try and keep people safe."

Nitara nodded. "Of course. That totally makes sense." She took a step closer. "And I feel a lot safer with you out here," she said with a smile.

The guard smiled back. He straightened his posture, standing taller and puffing out his chest just a bit. "I'm just doing my job."

"You certainly are," she said, eyeing him up and down as she bit her lip. She twirled a bit of her hair around her finger. "What's your name by the way? I've been doing deliveries here for a while and I've never seen you here before."

The guard took a step closer. "It's Jacob. Jacob Blane." His gaze followed the path of her curves all the way down. Taking in every inch of her. Hungering for more.

"Aren't you going to ask me for mine?"

He shook his head. "Oh, of course," he said, reluctantly meeting her eyes again. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

Nitara covered her mouth with a hand, giggling. "It's ok," she said, bringing her hand back down. "I'm Jessica."

Jacob held out his hand. "Well, it's very nice to meet you Jessica."

Nitara grabbed his hand slowly, but didn't shake it. "It's nice to meet you too Jacob." They stood there for a moment. Holding each other's hands.

Jacob cleared his throat. "So, wha-what're you delivering?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said taking her hand back. "I don't know what came over me." She gave him a playful grin.

His face turned bright red.

"I work for a lot of different people," she said after a moment. "But today I'm with the best bakery in the city. Klair and Son's over by the church." She motioned over to Micah who smiled and held up the basket he was holding.

Jacob smiled back at Micah, until suddenly his expression started to fade. "What's wrong with your other friend?" he asked nodding toward Clergy.

Nitara turned to look at him. "Oh, he's alright. He's just a little embarrassed. His face got all beat up after he..." She paused. "After he fell down some stairs in the shop."

Clergy kept his head down but raised a brow at that. I fell down some stairs?

"He fell down some stairs?" Jacob asked.

"That's right, he fell down some stairs," Nitara said, turning back toward him.

Jacob paused for a moment. His stare fixed on Clergy. There's no way he falls for—

"Well that's some bad luck," he said finally. Or maybe he will. Jacob's smile returned as he looked back over at Nitara. "I didn't realize bakeries were so dangerous though. I'll have to stop by some time. Make sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain."

Nitara stepped forward. They were almost touching now. "Well, I have to save these for our customer," She bit her lip again. "But I can come by a little later and let you try some. If that's ok with you."

His smile went wide. "I get off at last call."

Nitara reached out and brushed his fingers with her's. His stare turned ravenous. She stood on her toes, leaning in for a kiss. Jacob closed his eyes. They were only a breath apart, and then Nitara pressed her fingers to his lips.

"So I'll see you tonight," she said, letting her hand drift down his chest before walking past him into the Hall.

"See you tonight," Jacob said, turning to watch her leave. His gaze swaying with her hips.

Micah gave Clergy another nudge and they walked quickly past Jacob and followed Nitara inside.

"Nice work," Micah said to Nitara as they caught up to her.

She rolled her eyes as the smile collapsed off her face. "Just keep your eyes on the kid."

Clergy's eyes went wide as they walked into the main circular room. It was a breath-taking sight. From the gorgeous mural lining the dome ceiling to the regal statue in the center of the room, all of it just seemed unreal. Corrupt or not the Council sure knows how to decorate a room. The only thing that seemed out of place was a small memorial by one of the doors. A wraith made of small purple and white flowers resting on a wooden tripod. It seemed too quaint for the grandiose room, but too intentional to be a mistake. Clergy couldn't help but stare. What could that be for?

"Oh, thank goodness! There you are!" a man's voice called out from the lobby.

Clergy turned toward it.

A young man was striding quickly through the boisterous room, waving over at them as he weaved through the crowds. He had a clean-shaven face and messy brown hair with a tunic and pants that seemed a little too big for him. Plus his glasses were askew.

"Sorry we're running late," Micah said. We got a little caught up at the entrance."

The man shook his head. "Oh no, please, there's no need for that," he said, grabbing Micah's hand with both of his and shaking it vigorously. "I'm just glad you're here!" He started pulling Micah through the lobby.

Nitara and Clergy followed behind.

"Everyone in the office will love this," the man said. "Councilor Gray's had such a hectic schedule today and—" He paused. "You know what. I think there's some serving baskets in the northeast store room. I'd love to make this a surprise."

He darted through the crowd, cutting across the lobby to the far wall where he pushed open what was apparently a very well-hidden door. The man quickly led them through it as Nitara closed the door behind them. The passage turned into a winding staircase going down into the basement. There were some windows on the far wall, and the ceiling went up like a pillar until it came together into another circular window at the top that helped gently light the space.

"I'm sorry it's a little cramped down here," the man said after they'd walked down a couple flights. "I always tell people this place is more like a dungeon than a storage room and—"

"We're clear Daniel," Nitara cut in.

The man stopped. His back straightened up. He let out a deep sigh and cracked his neck before taking off his glasses and pushing his hair back and out of his face.

"You're here early," he said, turning to face them. His voice was deeper. "You made it sound like it would be weeks before I heard from you."

"That's what we thought would happen," Nitara said. "But the kid decided to rise from the dead ahead of schedule."

"And is that who this is?" the man asked. "Our refugee and residential dead man?"

"The one and only," Micah said. He pushed Clergy forward. "It's probably best if you introduce yourself."

The man raised his hand. "No, it's alright I'll go first," he said. "After all, I am the one who got him into this mess right?" He reached out his hand. "I'm Daniel Sando and I'm the leader of our little operation here."

Clergy gave him a nervous smile. I didn't think we'd be going through this song and dance again so soon. He slowly started to reach out his hand. But here we go. "I'm... Clergy," he said. Now cue his suspicious face and—

Daniel grabbed his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Clergy," he said as he shook Clergy's firmly. "And thank you for agreeing to help us."

"Oh," Clergy said before remembering to return the gesture. "Well, um... thank you for helping me get out of that place," he said. "I don't know what I would've done without you." He glanced away from Daniel. "Though to be honest, I don't know how much help I'm going to be."

Daniel stopped shaking. "What do you mean?"

Clergy sighed. Just come out and say it. It's not like you can make it sound better than it is. "Well, the truth is, most of my memories are gone. I can't remember anything about myself or how I got there. I'm sorry."

Daniel paused for a moment, peering down into his thoughts. He let go of Clergy's hand. "What did Abel say?" he asked looking over at Nitara.

"He said it's possible, but it'll take time to fix it, if he can fix it at all."

"I see," Daniel said with a sigh. He went back to his thoughts.

Yeah, I guess he must be disappointed, Clergy thought to himself. I know I am.

Daniel placed a hand on Clergy's shoulder. "I know it must be frustrating not having any of your memories," he said. "And I promise we will climb that hill when we get to it." He tightened his grip. "But right now, we have to focus on our bigger problems first. And that means figuring out how to deal with Gad without Lund on our side—"

The door upstairs swung open.

"How could you let them just walk past you?" a man's voice asked

"I'm sorry," Jacob's voice said. "I don't know what—" He didn't finish that sentence. "Y'know, let's just find them before they cause any trouble."

Daniel walked past the other three and back up the stairs. "I'll take care of this," he said ruffling his hair. "Keep going down and when you get to the bottom make a right. There's a backdoor you can use. It's normally locked so there shouldn't be any guards by it."

Micah turned toward him. "And what're we supposed to do in the meantime?"

"We'll talk more tonight," Daniel cut in. "Have everyone meet at the usual place after last call. I have an idea." He put his glasses on. "Now hurry up and go. Those guards will be here soon."

Micah turned to head down but Daniel grabbed his shoulder.

"And leave the basket," Daniel said. "I still need the cover story."

Micah handed him the basket and headed downstairs with Clergy and Nitara, while Daniel headed back up.

It only took them a few moments to make their way to the door. Nitara walked in front of the group, opened the door, then stepped outside. They were at the back of the building, facing a narrower walkway sandwiched between the Hall and a few more buildings.

"We'll go around the long way," she said, turning to check both sides of the street. "As long as we stay away from the guards stationed near the Hall, we shouldn't have a problem."

She darted ahead into an alley across the street. Clergy went to follow but Micah held him back.

"I saw you eyeing the basket on the way here," Micah said. "You ate that sweet bun too quick, didn't you?"

Clergy laughed as his cheeks went red.

Micah just smiled, reached into his pocket, and pulled out another one wrapped in a napkin before pressing it into Clergy's chest. "Rookie mistake."

Clergy smiled. And I thought he'd be annoying. He took the bun and stuffed it under his cloak.

"Let's go," Nitara called from across the street. The two of them raced after her into the alley.

Bricks and worn rock lined the walls beside them. Cracked stone lied underfoot. A side door opened in front of them.

Another guard walked out.

"Excuse me miss," he said with a smile as he stopped in front of Nitara. "I'm sorry, but, you have such a familiar face. Would you happen to be part of a Councilor's family?"

"No, I'm sorry, you must be thinking of someone else," Nitara said, returning his smile as she moved to walk past him.

He stepped in front of her again. His smile faded. "Then, why did I just see you walk out of the Hall?" Two more guards walked out the door behind him. He reached out his hand. "And I'll need to see your pass from Councilor Knowles' office."

"Of course," Nitara said still smiling. "I've got it right here." She started reaching behind her back.

The other two guards put their hands on their swords. "Slowly miss," the first guard said.

Nitara raised her other hand. "Of course."

Clergy watched as she slowly reached behind her back, revealing a dagger she had sheathed under her shirt. Micah took a breath, slowly reaching for something in his boot. Oh shit, Clergy thought. They're gonna have to fight. His hands started trembling. I'm gonna have to fight. He looked up at one of the guards. His mind racing through memories of the prison. To the screams and blood and death.

Do I have to go through that again?

Suddenly, a huge figure, a man more than a head taller than the guards, came from around the corner. His shadow loomed over the backs of the two guards. They turned to face him but before they could react he grabbed both of their heads and smashed them together, knocking the two of them out. The other guard spun around and tried to draw his sword, but the man lunged forward, grabbed the guard's wrist before his blade left the sheath, then smashed his head into the wall.

Clergy was speechless. All he could bring himself to do was stare at the man. His towering form matched the rest of his features, with his wide arms, broad chest, and burly legs. His square face was home to a scruffy dark beard and tossed hair to match. He wore dark brown boots and pants, both of which had seen better days. His white tunic was covered in soot, staining its fabric with black and gray. Its sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, while a small chain held a crude metal ring around his neck. Despite his older features though there was almost a youthfulness in his eyes, but there was something... odd about it.

Clergy grabbed his head as the air suddenly cracked with heat. This is... like what happened with David, he thought to himself. He looked back up at the man. Yes, now he could see it. That youthfulness wasn't just odd it was... wrong. Hollow. Like an empty façade, or maybe, more like a memory. A memory of something that was gone. Dead. Burned up by the deep, unrelenting hatred in him, only now it had nothing left to burn. All that was left was smoke. Smoke in an empty room.

Clergy shuddered as the feeling overwhelmed him. What did you do?

"Al!" Micah said, walking up and patting the man on the arm. "It's great to see you man! I see your timing's still as good as always."

It took the man a moment to smile. He put his hand on Micah's shoulder. "It's good to see you too Micah."

At first glance the gestures seemed kind, but Clergy could feel them grating against something. A weight in the air that didn't belong. An expectation for warmth left unfulfilled. It stripped the next moment down to silent smiles until Micah stepped back to where he was before.

Nitara sighed, tucking the dagger back under her shirt. She looked up at the man. He noticed her gaze as Micah stepped away.

Their eyes met.

"Alvon," Nitara said.

"Nitara," he replied.

They both paused.

This is Alvon? Clergy thought to himself. What the hell happened between them?

"You're back early," Nitara finally said.

"Fire did most of the work for us," Alvon said with a shrug. "Didn't take too much work to sweep up some ashes." He looked down at one of the guards. "I thought I'd try to go check in and then I ran into you, and them," he said giving a body a light kick. Then he looked over at Clergy. "Thought he wasn't gonna wake up."

"Yeah, that's kind of been going around," Micah said, before glancing back at Clergy with an apologetic smile.

Clergy just shrugged. I can't really be surprised after the third person says it.

"And?" Alvon asked.

"It's a long story," Nitara said. "We'll explain on the way back. Daniel's meeting us there tonight."

Alvon picked up a guard by the collar and dragged him back into the room he came from.

Clergy peered inside too. It looked like a small back room, mostly filled with crates, except in the middle of the room. There one crate sat in an open space, with a pipe still smoking on its top.

"Just an unofficial break then," Alvon said absently, tossing the body back inside. He did the same for the other three before checking around the room again and walking back out.

No one had moved.

"Let's get going then," Alvon said. He closed the door and started walking ahead, while the rest of them followed behind.