Raven followed William into the barn, his heart still racing from their narrow escape from the free company. As they walked through the dark corridors between the stalls, William called out to his guards and servants, who were already asleep on their pallets.

"Everyone, wake up," William said, his voice carrying through the barn. "We have a new friend joining us tonight."

Slowly, the groggy group began to stir, rubbing their eyes and sitting up on their pallets. One by one, they turned to face Raven, who stood awkwardly in the doorway, not sure what to do.

"This is Raven," William said, gesturing to him. "He just helped me escape from the free company, and I owe him a debt of gratitude. I want you all to make him feel welcome."

The guards and servants nodded sleepily, mumbling their greetings to Raven. He nodded back, still feeling a bit out of place.

"Thank you," Raven said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just glad to have made a new friend."

William smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, you're welcome to stay with us as long as you like," he said. "We could use a man like you in our group."

As the group settled back down to sleep, William motioned for one of his men to stand guard at the door of the barn. "Keep a lookout for the free company," he said quietly. "I don't want them sneaking up on us in the night."

The guard nodded and took up his post at the door, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. William turned to Raven and gestured for him to follow as he walked to the other side of the barn.

William turned to Raven, his brow furrowed with concern. "Tell me, my friend," he said. "Why do you want to venture into the mist? It's a dangerous place, and if you go alone you might not return."

Raven hesitated, not sure how much he wanted to reveal about his reasons for seeking out the mist. "I have a relative who once lost his life there," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I want to find out what happened to him."

William's expression softened. "I see," he said. "I'm sorry for your loss. But I have to warn you, the mist is not a place to be taken lightly. Many have ventured in and never returned."

Raven nodded, "I understand the risks," he said. "But I have to try. I can't just sit idly by and do nothing."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

William nodded. "Very well," he said. "If you're set on going, then I'll go with you. I can't let you face the dangers of the mist alone."

Raven let out a sigh and shook Willams hand. Willam leaned in close and whispered in Raven's ear.

"The mist has been expanding in the last few days," he said, his voice grave. "And the storms have been more frequent and intense. I've even heard the cries of wild hounds at night."

Raven clenched his hands together. "That doesn't sound good," he said.

William nodded. "It gets worse," he said. "There have been rumors about peasants being killed in the fields. Some say it's the work of the mist, while others blame wild animals. But no one knows for sure."

At dawn, Raven and William gathered their things and set off into the mist. William had brought along a group of guards and servants, as well as two wagons full of goods.

As they walked, William explained to Raven how he planned to use the newly rich guilds in the city of Ignis to turn a profit on their inexperience. "I have a shipment of tools that I plan to sell to the guilds," he said. "They're eager to get their hands on anything they can use to mine for ruby, and they're willing to pay top dollar."

Raven smiled. "That sounds like a smart move," he said.

As they walked, the mist grew thicker around them, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The path they were following was all but nonexistent, and they had to rely on William's guards to lead the way.

Despite the treacherous conditions, William seemed undaunted. "My friend, I am sorry I've actually traveled through the mist many times," he said. "It may be dangerous, but it's also where the big profits are made. And I plan to make as much as I can, before the guilds wise up and start bargaining for a better price."

Raven couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for William's determination. He was a man who knew what he wanted, and he wasn't afraid to go after it.

As they journeyed deeper into the mist, the air grew colder and the ground grew more uneven. The cries of wild hounds echoed through the fog, making Raven's skin crawl.

"I've only ventured a few miles into the mist each time," he said, his voice laced with tension. "I first tried it about half a year ago, when the demand for ruby rose sharply in Cinis. But nothing ever happened, and I was able to make it back safely."

He kept glancing over his shoulder, as if expecting something to jump out at them at any moment.

"This is the first time we've ventured into the mist while we've heard the hounds," he admitted, his voice laced with fear. "I don't know what to expect, but I have a feeling it's not going to be good."

As the night drew near, they made camp on the path, using their two wagons to form a makeshift barricade. Huddled together around a small campfire, they tried to keep themselves distracted with food, games, and drink.

Raven, who had gotten a bit drunk, boasted about his sister. "She's the best swordsman I've ever seen," he slurred, waving his arms around for emphasis. "She could take on anyone, no matter how big or strong they are."

William chuckled and patted Raven on the back. "I'm sure she's a force to be reckoned with," he said. "But right now, we need to get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow."

As the fire died down, the group settled in for the night, taking turns standing guard to keep watch for any dangers that might lurk in the mist.