Manu stood by the window looking out at the fog swirling around the cabin. I’ve got you, you bastard, he thought, his fingers tingling in anticipation at seeing Rogoz again.

Bogdi sat at the table behind him, awaiting a response. “So what do we do next?”

“What we do next is go after him,” said Manu. A smile spread across his lips at the thought of finally getting at that rogue. Try to get rid of me, did you? We’ll see who gets rid of who. “You’re sure he didn’t see you?”

“I’m certain. We’re in the clear.”

Manu turned away from the window and gave Bogdi a long look. The large man seemed weary and worn from all the travel. His own gaze softened. “Good job. I’m sorry if you feel I was harsh with you before. Times have been—”

“Boss, you don’t have to say anything.” Bogdi stood up and came over, leaning in intimately. “I know how it is to feel fucked and like you’ve got no one to count on. But you were there for me when it counted. And now I hope I can be there for you.”

Manu could see the affection in Bogdi’s black’s eyes and felt genuine remorse for his mistreatment. Sometimes, his bad temper could get the better of him—a trait he wasn’t sure the origin of. It was like a demon that took possession of him at times, clouding his judgment and making him see only betrayal and darkness at every corner. “Still.” Manu patted him on the shoulder. “You have my thanks.”

“We’ll need more than just us if we want to take care of that orc.”

“You have somebody in mind?”

Bogdi shook his head. “Not exactly. But I’m sure we can find some if we’re willing to pay enough.”

Manu cocked a brow thoughtfully. “Well, we are. So let’s put the word out. Let’s say one of the locals is looking for some people to clear out some goblins or something. We don’t want word getting to Rogoz and making him suspicious.”

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“What do you wanna do when we get our hands on him?”

Now that’s a good question. Manu wasn’t certain what that filthy old rogue deserved. Was it death? He had nearly brought death upon Manu, but only indirectly, and as a result of his own gullibility. It seemed perhaps a bit much to speedily discard him. “I guess we’ll see once we’ve got him.”

The two heard Esmi shouting outside as she played with Danil, tossing a ball between them and turned their heads in unison to look at her. She was wearing the same raggedy clothing she took with her on the short trip, her chin-length hair greasy and tousled. “You said you couldn’t find her father?”

“I didn’t have time to look for him,” said Bogdi. “And she wanted to come. So I took her. Wasn’t all bad. Kept me company.” The big man smiled as he watched her play. “She’s a good kid, reminds me of myself at that age—a little. Shame about that son of a bitch that made her.”

Razlan. There was nothing to be done about him. “It’s not his fault. You didn’t see what we saw that night.”

“With that vamp? But you saw it. Even the kid saw it. And you’re both fine.”

“I think he must’ve really loved his wife.”

“And he thanks her by letting the kid grow up without a father?”

Manu shrugged carelessly. “It’s not for us to judge. Not for you. Not for me.”

As soon as they finished their conversation, Manu went out to speak to Esmi himself. She had doted on him as soon as they arrived, and while the sight of her napping against Bogdi’s chest when he had arrived was strange, it was far from unwelcome. The tragedy that bonded them together made it so there would always be a special affection for her in his heart.

Danil headed inside as soon as he saw Manu come out. Manu gave Esmi a look. “I hear you’ve lost your little job at the Red Bear.”

“It was a big job, not a little job…”

“Don’t worry. When all of this is over, there’ll be something better for you to do.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Where?”

Esmi shrugged. “Wherever you’re going.”

“We’ll see. But that’s probably not a good idea for a child.”

“As if back home is any safer…”

“I know, I know. Bogdi told me what happened to you.” Manu pursed his lips and spoke slowly: “Where’s your father, Esmeralda, do you know?”

The mere mention of Razlan made her cheery mood dissipate. Clearly, this was a a touchy subject. “Who knows. Around.”

Can’’t say I’d feel any differently in her shoes.

Manu walked towards the edge of the summit. The sky was dark and cloudy, and though the thick fog one could barely see a few meters ahead; but not even the bad weather could ruin his mood. This was no omen. Just an indication of the storm he meant to unleash. “Things are starting to look up again.”

“It doesn’t feel that way,” said Esmi.

Manu patted her on the head and put an arm around her. “Just you wait and see what I’m about to do.”