After traveling for two days, the dense trees of the forest began to thin, revealing a small, fortified area.

In the clearing stood a large, two-story building, its weathered stone walls surrounded by a cluster of guards. The guards wore leather armor, their weapons at the ready, and they kept watch over the entrance with sharp eyes.

Herring glanced at the building and then at Raul. “That’s an outpost for the Adventurer’s Guild,” she explained quietly. “It’s one of the few safe spots outside the kingdom’s walls. They provide shelter and supplies for adventurers, but it’s not cheap. Security’s tight, and they charge a premium for it.”

Raul’s eyes scanned the place, noting the heavy guards and the fortified walls. He could see why they needed to protect it—this far from the kingdom wall, the dangers of the wastelands were relentless. “How much for a room?” he asked.

Herring shrugged, her expression a little grim. “Fifty coppers a night. Expensive, but it’s the price for staying safe.” She paused, as though weighing something. “There’s a discount for adventurers like me though. I can pay for your room if you need it.”

Raul raised an eyebrow. Fifty coppers... that’s a lot. He thought about how much money he had on him. Luckily, I grabbed the money from my house before leaving. He didn’t want to tell Herring about it, though. There was no need to share such details right now.

“I’ll pay for my own room,” he said after a moment, offering a small smile. “Thanks for the offer, though.”

Herring gave him a quick nod, seemingly not bothered by his refusal. “Suit yourself,” she said, her tone neutral but not unkind. “Give me the money , if you make the payment , there will be no discount.”

Raul agreed and as they approached the building, the guards stepped forward, eyeing them cautiously but not stopping them. They recognized Herring , but not Raul.

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As Raul and Herring stepped into the hotel, the warm glow of lantern light flickered through the entrance, casting long shadows on the wooden floors. The air was filled with the smell of cooked meat, and the soft hum of conversation filled the room.

Raul’s eyes adjusted quickly, scanning the interior. It was a modest place, though there were enough adventurers and travelers to give the place a lively atmosphere.

Herring glanced around, her eyes sweeping over the crowd until they settled on a large, muscular figure sitting at a corner table. The man was striking—bald with grey skin, his muscles bulging. His lower jaw protruded with a set of sharp, jagged fangs, and beside him rested a large axe, its blade gleaming under the light.

He was an imposing figure, and Raul immediately thought of the stories his parents used to tell him—tales of Orcs, great warriors and often feared by common folk.

“Rain,” Herring said, her voice calm as she made her way toward him. Raul followed her, noting the ease with which she approached the giant man.

The Orc looked up, his expression breaking into a wide grin as he saw Herring. “Well, well, if it isn’t the Red Herring,” he rumbled in a deep voice, his grey skin almost blending into the shadows. “I’m glad to see you’re still alive and kicking.”

Herring returned his grin with a smirk. “Yeah , definitely one piece.”

Raul stood a little off to the side, watching the exchange curiously. It was clear from their camaraderie that the two were close, possibly even old partners.

Rain’s gaze shifted to Raul, and the Orc gave him a friendly nod. “You must be a friend of hers,” he said, his voice surprisingly warm. “Welcome.”

Raul, still sizing up the massive Orc, gave a polite nod back.

Herring then got straight to the point, her tone dropping slightly. “Are you healed?”

Rain stretched his arms, his muscles bulging as he flexed his shoulders with ease. “Yes, yes. The healer did good work. I’m ready to hit the road again.” He gave Herring a look of appreciation. “I’ll be glad to accompany you on your travels once more.”

Herring’s expression softened, but she waved her hand dismissively. “You don’t need to feel bad for not joining me earlier,” she said, her voice light. “You needed the rest, Rain. And we’ll be better off together now that you’re fully healed.”

Rain’s eyes softened, but he didn’t argue.

Instead, he looked over at Raul and gave him a nod, as if silently giving permission for him to speak. “Hey,” he said, “why don’t you go order us some food?” He handed Raul a small pouch of coppers. “I’ll cover it. Get us something good.”

Raul was taken aback for a moment, then understood. They want to talk privately, he thought.