Adrian, Galtier, and Kael halted before a narrow house sandwiched tightly between two taller, aging buildings. Time and the relentless elements had battered the stone walls, leaving cracks that traced stories of years gone by. But the reinforced door spoke of vigilance. Iron bars seem a bit excessive for a door in a small town like Willowbrook.

“This is it,” Adrian said, before he turned back to Kael and Galtier. “Wait here.”

Kael leaned nonchalantly against a nearby wooden post. “Take your time."

“Best of luck." Galtier said.

Hopefully, Seth is in a good mood today. Adrian raised his fist and knocked twice.

Silence stretched between heartbeats. Adrian could feel his pulse quicken as he waited. Come on…

Faint shuffling from inside was followed by a low curse. Locks clicked and clattered, and after a moment, the door creaked open a sliver. A single eye then peered through the gap.

A few seconds later, the door creaked wider as Seth walked out into the open, his hair was a mix of dark locks and silver threads framing a face that once wore suspicion like a second skin. But today, there was a spark of recognition.

“Well, I’ll be damned. Adrian. Look at you.”

“It’s been a while, Seth.”

“A while?” Seth leaned against the doorframe, arms folding over his chest. “That’s an understatement. How many years has it been? I’d say you’ve grown, but I think you’ve still got some ways to go.”

Adrian let out a small laugh, feeling the tension in his shoulders ease. “I’m getting there."

Seth’s gaze drifted past Adrian’s shoulder. The warmth in his eyes cooled, shifting to something more calculating. “And those two?”

His chin lifted slightly in Galtier and Kael’s direction. “Friends of yours?”

Adrian nodded. “Yes. They’re… traveling with me.”

Seth’s lips twitched as if suppressing another smirk. “You’ve certainly made some… interesting choices."

Adrian shrugged, a touch of defensiveness in his tone. “They’re good people. Trustworthy.”

“If you say so, then I don't have a problem.” Seth’s voice dropped, but he didn’t press further.

Instead, he stepped back and motioned for Adrian to enter. “Come on, then. No sense having a reunion on the doorstep.”

“I actually came to ask you for a favor,” Adrian said as he followed Seth inside.

Seth’s brow furrowed as he led them into a dimly lit room. He gestured for Adrian to sit. “You know I don’t like favors.”

Adrian sat on a chair that wobbled slightly beneath him. “Hear me out, I really need transport to South Tusk, Marcus told me you could help."

“South Tusk? Why would you want to go there?”

Adrian opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say anything, a feminine voice called out from another room. “Honey, who are you talking to?”

Seth closed his eyes briefly, the smallest sign of exasperation crossing his features. He turned his head and called back, “It’s Adrian, sweetie. You remember, the kid who saved us a long time ago.”

“Adrian? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I want to see him!”

Adrian stood, unsure whether to brace himself or laugh. “Should I wait outside?”

Seth waved a dismissive hand. “No need. You’ve already got her worked up.”

Moments later, Helen appeared. Her features were radiant, even more so with the fullness of pregnancy that she carried gracefully. She placed one hand on the curve of her stomach and beamed at Adrian. “Look at you, you’ve grown taller!”

“It’s good to see you again, Helen.” Adrian said with a smile.

“Good to see you? I’d say it’s great to see you. You never visit.”

“I’ve been busy, but I’m glad to be here now.”

Helen’s eyes flicked past him, landing on Galtier and Kael waiting outside. “Are those your friends?”

“Yes, they’re with me.”

“Well then, we have to make sure they’re taken care of while you’re here.”

Seth cleared his throat. “One step at a time, sweetie. Adrian was just telling me he wants to go to South Tusk.”

Helen’s cheerfulness dimmed just a fraction. “South Tusk? That place isn't somewhere anybody should want to be."

“I know, and that’s why I need Seth’s help.” Adrian said.

"Are you really sure about this, Adrian? I know Marcus and Anisa have been taking care of you, are they really fine with you going there?"

"It took… a lot of convincing, especially Anisa. But they've given me permission. It's not like I want to be in South Tusk for no reason, but there's someone I have to see there."

"Hmm, I don't like it, but I don't think I can convince you otherwise."

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Sorry, Helen, this is something important to me."

Helen sighed, but then gestured warmly toward the modest sitting area within their home. “At the very least, your friends should come in."

Seth tilted his head, a note of caution flashing in his eyes. “Are you sure? I’m not certain our house is… accustomed to such guests.”

Helen waved him off. “We have more than enough room, even for a knight in full armor.”

Adrian stepped to the doorway, calling over his shoulder. “Galtier, Kael, you can come in.”

Kael walked in with his usual ease, tilting his head as he picked up on the sounds and subtle vibrations within the home. Galtier followed, the floorboards groaning slightly beneath the weight of his armor.

The four of them settled around a round wooden table. Seth dropped into a chair opposite Adrian, leaning forward with arms crossed. Helen took a seat next to her husband, hands resting protectively over her stomach. Galtier, meanwhile, opted to stand behind Adrian.

“So, why South Tusk?” Seth asked.

Adrian inhaled deeply, steeling himself. “It’s because of the Mourne.”

The air grew thick. Seth’s fingers curled tightly against the table’s edge. Helen’s expression darkened, her concern now edged with something sharper. “What do you want with them?”

Adrian’s jaw clenched. “I want answers for what they did to me and people I loved."

Silence fell, the only sound the faint creaking of wood under Galtier’s shifting stance. Seth exhaled slowly, his gaze searching Adrian’s eyes. “I know that look. But South Tusk isn't a place for justice or answers, not easily.”

“What’s wrong with it exactly?"

"The place is overrun with crime for one. Not only that, the Whitewynn family runs the city from the shadows, controlling everything: gangs, markets, even some of the guard. Outsiders rarely last long."

“You seem quite knowledgeable about South Tusk, have you been there before?"

“Lived there for a few years, I barely got out myself. But that place changes people.”

“Seems like you got out just fine though. Doesn't mean it's impossible to survive there." Adrian said with a light shrug.

Seth stared at him, conflicted. “You’re asking for trouble. I can’t protect you once you’re there.”

“You won’t have to, I’m not going alone.”

Galtier stepped forward, the weight of his presence palpable. “This isn’t just for him, it’s for me as well. And for my sister. We also seek answers.”

Seth regarded Galtier for a long moment, and then his gaze slid back to Adrian. He rubbed a hand across his face, weariness creeping in. “All right. If you’re set on this path, I’ll help you."

Helen reached for Adrian’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I wish you luck,” she said, her voice soft but unwavering. She turned her gaze to Kael and Galtier, her eyes kind. “All of you.”

***

Seth pulled the reins tight, slowing the horse-drawn wagon to a gradual halt. The wheels groaned to a stop against the uneven dirt road, and the rhythmic clattering of hooves faded. Dust hung in the air, catching the late afternoon light.

Adrian leaned forward from his seat on the wagon, brow furrowing as he cast a questioning glance at Seth. “Why are we stopping?”

Seth didn't answer immediately. He climbed down, boots crunching on the gravel-strewn path. He walked a few steps ahead, his gaze scanning the horizon with an intensity that set Adrian on edge. “It’s not wise to ride into South Tusk looking like you’re carrying anything valuable.”

Adrian followed his line of sight, his chest tightening at the weight of Seth’s words. He’s not exaggerating.

Seth turned and gestured ahead, his finger tracing the hazy outline of a sprawling city in the distance. “Look closely, that's South Tusk.”

Adrian squinted, his breath catching. The city sprawled like a festering wound on the landscape. Crumbling walls and crooked rooftops clawed at the sky, while narrow streets twisted like tangled roots. Even from this distance, South Tusk exuded a foreboding air. This place truly does look like it lives up to its reputation.

Kael stepped closer and let out a low whistle. “You know, I can't see the city at all, but I can smell that it's not a good place even from here.”

Galtier’s deep voice rumbled in response. “Don't worry, boy, it doesn't get much better even if you could see the place."

Seth snorted, a short, humorless laugh escaping him. “The place is held together by desperation, blood, and just enough greed to keep it standing.”

He turned back to the wagon, his gaze flitting from Kael to the rest of the group. “But we don’t have the luxury of gawking. Get yourselves ready.”

Then, Seth rummaged in the back of the wagon and tossed a weathered brown cloak to Kael, who caught it easily despite his blindfolded eyes. “Put that on, don’t want anyone getting too curious.”

Kael slipped the cloak around his shoulders. “Do I look mysterious enough to scare off trouble?” he asked with a faint smirk.

“More like you’re trying to hide from trouble you already caused, but it’ll do.”

Adrian shifted in his seat, eyes lingering on Galtier’s towering form. “What about him? Won’t he draw too much attention?”

Seth shrugged. “Plenty of people carry steel in South Tusk. Most of them don’t ask questions unless you give them a reason to."

The group soon moved out towards a long line of people waiting to get into South Tusk. Adrian was mildly surprised that there were still so many people wanting to get into the city: young and old, wealthy and poor, armed and unarmed. Hard to believe that there's this many people that want to go to a decrepit city like South Tusk, but I suppose everyone has their reasons.

As they drew closer to the front of the line, Adrian could feel tension prickling beneath his skin. The guards stationed at South Tusk's entrance were a far cry from ordinary law enforcement. They wore mismatched armor, each piece worn and dented from years of use, and their eyes carried a predatory glint. One of the men stepped forward, his bulk and height dwarfing those behind him. A scar bisected his lip, giving him a permanent sneer.

“Next!” he barked, his voice rough as gravel. He eyed Seth, Adrian, Kael, and Galtier with a gaze that lingered too long on their weapons and armor. “State yer business in South Tusk.”

Seth stepped up, his posture easy but eyes wary. “Just heading to the adventurer’s guild,” he replied, his tone practiced, neutral.

The guard scratched at his stubbled jaw, his mouth twisting. “Aye, is that so? Let’s see yer adventurer’s licenses, then.”

Without hesitation, Seth reached into his pocket, producing a weathered card and holding it out. Adrian and Kael followed suit, retrieving their own while Galtier withdrew his card from a hidden slot within his armor. The guard snatched the cards, his rough hands turning each over before passing them to another behind him.

“Gonna need to run these fer checks,” he announced, not moving from his spot.

“That’s out of line, I've never heard of people needing to hand over licenses for analysis before.” Seth said.

The guard’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned in close enough for Adrian to smell sour ale on his breath. “Oh? Don’t like it? You can turn ‘round and march yerselves back out."

Seth’s jaw tightened, and for a moment, it looked as if he might argue. Instead, he forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I see. Policy changes are… inconvenient. Perhaps there’s a way to… make this inconvenience disappear?”

The guard tilted his head, as if weighing Seth’s offer. “A way, ye say?” He glanced back at his companions, their expressions hungry for a show of force. Turning back, he grinned, showing yellowed teeth. “One gold coin apiece, then. Else, you can all piss off.”

Seth’s expression remained carefully neutral, but Adrian saw the faint flicker of irritation. “One gold per head?” he repeated, the edge creeping into his voice. “That’s daylight robbery.”

The guard’s smile widened, his eyes dancing with malice. “Offer’s final.”

Seth exhaled slowly, as if reining in the desire to lash out. “Last time I passed through, it was a silver per person. A fairer rate, wouldn’t you say?”