Darkness filled the streets once they passed the gates and into the city proper. While it wasn’t pitch black due to both the moons and the glowing algae it was still a tad too dark to be comfortable. What few lamp posts existed didn’t seem to be well cared for.

His party and their newest allies made their way through the Unicorn district. As they strayed farther from the poorer sections it seemed almost as if they had entered a new city entirely. Paper lanterns fluttered in the wind along with colorful banners and streamers. Ulgrin saw that there was scarcely a building that hadn’t been painted over with some kind of artistic mural. Some were amateur, others seemed professional, but they all were rather creative.

But most of them seemed to be rather old, their paint chipping away. The fresher murals favored colder colors. While the people here seemed happier, it wasn’t entirely bereft of the city’s atmosphere as a whole. If anything, the people here seemed more… frustrated? He could hear heated conversations as they passed busy amphitheaters where debate and discussion was being had.

They all managed to find a suitable place to stay easily enough. An image of a laughing chimera, the three-headed beast comically designed, marked ‘The Cackling Chimera’ as they tavern they would stay for the short term future. A busy place, warm and welcoming. Ulgrin cast his gaze above the fireplace mantle and saw a skeletal head, mouth agape. Too large for a normal lion so he was fairly certain it was real.

Waiting at the bar was an elderly gnomish woman, widely brimmed circular glasses guiding their gaze to a pair of still vibrant purple eyes. “Welcome, welcome. Here for a drink or a meal?” It was too late for dinner, but she no doubt had plenty of customers coming in at these hours.

“Aye, we’d appreciate that. But I’d first like to ask if you have rooms? So long as they have multiple beds in them. One for myself, the lizardfolk, and the human. One for the two lassies. And the final for them.” Ulgrin asked, gesturing to their party. “Three should be plenty. And we’ll need a stabling for our friend’s mount.”

She looked over his group and smirked, seemingly used to strange company. “We’ve got that many open slots, yes.” She brushed a white strand of hair away and reached down to pull out a few keys. “Prices are on that board over there,” she pointed at a slate.

Ulgrin took a glance and nodded. Definitely affordable enough for them. He withdrew enough coins to last them all several days and dropped it onto the bar. “If you don’t mind, our group is going to be fairly hungry. And our friend Saezz over there eats as much as three men.”

“Saezz believes that four would be a more realistic number.” The lizard replied, crossing his arms. “He only eats three-times as much on a bad day. The average evens out to four.”

“I’ll see what we can do!” The innkeeper replied with an amused look. “Grahalu back there in the kitchen is only one man. But he’s a strong half-orc, his stamina is definitely up to the challenge.” She took the money and walked over. “We’ve got a big order coming up! Any preferences?”

“Food is food.” Raelza shrugged. “We’re not picky.”

Before long they were served dinner. A hearty meal of lamb stew with plenty of bread to dip. They learned that the innkeeper's name was Matilda Honeycomb and she had owned this tavern for seventy years. Quite the long time to be running a place like this.

Sometimes Ulgrin wondered what he would do when he became old. Would he retire to a life of musty books like his grandfather? Open a shop? The prospect of dreaming about his future seemed inconsequential when he wasn’t even sure if there was going to be one down the line. Every time he tried to sit down and relax that lingering thought in the back of his mind kept speaking up.

But he was becoming old hat at ignoring it. They ate, retired to their rooms, and settled in for the night. Ulgrin quickly fell asleep, the worry eating away at him from the inside as it always did.

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The morning dawned, bright rays of sunshine casting away his midnight plight. For a time. He gathered everyone down below where they had a brief breakfast. He nibbled on a strange type of bread that Alyss called a ‘croissant’. It wasn’t half bad, especially with jam and butter. Quite sweet and flakey. One thing he noticed was that his home didn’t produce much ‘artisanal’ bread. Always simple loaves or flatbread.

It wasn’t a bad thing, he greatly enjoyed thick slabs of whole wheat or oat, but he’d miss this. Maybe he could open a bakery? That was something he wouldn’t mind learning in great detail. He’d baked plenty of his own in the family kitchen and it’d always been a peaceful part of cooking.

Before he could start daydreaming about all the varieties of baked goods, he devoured the rest of his croissant and addressed the party. “We’ll be staying for another day or two. I’d like to get a lay of the land and hopefully find books that describe the lake in more detail. The viscount didn’t have much to offer in that department.”

Alyss nodded. “There should be a few bookstores in town who won’t mind you browsing for a bit of coin. I’ve only been to the capital a few times in my life so we’re gonna have to look around.” She daintily sipped a cup of tea. “We can likely find one in the Fairy Quarter. That’s where I would put them.”

Fleeting Wind paused in wiping Maya’s chin free of jam. “I will have a few matters to attend while we are here. It behooves me to ask but… would you all be capable of watching over her? I can’t bring the girl where I’m going. Too risky.” He was silent for a moment. “I must get in contact with the more… unsavory sorts that live here. There is a bustling underground in this city. They will have information the common folk do not.”

Maya frowned at that, but didn’t object to being babysat. The girl seemed used to being left alone by her guardian.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Ulgrin considered that for a moment. “I suppose it would be wise to get information wherever we can get it. Why with them, though?”

“I’m afraid that your group may have a bounty on their heads. The Court of the Fallen has influence here. Your battle with their champion may have resulted in them looking out for you. If that is the case then I’ll need to speak with the roguish sorts to find out how much.”

“A bounty, huh?” Raelza asked, smirking. “I suppose we weren’t exactly subtle. I hope it’s high. How much do you think we’re worth, boss? A thousand gold pieces?”

“Any bounty is too much in my opinion.” He replied with a frown. “That would make things more complicated.” Having a bounty reminded him of Saltgrit’s ship being directed their way. It hadn’t been a coincidence, but they’d found no evidence on board the vessel. There weren’t any leads for them to follow. And now that they knew Andire was looking for spies? It sent a bad feeling to his gut.

Saezz patted him on the shoulder. “If we must fight off a bunch of bounty hunters then we shall. It will be no issue. Worry not, my friend.”

Ulgrin paused before letting out a sigh. “You’re right. Sorry. We’ll watch over Maya for you.” He perked up slightly. “How would you like to ride on Saezz’s shoulders? I bet you’ve never been that high up before.”

Maya’s eyes widened, looking towards Saezz and then up, up, and further up. “Really? I don’t want to be a bother…”

“Saezz has no issues with this. You are but a feather.” He reached down and offered a palm. Maya hesitantly waited, looking to her guardian for approval. Wind smiled and nodded. She clambered up Saezz’s arm, youthful dexterity allowing her to climb easily. After a moment she was seated and widely grinning.

“Woah. So high!” Maya cheered happily, almost capable of reaching the chandeliers above them. “Thanks, mister Saezz.”

The lizard laughed, “He is no ‘mister’, but he appreciates it regardless. Shall we be off, then?”

“Aye.” Ulgrin replied, leaving a substantial tip for the waiting staff. The seven of them made their way out and into the streets. Saezz had to crouch down for a moment to leave the doorway. In the daylight the city seemed much more at ease. If his mind wasn’t imagining things he’d heard distant screams and yells during the late hours of the night.

Danger, in a city like this? It didn’t make much sense, but he supposed the desperate would do anything for money. Robbery and theft were unheard of in his hometown.

Passing out of their district and into the Fairy Quarter was quite the change. Far more industrious in nature, it lacked the charming murals in favor of rugged constructions and stained streets. It housed a substantial iron working industry thanks to the mountains to the north.

He learned that it was actually far quicker for them to load the ore into boats, sail up the river, and back around to the city itself rather than haul it via carts. There seemed to be a constant delivery of shipments from the rich hills, but it paled in comparison to the Mithral Halls. Then again, not much could compete with the Stoneborn in terms of metallurgical prowess. Still, it seemed quite productive. But where were all the workers?

The streets seemed practically empty compared to the city’s population. But they found the cause shortly after, arriving at a massive plaza filled to the brim with people.

Furious people.

Angry laborers yelled at the top of their lungs, waved signs, and otherwise formed a sea of protest. They gathered in front of several large, opulent buildings. The first seemed to be a guildhall of sorts, with the name ‘Prospector’s Guild’ emblazoned on a sign. The second was a bank. ‘Silverhand Lending & Storing Services’. Other businesses filled the area, most of them rich and wealthy.

The gist of their complaints seemed to be about low wages and poor working conditions. It seemed to be falling on deaf ears as business seemed to be proceeding as normal. Well, as normal as they could be with an army of thugs and mercenaries forming walls against the protestors.

Ulgrin frowned, watching their display. “Shall we find a way around? I’d rather keep Maya away from this sort of thing.” There weren’t many protests in the Mithral Halls. Mining was practically a sacred act to dwarves and a necessity for civilization. He couldn’t even imagine treating your miners poorly.

Raelza narrowed her eyes. “Look over there. One of the laborers was just pushed by that merc.” They all watched as the tension rose. Heated words and pushes were exchanged. He prayed a fight wouldn’t break out. Eventually the injured man was pulled away by his fellows and Ulgrin let out a sigh of relief.

Saezz crossed his arms. “Why do they treat these folk poorly? Mining is an important part of the economy.”

Alder shrugged. “That’s just how it works, doesn’t it? If people are greedy enough to enslave others, then they wouldn’t even blink at stuff like this.”

“Who knows why merchants do what they do?” Alyss asked, scowling. “I’d bet it has something to do with the local nobility. Overlooking stuff like this for money? Not a bad guess if I had to.” She sighed. “I hope it doesn’t get violent. A bloodbath on the streets isn’t a good sign.”

Suddenly, Maya perked up. “Hey, there’s a shadowy person in the crowd!” They all turned, but lacked the height advantage to see.

“What do you mean, Maya? Shadowy?” Ulgrin asked, confused by the descriptor.

Maya furrowed her brow. “They’re all… shadowy. Hard to see. Everyone around them is ignoring it. Kinda like how it looks on a hot summer day.”

Raelza thought for a moment. “A concealing spell? Why would they need to conceal their presence? You could take twenty steps into the crowd and not be found. Hold still, Saezz.” The lizard had a moment to contemplate that before Raelza scrambled up his back, pulling herself up.

Saezz grunted. “He would appreciate a warning next time. You stepped on his tail.”

“Hush, big guy.” The drow replied, squinting into the crowd. “There. I see him. Definitely an illusion of some kind, once I saw through it the effect has mostly faded away. What the hells is he doing?” She paused for a moment. “He’s got a knife and is headed for the ones near the thugs. That’s no normal man. He’s some kind of fey with black skin and white eyes. It’s almost like shadow is just… dripping off of them.”

It had to get complicated, didn’t it? Ulgrin sighed. “We’re going to have to stop him. Agh. How do we get through all of this? I’m still not capable of prolonged flight spells.”

Saezz grinned and cracked his knuckles. “He shall clear a path. Follow closely behind. Please hold on tight, Maya.”

The girl’s eyes widened and she grasped the lizardfolk’s head tightly as he began firmly moving into the crowd. People naturally parted ways, yelling in anger and shock as he made his way through. Ulgrin was glad they’d taken the precaution of putting on their armor. Not a lot of people will get in the way of someone fully armed and armored.

Alder’s shield came in handy as he drew it to form a barrier on their left flank. Ulgrin took the other side, his staff flickering with baleful light to scare off any one trying to stop their group.

Raelza wobbled on Saezz’s shoulders, somehow maintaining her balance. “Shit. I think he’s noticed us! The fey guy is running now, but not away! Saezz, hurry up!” She had drawn her crossbow but frowned, incapable of making a shot with so many people around.

Saezz took in a deep breath and let out a roar that shocked the crowd into silence. “Make way, make way! Saezz will not stop!” He began to move faster.

Laborers wisely moved out of the way as heads turned their way. Shocked shouts and confused murmurs filled the air. The tension in the crowd began to build, but it had no direction or focus. People were too astounded to be angry. A bunch of armed adventurers sprinting through the crowd? They hadn’t expected that.

“Shit, he’s almost there!” Raelza called, crossbow wavering.

Ulgrin stopped, pointing his staff towards the drow. “Force. Gather. Protect! Slow.” He wrapped a bubble of aetheric energy around her that would hopefully slow the fall. “Saezz, throw her as hard as you can!”

Saezz, bless the man, listened instantly. Raelza had only a few moments to groan as he grabbed her, built up strength, and threw her as hard as he could. She flew through the air, spinning in a somersault. He could distantly hear a ‘fuuuuu-’ as she flew. Then his spell kicked in and her momentum slowed.

By now they could see the fey, and he turned to look up. An expression of shock filled his pitch-black face, or at least as close as you could get given one could only see his eyes.

Raelza pointed her crossbow down towards the assassin and pulled the trigger. A twang filled the air. Screams quickly followed suit.

Back into the action. Andire is facing quite a few threats, both from within and from out. Most fey tend to be quite good at infiltration which is quite the problem. Thank you all for reading. See you next chapter. Also I'm officially half way through the write-a-thon! Still going strong.