The sunrise painted the horizon in shades of orange and gold as Kaede and Haruki approached the bustling town of Aldervale. Despite the picturesque view, the tension from the previous night’s ambush lingered like a storm cloud over them.
Kaede walked ahead, her usual swagger subdued, her hand occasionally drifting to her sword. Haruki followed a few steps behind, his satchel slung across his chest, his eyes darting around as if expecting an attack at any moment.
“You’re quieter than usual,” Haruki finally said, breaking the silence.
Kaede didn’t respond immediately. She stopped at the edge of the hill overlooking the town, her amber eyes scanning the streets below. “I don’t like leaving loose ends,” she said finally.
Haruki raised an eyebrow. “Loose ends?”
“Ragnor’s goons,” she replied, her voice clipped. “They knew exactly where to find us. That’s not a coincidence.”
Haruki frowned. “You think someone tipped them off?”
Kaede turned to face him, her gaze sharp. “Either that, or we’ve been walking around with a target on our backs since the moment we took this job.”
Haruki sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, that’s comforting.”
Kaede smirked, the tension in her expression softening just a bit. “Relax, Shima. I won’t let anyone take you out.”
“Thanks, I feel so reassured,” Haruki said dryly, earning a chuckle from Kaede.
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THE MARKETPLACE
Aldervale’s marketplace was a maze of stalls and merchants hawking everything from exotic spices to finely crafted weapons. Kaede and Haruki blended into the crowd, their eyes scanning for anything—or anyone—out of place.
“We’ll resupply, check in with the client, and then decide our next move,” Kaede said, her tone brisk.
Haruki nodded, already jotting down a list in his notebook. “Food, medical supplies, and maybe a decent pair of boots for you. Your current ones look like they’ve been through a war.”
“They have,” Kaede said with a grin, not bothering to deny it.
As they navigated the crowded market, Haruki noticed a man lingering near a fruit stall, his eyes fixed on them.
“Kaede,” he whispered, nudging her.
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“I see him,” she replied, her voice low.
The man, realizing he’d been spotted, turned and bolted into the alleyway. Without hesitation, Kaede took off after him, her boots pounding against the cobblestones.
Haruki groaned but followed, his satchel bouncing against his side. “Why do I always end up running in these situations?”
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A CHASE THROUGH THE ALLEYS
Kaede moved like a predator, her speed and agility unmatched as she closed the gap between her and the fleeing man. She vaulted over a stack of crates, her eyes never leaving her target.
The man rounded a corner, only to find himself face-to-face with Kaede’s sword.
“Going somewhere?” she asked, her tone dangerously sweet.
The man stumbled back, hands raised. “Please, I’m just a messenger!”
Kaede stepped closer, her blade glinting in the morning light. “A messenger for who?”
“Ragnor!” the man blurted out, his voice trembling.
Haruki finally caught up, panting. “Remind me... to work on my cardio...”
Kaede ignored him, her focus on the man. “What does Ragnor want?”
“He... he wanted me to watch you,” the man stammered. “Said you’d be heading to Aldervale. He’s got people everywhere.”
Kaede’s jaw tightened. “And the artifact?”
The man hesitated, then shook his head. “He doesn’t care about the artifact. He cares about you.”
Haruki exchanged a glance with Kaede. “Well, that’s ominous.”
Kaede grabbed the man by the collar, pulling him close. “You tell Ragnor that if he wants me, he’ll have to come get me himself. And when he does, he’d better be ready to lose more than just a few goons.”
She released the man, who scrambled to his feet and disappeared down the alleyway.
“That was dramatic,” Haruki said, leaning against the wall.
“Had to make an impression,” Kaede replied, sheathing her sword.
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THE CLIENT
They found the nobleman at the town’s most luxurious inn, sipping wine in a private lounge. His expression brightened when he saw them, though it faltered slightly at Kaede’s grim demeanor.
“Ah, you’ve returned!” he said, standing to greet them. “I trust the mission was successful?”
Kaede dropped the artifact on the table, causing the man’s wineglass to wobble. “Mission’s done. But we’re not done talking.”
The nobleman blinked, clearly taken aback. “Oh? Is there a problem?”
Kaede crossed her arms. “Ragnor’s men ambushed us. Twice. Care to explain how they knew where to find us?”
The man paled, his composure slipping. “I assure you, I had nothing to do with it! I would never—”
“Save it,” Kaede interrupted. “You hired us to get this thing, and we did. But if you know anything about why Ragnor’s so interested in me, now’s the time to spill.”
The nobleman hesitated, then sighed. “I don’t know why Ragnor is targeting you. But I do know that he has a network of spies across the region. Perhaps someone in my household—”
“Perhaps,” Kaede said coldly. “But if I find out you’ve been playing us, you’ll regret it.”
The man swallowed hard. “Understood.”
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BACK TO THE ROAD
As they left the inn, Haruki glanced at Kaede. “You’re really good at scaring rich people.”
Kaede smirked. “It’s a gift.”
“Think he’s telling the truth?”
Kaede’s smile faded. “Doesn’t matter. Either way, Ragnor’s making his move. We need to be ready.”
Haruki nodded, his usual levity replaced by quiet determination. “Then let’s make a plan.”
Kaede looked at him, a rare softness in her gaze. “Thanks, Shima. I know I can count on you.”
Haruki grinned. “You always can.”
As they headed out of town, the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows behind them. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—this wasn’t just about an artifact anymore.
It was about survival.