"And there you have it, that's your final payment for all the gold bars. I really appreciate your patience on this. Well done to you and your companions," Roberto said. He plopped a money bag on Daniel's desk and shook his hand.

"Thank you for all of your help and for facilitating all of this," Daniel said.

Jonathan was the only other one in the dingy room, and he escorted Roberto to the exit back down to the tavern.

Jonathan took a seat across from Daniel. A shine from the mountain of gold coins hit both their faces.

"There's your cut, Johnathan. Excellent work so far. I'm really impressed with how everything is coming together. I think it's time for a little celebration." Daniel reached underneath his desk and pulled out a bottle of mead, pouring himself a glass and a glass for Jonathan. Daniel smiled at Johnathan, but Jonathan stared at the drink, expressionless. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing. I am excited.”

“You are?” Daniel raised his eyebrow.

“Most of my excitement already happened when we pulled off the mission."

Daniel’s eyes bored deep into Jonathan’s soul. ”But there's something deeper gnawing at you. I can just tell."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm fine. Truthfully, I am."

Daniel smiled and laughed dryly. "We've been friends for so long. You can tell me what's on your mind. It's not a big deal. In fact, I think it's wise we have an open line of communication. I don't want there to be any secrets between us."

Jonathan’s fingers tapped the armrest of the old wooden chair. “I've decided to not take any of this money from the mission."

Daniel furrowed his brow. "What do you mean you decided not to take any money from the mission?"

"I mean, yes, I will take the bag of money here, but none will go in my pocket. I've decided to give it all to Genevieve."

Daniel shook his head. “Now, why would you go and do something like that? She's not part of the process. She's going to start asking questions. Yeah, sure, I get it, she’s your girlfriend, but she's not part of our circle."

"But we need her to take us out on the boat.” Jonathan crossed his arms.

"We really don't. I found everything myself.” Daniel patted his chest. “I just figured it would be easier to have a trained Winderon sailing so that we could get to places quicker and escape them easier."

"You just contradicted yourself.” Jonathan smirked. “We do need her because I think your power gets drained on some of these missions. We needed it at full capacity, and you can't focus on guiding the ship's sales. Besides, Genevieve is like a vaulted bank door. She won't leak any secrets."

Daniel’s lip curled up. "But as Elijah and I have proven, it's possible to break the vaults wide open. Someone could get her to crack if we're not careful."

"So are you thinking of telling her she's not needed for future missions? Because I think she'll be relieved."

"I guess you could tell her that, it’s not ideal, but we could figure something out. That’s not the point though, I’m trying to hammer home that she doesn't need your payday just to be a part of us, but––“ Daniel exhaled, rubbed his forehead, and took a drink of mead. "I don't know what I'm doing. I don't mean to tell you what to do with your money. If you want to give it to Genevieve, go for it. But if she continues to help us, she will get her fair share and glory."

"Yeah. She understands that. Sorry, I brought it up, but you kind of pried it out of me."

"I guess I'm sorry," Daniel said. Hiding behind his glass of mead, he gulped the rest of his beverage. "Did you see the write-up in the Global Gargoyle Editorial?"

"Haven't had a chance yet."

"You should always keep an eye on them. Especially Ronoke. I read his most recent article, and it really concerns me."

"Thank goodness no one really cares about gargoyle news except for gargoyles, but even Ronoke is a pariah among his own."

"Yeah, yeah..." Daniel rubbed his forehead. "Give it a read-through when you get a chance. Ronoke could be a real problem for us."

"I'll keep my eyes on it."

There was a pause between the two of them. Daniel tapped on the side of his glass.

"Not that it's any of my business, but I'm curious what some pupils have done with their money?" Daniel asked.

"I think Patrick is celebrating and partying for spring break and using the money to fund an extravaganza. I only know this because I overheard him talking about it with Richmond. Aside from that, I have no idea what the others plan on doing with it. I imagine saving, but you never know. They're still kids in my eyes."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"That's true. They are still young, although Elijah is a little older. Speaking of Elijah, if you're not going to celebrate with me and drink your mead, do you mind retrieving Elijah for me?"

"I don't mind at all.” Jonathan knitted his brow. “Are you sure you still want to go through this plan?"

"If people are searching for Elijah, and somehow they find him with what we're doing, it's just another hurdle. I think this is the best move."

"I'll go get him for you, and then I'm going to head out. I'll see you later." Jonathan left the room, carrying his bag of money. He walked down the hallway until he approached a bedroom door and knocked.

Elijah opened the door, revealing a dark, dingy bedroom that seemed to be frozen in time. The air was thick with a musty, stale smell, and a few cobwebs hung in the corners of the room. There wasn’t a window in sight.

"Daniel would like to see you now. I think you're going back to your home."

Elijah's lips curled up. "This is wonderful news. Thank you, Jonathan. I'll see you soon."

Jonathan smiled and left the tavern through an alley. He put on a hat and strolled through the night in Hartsera, going to the docks to take the last night ship to Port Harbor.

Arriving in Port Harbor, he made his way through the bustling dock area to Genevieve's house, which was situated right on the water. As he approached, he couldn't help but appreciate the charm of the colonial-style houses along the wooden dock and the tall ships moored nearby. Even though he had seen it hundreds of times, it was always pleasant. The salty sea air filled his lungs, and he could hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the wooden boards.

Despite the late hour, the dock was still alive with activity. Sailors and dock workers shuffled about, securing lines and moving cargo from the boats to the buildings that lined the dock. The lanterns on the boardwalk cast a warm amber glow, illuminating the way forward as he made his way towards Genevieve's house. Despite the activity around him, the house was dark and quiet, as if no one was home.

Jonathan knocked on her door, and she opened it and smiled.

"Hey, you," she said.

"Hey." Jonathan stepped inside, and Genevieve's cat immediately ran up to him and rubbed its body against his leg.

They went to the little kitchen of Genevieve's house and sat at a table underneath a window. The kitchen was lit by a small chandelier above, a long plant with many leaves hung over them.

Jonathan slid the bag across the table.

"What's this?” Genevieve asked.

"Your payment for the mission."

"But I haven't even taken any of you guys out to sea yet?"

"Daniel just wants to ensure you're committed to the cause."

Genevieve winced. "That feels like a lot of pressure. It's okay to take this, though? Are you sure?"

Jonathan nodded and smiled.

"You don't seem like yourself. Is everything all right?"

"What? I'm smiling. There's nothing wrong."

Genevieve rolled her eyes. "If you say so." Genevieve opened the bag and took out the piles of gold coins. Her eyes widened as she counted through the stacks. "What is this?"

"I told you, Daniel has a plan, and we'll be taken care of if we follow that plan."

“This...” Genevieve couldn’t find the words she wanted to say. Her jaw dropped. “This is like a dream come true! I would have never imagined getting this kind of money to help you guys out. How does he have this much to throw around?"

“He’s an entrepreneur. But I try not to bother him with questions about money. I just know he has it and that I can trust him."

"You really don't know what he does? I thought you were his partner on all things?"

"He likes to keep some things a secret. But, truthfully speaking, that’s the cut he gave me."

"Everything you two do is so secret. Even outside of whatever this sailing venture is, I still can't help but feel like we’re a secret to others."

"What do you mean?"

"We never go out in public much. It'd be nice to go out and do something nice with you." Genevieve shrugged. "And I've never really spent much time with your parents or family."

"I know, but I've told you, my family is not like me. They are borderline evil. And that's me being generous. All of them are bullies without a heart."

"But they made you who you are today. There has to be some good in them.” Genevieve’s gaze softened.

"And I'm ashamed to admit it, but I used to be more like them. I used to be a bully, but I saw the error in my ways and knew I had to reform."

Genevieve frowned. "I'm sorry. I didn't know about all that."

"And I don't want you to be subjected to that. They're the kind of people that would ridicule you for being a sailor, and then they would judge me for having such low standards. Isn't that horrible? Why should you be subjected to that? I don't want anything to do with them. I'm totally fine cutting them out of my life."

Genevieve reached across the table and held Jonathan's balled-up fist. "It's okay. I understand. I'm sorry if I struck a nerve. But please, my only interest in meeting them comes from my love for you. I understand if you don't want to bring me around them, but no matter how horrible they are to me, I still would like to give them a chance."

"Maybe someday.” Jonathan released a deep breath. “For now, I think we should celebrate. Today is your payday."

"Yeah, and what the heck. That's so much money. More money than I know what to do with. I'm just freaking out because how risky is this mission?"

"Daniel has sailed to these islands before. From the sounds of it, it's more dangerous than the one time we sailed the seas with Rollie during his first trip to Attleton. You remember all of those hellions?"

"Yes, I'm afraid I do." Genevieve sighed.

"It would be all right, darling. Nothing to worry about. We'll have even more mages with us than last time. It should be easy taking care of any of the hellions or whatever challenges come to our path. You know, Daniel was considered for the Honora path. He's a very talented and strong mage."

"Yes, yes, you told me before about his almost Honora life trajectory. But, anyways, for this kind of money, I'm happy to do it, but I can't help but feel like I don't know the full story, and it's nerve-wracking."

"We'll all be okay, I promise. And if you do feel uncomfortable at any point, please, you can say something, and we will all turn back around, and I will make sure of that."

Genevieve smiled. "Thank you. I'll do my best."

"And you are the best sailor on the Lementum seas." Jonathan's lips curled up.

"You mentioned Rollie a moment ago. How has your favorite student been?"

"A little bit of a rocky start to the beginning of the semester, but I'm not sure how he's doing now. I assume he’s well, probably really well since he hasn't had to talk to me or Principal Pine recently."

"I'm sure he really appreciates you and everything you've done for him."

"He's a good kid. I wonder what he's up to now? Probably running Dragonstryke drills."