I read a book about being a better merchant once. It told me to "stay ahead of the pack." I have yet to see any wolves, so I must be doing a good job.

-Basen Koh on learning to run a business.

Reid wasn't heading back to the shop particularly early, so he found himself sitting in the common room of his suite in the morning. The smell of cooked breakfast told him Trace had already left for the day. She'd said she had early and afternoon shifts at the arena but hadn't gone so far as to tell Reid her schedule. He knew the much anticipated duel was this week, so he expected that between her work and his own new job, he wouldn't see her much.

He was hoping to see Leah. Today marked a week since he'd arrived in the city and seen her fail her assessment fight. If she tried again today, he wanted to be there to support her, so he tried to occupy himself until she came out of her room.

He wrote a letter to Wes and his family describing the nature of the axe and urging them to come to the city to have it appraised immediately. He sent it off through the guild's front desk, paying extra to have it sent quickly, and then went back up to his suite.

He sat around, mostly worrying about things that weren't his problems, for another half hour before he decided to just head to the shop. He opened the front door, and Leah ran into him, stumbling as the door opened before she could lean into it.

"Sorry, Leah! I didn't know you were out."

"Yeah, just getting some last minute practice in. You know? Were you heading out?"

Reid wasn't yet an expert on reading people—it was a skill he needed to practice—but he thought Leah looked like she wanted to talk.

"I was just about to grab some breakfast before work. Do you want to join me?"

"Work? You found a job already? Wait. Can you give me five? I smell like shit. Do you have time?"

"I have time."

"Great!"

Leah hurried off to her room. Reid blew out a breath and let the door close. It was only a minute before Leah came back out wearing fresh clothes. She washed her face at the kitchen sink before joining him again.

"Whew. Sorry about that. Where are we going?"

"Oh, I know the perfect place, actually."

They walked side-by-side through the guild and out the door. Neither of them was quite ready to talk about what they had wanted to talk to each other about, it seemed, and Reid was surprised to find the silence didn't feel awkward.

He led the way, and after a few minutes down the heart road, Leah finally decided to get into it.

"So, new job? What happened?"

"Yeah. I met this guy in the Grand Market. He's...well. He's quite the character, let's say. He's got a lot of magical items and a shop of his own, but he's a little lost when it comes to actually running a business. I made a deal with him to help him out. I'm a little surprised he went for it, honestly."

"I'm not. You're a smart guy, Reid. Plus, you have that identification ability, right? Merchants are always looking for people to identify stuff."

Reid was touched by her confidence in him.

"That's kind of it," he said. There was much more to say, but he didn't want to get into his new ability or growth artifact. "It was a bit of a whirlwind. His stall was a disaster, so I helped him get it into shape, and we sold an item. He thought I did a great job and offered me the job I'd proposed to him."

"Nice!" Leah said, giving him a clap on the back. "Does that mean you're buying breakfast?"

"Ha! I made a decent amount from working with that tree person I told you about, so yeah, I'm buying."

"That's what I like to hear. Are you working in the market today? After breakfast?"

According to most of the people he'd asked, the market was in full swing on Saturdays and Sundays, with today being the busier of the two days. He would have to come up with a plan for their presence in the market.

"Not today. We're going over more details about the business today. We need to get organized and figure out how deep into a hole we are."

They turned off the heart road and Leah looked around. "I thought we were going to get breakfast at the market?"

"Close, but not quite."

They arrived outside Veris's tea shop a minute later. There was a line, but no one was using the tables.

"Looks popular. Have you been here?"

"Yeah, I stopped yesterday for my new boss. He wanted some tea."

"Wow, you just started, and you're already fetching tea? Keep this up, and you'll be delivering his mail by next week!"

"I mean, if he's paying."

"Fair enough."

They chatted about nothing while waiting in line. It was nice, and Reid enjoyed having a friend in the city he could spend time with. At the counter, Veris brightened when she recognized him, then took a look at Leah and gave Reid a thumbs up and a wink. Fortunately, Leah turned too late to see her gesture and early enough that she didn't see him turn red in embarrassment.

"Reid, it's lovely to see you again. What's the news? Am I cutting Basen off?"

Reid laughed. "Nope! Your threat was the push he needed to hear me out. I'm heading to the shop later to get started helping him out."

"That's just wonderful. I think you two are going to do well together. Now, why don't you introduce me to your beautiful companion?"

"Wow, no wonder this place is so busy. Breakfast and compliments!" Leah said with a laugh. "I'm Leah, and initiate at the Dusk Guild. Reid's in the same temporary housing as me and was nice enough to invite me for breakfast."

"A pleasure, Leah. I'm Veris. I would love to chat more, but it is busy this morning, so what can I get for you?"

They looked over the menu, and Reid got the same tea he'd tried yesterday and a massive scone. Leah ordered some coffee and an egg sandwich. Veris had a helper this morning who cooked the eggs and prepared the sandwich while she whipped up the drinks. A minute later, Reid and Leah were sitting at a small table just inside the open walls of the tea shop.

"This place is so cool. Veris knows what she's doing," Leah said. She took a bite of her sandwich and groaned.

Reid couldn't argue with that. His scone was filled with fresh berries and served with warm butter and honey. It paired perfectly with the tea, and he was pretty sure he could eat it for every meal.

Once they had polished off their food, they sat in contentment and chatted over their drinks. Reid decided to bring up Leah's assessment.

"Are you trying again today?"

Leah blew out a breath. "I think so. I think I'm ready. I mean, it's not like I won't be able to try again, but after failing a few times, it starts to really beat you down. I want to pass this time."

"You will."

"Thanks, Reid. Umm, listen. I know this sounds a little weird," Leah said. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and looked everywhere but at his face. "But would you want to come...watch? My assessment? You don't have to, of course, but it's nice to have people in your corner. You know?"

Reid beamed. "I wouldn't miss it. When do you think you'll take it?"

"Ahh. That's the thing. I need to take it in an hour or so. There's a window to sign up each day. I can wait if you're busy, though. Tomorrow is just as good."

"Don't be silly. Why don't you come with me to the shop and then we can head back together? That way you can see the place. I'll just tell Basen we'll meet after lunch. Everything I know about him so far says he basically just wings everything he does."

Leah looked a little flushed, but she finally met his eyes and smiled at him. "Thanks, Reid. I appreciate it. Did you say your boss's name is Basen?"

"Yep," Reid paused for a moment and mentally flipped through his ledger. He couldn't remember Basen's last name off the top of his head. "Basen Koh."

Leah coughed, accidentally spitting her coffee off to the side of the table. It didn't get all over the place, but someone in line gave them a dirty look.

"You're working for Basen Koh? Like, the Basen Koh?"

Reid furrowed his brow. "Maybe? Is he famous or something?"

"Is he f—"

Leah cut herself off and shook her head, rubbing her palms into her eyes.

"Yeah, Reid. He's famous. He's one of the most well known mages in New Avennia—maybe in the whole country! Do you remember me mentioning my home? How it was destroyed?"

He did. It had left an impression he wasn't likely to forget. "Yeah...you were the only survivor."

"Yes. The Black Dragon Father destroyed my village and killed nearly everyone I knew. I was just a kid, and it was a while ago, but the only reason I'm not hell bent on revenge is that Basen Koh killed the Black Dragon Father eight years ago."

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

Reid didn't exactly know who or what the Black Dragon Father was, but if it destroyed Leah's whole village and killed everyone there, it didn't sound great.

"So...do you want to meet him?"

Ten minutes later, they were coming up to the shop.

"I can't believe I'm going to meet Basen Koh," Leah said. She'd been practically vibrating with excitement since Reid had mentioned it.

"I don't know what he's done, but he might seem a little...odd? I don't know what you're expecting."

Leah eyed him with skepticism.

Reid shrugged. "Just warning you."

The Immaculate Collection came into view. The sign in the window said "Closed," but the door was propped open, and Reid could see Basen leaning over the counter with a few books open around him.

Leah froze when she saw him, but Reid grabbed her arm and tugged her along.

"Hey, Basen," Reid said, hauling in his friend.

"Ah, Reid. Wonderful timing. What's a five letter word for chaos?" Basen said without looking up.

"Uh, Basen?"

"I can't argue with the suggestion, but it seems to begin with an 'H.'"

"What?"

Basen looked up at his confused expression. The man probably thought that was just how Reid always looked.

"Excuse me, I didn't see you were bringing a guest! I do apologize!"

Basen swept forward, took Leah's hand, and shook it.

"Welcome, young lady. What can I do for you today?"

Leah's face contorted with emotions she was clearly trying and failing to suppress. She broke, and tears began to flow. She sank to her knees and cried into her hands.

Basen leaned over her slightly, looking confused. He turned his head to Reid.

"I think I missed something."

"Sorry, Basen. This is Leah. She's...well. I don't want to talk for her."

She waved at him.

"It's. Okay. Tell. Him," she managed between sobs.

"Ah. Well, Basen. This is Leah. She told me she was the only survivor from her village after they were attacked by the Black Dragon Father."

Basen's confused expression vanished, momentarily replaced by one of, Reid guessed, total rage. The rage passed quickly and was replaced by sympathy and sorrow.

"I see."

He crouched in front of Leah and put his hand on her shoulder. "I am sorry about your people."

She nodded and sniffed, getting some control back. "Thank you. For avenging them."

Basen looked surprised for a moment, and then his face moved back into his familiar grin. "Now, that was my genuine pleasure. It warms my heart that you have been able to move forward and live your life despite the actions of that monster. People claim I am powerful, but if there's true strength in this world, it is the power to rise from the depths of hopelessness and despair. I see that strength in you, Leah. Come on, let's have a seat by the counter. Crying up there is much better than on the floor, believe me."

A laugh broke Leah's slowing sobs, and she wiped her eyes. They made their way to the counter, where Basen pulled out three stools from somewhere and arranged two in front of the counter and one behind. He sat down across from them, stowing his open books and half completed crossword puzzle. Going on instincts he didn't know he had, Reid rubbed Leah's back with one hand while she tried to pull herself together.

"Gods, I'm sorry. This is embarrassing."

"No need to apologize to them," Basen said. "I can assure you, they do not care."

Basen stopped and sniffed.

"Reid, did you go to Veris's this morning?"

"We did. We just came from there."

"And you didn't bring me any tea?"

Reid had actually considered it. "Veris said that if you want tea, you're going to have to show up and pay up. Those were her words."

"Blast. Well, it's not like I've ever been one to turn down an excuse to see a beautiful woman." Basen stared wistfully into the air, and Leah and Reid shared a look and a smile.

"So, Basen, Leah wanted to meet you, but I wanted to ask if we might delay our first discussion until the afternoon?"

"Hmm?" Basen turned back to them. "I don't see why not. What do you have planned for the morning, if I might inquire?"

Leah had finally pulled herself together, and Reid let his arm fall when she started talking.

"I wanted Reid to come watch my assessment. I'm joining the Dusk Guild."

"The Dusk Guild...Well, you could do worse. Why them?"

Leah sat up a little straighter. "Because they help people, and I want to help people too."

"An admirable reason. It is, of course, entirely possible to help people without the backing of a guild," Basen swept a hand toward himself. "Though I suppose I'm not a fair example in many ways. Ah, but that's beside the point I want to make. You'll have to excuse me, Leah. My mind takes whatever roads it finds first. I can rarely complete a task before another calls for my immediate attention. I know conversations with me can be...chaotic."

Leah still looked a little starstruck and vigorously shook her head. "Don't worry about it. Lots of people are like that."

"Kind of you to say so. Back to my point. When you join the guild, there will inevitably be a time when you are asked to travel north—far, far north—to the Gates of Dusk to assist with the Infernal Council's never ending war against the Ash Legion. It is my emphatic advice that you refuse any such offer, invitation, or assignment."

Given what Basen had told him yesterday, Reid wasn't surprised the man had a distaste for the Infernal Council.

"Why?" Leah asked.

"Because the council has more than enough power to keep the gates contained themselves. That's all that really matters, but since the death of their founder, they've had a plan to push into the gates in a bid for ever more power and riches."

"And that's bad?"

"It is when they don't go themselves and instead send unwitting members of the guild. At the end of the day, there are two entities: the guild and the council. The guild is good, but its mission is about helping people and supporting the Infernal Council. The council, on the other hand, is corrupt, but fortunately, it lacks the control to force the guild to do exactly what it wants."

Leah looked a little unsure about the whole explanation. Basen must have seen it, too.

"I'm not saying don't join the guild. I'm saying you should always think for yourself. Ask yourself who this is benefiting. Again, the Infernal Council is in no danger of losing the gates or allowing any of the Ash Legion more than a few steps into our world."

Leah nodded. "Thanks, Mr. Koh."

"Please, just Basen will do. And you're welcome. Now, you said you were taking your assessment? That sounds delightful. Do you mind if I tag along?"

Reid and Leah were both surprised.

"You want to watch?" Leah said, growing red.

"I want to impart a life lesson. I can see you don't want me to go. No, no. I understand. Very well; don't take me out of the kindness of your heart. How about a bribe instead?"

Basen stood and abruptly left. He walked into the back of the shop and through the door into the Archives. Reid hadn't been back there yet.

"Okay," Leah said. "I see what you mean. He's..."

"Something else?"

She nodded. "Thanks for bringing me. I...didn't expect it to bring up so much stuff. I kind of thought I was past all that."

Reid gave her a sad smile. "I've never experienced anything like that, but I don't think it's the kind of thing that can ever completely go away, and that's okay."

Leah's eyes grew watery again, but she wiped them away and nodded at him as Basen hurried back into the room.

"Alright!" he said, holding two small pieces of paper. "If you two haven't heard, there's a rather talked about duel coming up in the arena in just a few days. If you'll allow me to accompany you to your Dusk Guild assessment, Leah, I will give you my tickets to the duel! The seats are quite good."

Leah and Reid stared at him with mouths hanging open.

"You don't want to go?" Reid asked.

"Why would I want to watch two Greater Mages fight when I can watch a three star try to fight a Greater Mage?"

"Weren't they expensive?" Leah asked.

"Not at all. They send me free tickets all the time. I usually donate them, but I'm happy to use them as a bribe."

Leah snatched the tickets. "Yes!"

She pushed one of them into Reid's hand.

"You want me to go with?"

She gave him a flat look. "I'm not going to invite Darrel."

"Who's Darrel?"

"The guy who lives in room one. You haven't met him yet?"

"No."

Basen cleared his throat. "As much as I love tangential conversations. If my recollection of Dusk Guild Policy is correct, you only have a short time remaining to sign up for today's assessment, correct?"

"Shit!" Leah sprang to her feet and ran for the door.

"Shall we?" Basen said to Reid.

A half hour later, they all stood outside the assessment ring inside the Dusk Guild's main hall. Reid wasn't sure how the assessments began since he had arrived after they started on both occasions he saw one. A Dusk Guild official walked out and held a paper.

"We have three assessments today. I will call your name, and you will enter the ring. You will declare your intentions, and the guild master will assess you. Fight with everything you have. First up, Fitch Sander."

A tall man in his late twenties or early thirties stepped into the ring. He had short twin axes, but those weren't what drew Reid's eyes. Fitch wasn't wearing a shirt and cut an impressive figure with a lean physique. That still wasn't why Reid was staring. The most prominent thing about the man was the huge tattoo across his chest. It was a white animal that Reid had never seen and glowed with a fierce blue light.

Basen leaned in toward Reid.

"Anazal spellform tattoo. In some parts of the world, old magic hasn't quite died. Anazal shamans can tattoo magic directly onto a person's skin. Essentially, they become the magic item."

Reid nodded appreciatively.

The guild master walked out in his familiar grey mask. Reid couldn't see the cane he seemed to use at the end of every match. Perhaps he summoned it.

The guild master nodded at Fitch, and the tall man shouted.

"I'm here to prove myself worthy to join. I wish to become a force to fight against the evil of this world!"

The guild master nodded once more, and the fight began.

The tattoo on Fitch's chest blazed with blue light, and frost flashed across the arena floor, leaving a coating of ice behind. He dashed forward, unaffected by the slippery terrain. The guild master tested his balance and slid his feet on the ice to understand what he was working with.

Unlike previous duels, the cane came out immediately. He battered away the taller man's axes with ease. The guild master kept his feet firmly planted. Every assault was battered away.

Fitch dismissed the icy ground, jumping back to summon a massive spear of ice. He launched it at the guild master and followed closely behind.

The guild master dodged, but the ice shard exploded. For the first time, Reid saw the guild master take a hit.

Reid thought the ice explosion would have killed him if he had been in the ring, but it didn't even phase the guild master. The man ignored the ice pelting him and straightened, countering the tall man's offensive. After that brief flash of ingenuity, the fight progressed like Reid had seen before. The challenger grew tired, and the guild master pinned him with ease when he let up.

It didn't take long for the guild master to remove his mask and raise the challenger's arm.

"Duskers! Welcome our newest member, Fitch!"

Cheers came, and Leah clapped along while Basen rested his hands atop a short stave Reid was quite sure hadn't been there a moment ago.

The new Dusk Guild member left the ring, and the guild master put his mask back on. The official spoke again from the side.

"Next, Leah Darrow!"

Reid clapped her on the shoulder. "Good luck. You can do it!"

"Kick his ass!" Basen said.

Leah laughed. "Thanks. I'll try."

Leah was acknowledged by the guild master, and she shouted to the room.

"Today, I'm fighting with everything I have. I'm fighting for everyone who has ever lost someone and everyone who might someday lose someone."

The room was silent. They knew this was different. Unlike a week ago, no one cheered or jeered. They stood stock still and watched. Reid thought he understood. Somehow, they knew she was fighting for the right reasons with the right commitment now.

The guild master nodded.

Leah summoned her blade.

"Oooh," Basen said. "I have to look at that weapon."

Leah darted in.

The sound that accompanied her first strike was like nothing Reid had ever heard. It was akin to metal grinding against stone but cut into his mind like a knife. He expected to feel pain, but nothing came.

"Good control," Basen said.

Reid had flinched at the sound, and the rest of the crowd, save Basen, seemed to have had the same reaction.

Leah danced around the guild master. Everyone was plugging their ears, and the sound only made them wince each time. It looked like the guild master was actually fighting. He blocked blows with his cane. Each time the sound came, he slowed for an instant.

Reid was mesmerized by Leah's movements. She was like a dancer who had performed this same routine a hundred times. He didn't know what kind of training it took to get to that level, but Leah had clearly put in the work.

After a few more exchanges, Leah's tactic changed slightly. Instead of the sound coming alongside a strike, it didn't come. Reid saw the guild master hesitate all the same. He'd been expecting it. When Leah pulled back, she allowed the sound to ring out without a strike to accompany it. Just as the sound dissipated, she thrust again. The ploy worked, and the guild master's unexpected second hesitation lead to him finding a blunt sword pressed against his chest.

It seemed like that was all the man needed. A few quick motions later, Leah was on the ground with her head pinned.

The crowd didn't wait for the guild master's announcement—they cheered as Leah stood up.

The guild master raised her hand, and she beamed. Reid cheered, and Basen clapped politely.

"Our newest initiate made member, Leah!"

When the cheering calmed down, Leah rejoined them, practically tackling Reid with a hug.

"You did it!" Reid said.

She let him go. "Finally. Feels good."

Before they could speak further, the Dusk Guild official quieted the crowd and announced the next assessment.

"For our final assessment, we have...ah. Um. Is this?" the official leaned over and talked to someone nearby. They nodded firmly. "Next up...Basen Koh."

Leah and Reid swiveled to the smiling old man.

"Time for that life lesson I mentioned," he said before stepping into the ring.