Mila watched Silinth pace around the group. She tried to relax, but his restlessness was contagious. The night had arrived, and their guide would be here soon. The only calming thing was Isabel’s presence next to her.

A bird call later, Andrew was getting up. “Someone is coming.” He translated.

“Finally!” Silinth looked towards the cloaked figure, slinking through the shadows, carrying a lantern.

“Mr. Ampry.” The man under the cloak greeted. “And his wards, I assume.” He pulled off the hood, revealing a gentle-looking elder with grey hair and beard.

“Galtron.” Silinth greeted back. “It’s been a while. Age has not been gentle on you.”

“It’s been more than seventeen years.” Galtron thought back. “You look the same as ever. Not a surprise, all things considered. You were always talented.”

“We need Hanna’s help,” Silinth stated, not willing to reminisce. “The boy and girl-” He pointed at Kefo and Tiff, “were injured a few weeks back.”

“We heard of a battle.” Galtron studied the younger pair. “There is a bounty on all of your heads. The Eternity’s temple is promising a generous sum for those. They also added a lot of coin to your bounty.”

“Of course they did.” Silinth groaned. “But it shouldn’t matter to Hanna.”

“It does matter. She is not happy, Mr Ampry. There are a lot of scavengers travelling towards where you might be heading. Ocheon included.” Galtron shook his head. “But she will help.” He added. “Now come. There is a new passage we can use to get inside the city unnoticed.”

The group got up and, with Galtron leading them, headed towards the city's walls. Mila followed along. She studied the elderly man, but there was nothing special about him. But what he told them interested her.

“You’ll be happy to hear the bounties included only a general depiction of the kids.” He studied the group. “I do not think you’ll have trouble moving separately. Of course, not including you. Your portrait is on every guard's wall.”

“That’s nothing new.” Silinth waved his hand. “Did that old fart rid of everyone who saw us?” He thought out loud.

“Please do not speak of the ‘Torch’ this way. It invites bad luck. Ocheon would not be able to bear his wrath.”

“Whatever. I guess we are lucky the old bastard is half-blind.” Silinth dismissed Galtron’s worries.

Galtron sent a reproachful look at Silinth but kept silent.

It took them another few minutes to reach a nondescript grove full of old trees when they stopped. “Here.” Galtron led them towards one of the trees and revealed a hidden entrance under a carpet of moss.

They entered the underground passage with Galtron carrying the lantern and walking in front. It was narrow, and while Mila did not have problems, Andrew complained relentlessly.

“It can’t be helped.” Galtron finally tried to stop the endless torrent of complaints. “The passage was made with secrecy in mind rather than comfort.”

“What is it used for anyway?” Andrew used the moment to ask. “Can’t be for smuggling.” He demonstratively scraped his baggage against the walls.

“Of course not.” Galtron agreed. “That would be illegal.”

To which Silinth scoffed. “Their family used to sell drugs. All kinds of drugs.” He revealed. “Don’t need a lot of space to smuggle those.”

“Mr. Ampry, please.” Galtron released a sigh full of suffering. “That medicine helped a lot of people. Yours included. And it’s all in the past. The Obron family has long moved past the deals in the shadows.”

That was likely not entirely true, Mila decided. They were being smuggled into the city illegally. The passage itself also was clean and likely used at least occasionally.

It took them another fifteen minutes of walking until they finally reached the end of the tunnel. Galtron opened a hatch leading up, revealing a well-lit room.

One by one, the party slowly climbed up into a spacious warehouse full of various boxes and strange odours.

“Don’t touch any of those,” Silinth advised while appraising the stuff around them. “I doubt anything here is dangerous, but better be careful.”

“Hanna is not her mother.” Galtron shook his head. “There is nothing dangerous here. Just the usual wares.”

“Speaking of, how is that crone doing?”

“Madam Obron died almost a decade ago now.” Galtron hung his head. “It was an unfortunate accident that took her.”

“So she mixed something wrong and took it, huh?” Silinth headed for the only doors.

“Yes, but don’t mention it to Miss Hanna,” Galtron advised. “She took it hard. After taking over the family’s business, she worked tirelessly to improve safety measures.”

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Mila stopped Andrew from poking a particularly nice-smelling box by what seemed to be Mr Crow’s suggestion. “Stop that!” She muttered.

Galtron clapped his hands. “Now then!” He studied their tired expressions. “Miss Hanna will receive the boy and the girl right now to assess their condition. She is waiting in the examination room doing preparations. As for the rest of you-” He scrunched his nose. “I’ll prepare a bath.”

Silinth opened the doors, revealing a spacious yard. “I’ll go with the kids. There is something I need to speak about with Hanna.” He explained and studied the surroundings, then stopped. “Good evening?”

“Likewise.” A man’s voice answered.

A moment later, a portly, well-groomed man pushed past Silinth and entered the room.

“Ah, Master Obron!” Galtron slightly bowed. “I was not aware you were awake.”

“Obron?” Silinth inserted as he studied the man. “I don’t recall anyone looking like this related to Hanna.”

“Oh, but that’s because I am not.” The man smiled at them. “I married Hanna and took her last name.” He exclaimed. “The name is Harry, by the way.” He added with a wink. “I heard an old friend was visiting in need of help and decided to see what I can do.” His gaze landed on Kefo’s bandages, and he clicked his tongue. “That looks bad. We have to get you to Hanna in a hurry.”

“I am going to, as is she.” Silinth pointed at Tiff. “Her arm got fucked up by a cutting spell. Almost took it off.”

“I see,” Harry now looked towards Tiff. “I’ll leave the rest in your hands, Galtron.” He waved to the younger duo to follow and left.

After a moment of pause, Galtron turned towards the trio and a bird. “Please follow me. I’ll show you your rooms where you can leave your baggage. I’ll prepare the bath.”

After exiting the building, they found themselves in a walled compound. Even at this late of an hour, they could hear some bustle outside the walls. Galtron led them towards a two-story building.

Mila absentmindedly looked towards the centre of the city. She slowed down as a vague feeling of something important being there overtook her.

“What’s wrong?” Isabel shuffled closer to her and asked.

The question shook Mila out of the stupor, and she shook her head to clear it. “Nothing. Just a feeling.”

“A bad one?”

“No.” Mila quickened the step and followed after Galtron, who led them inside. “But there might be trouble for us waiting here.” She supposed.

“Ominious.” Andrew yawned. “Very scary.” He scratched his bottom.

“Stay classy, Andrew.” Isabel flipped him off. “Keep up, and you’ll die alone.”

“Don’t say that. That is actually scary.” Andrew frowned while Mr Crow cooed in his ear. “Right, I have you. See, Isabel, I have nothing to worry about.”

“Here we are.” Galtron stopped before a row of rooms. “Back when Miss Hanna was a full-time healer, she housed some patients here. Now, these rooms are mostly empty.”

“Does she not anymore?” Mila wondered. “Take patients, I mean?” She chose a room and opened the doors. It was a simple room with a single bed, nightstand, simple table, chair and a window at the far side of it.

“Not since taking over the shop,” Galtron explained. “Master Harry helps as much as he can, but his strength lies in numbers, and kids are still learning.”

“And you?” Mila studied the elder.

“I am a housekeeper. Have been for thirty years now.” He slightly bowed. “At your service if you need anything. But now, I’ll go prepare the bath.”

“Uh, wait a second.” Isabel stopped him. Galtron faced her and waited for her to continue. “The bath, um, it’s shared, or something?”

“Well, the gentleman here will have a bath for himself.” Galtron smiled, mistakenly assuming the source of her worry.

“Right, but-” Isabel glanced at Mila.

“We can share the bath. No problem.” Mila hurried to insert before her friend managed to mess up the chance to spend time together without others interrupting. Even Tiff was absent. It was perfect!

“Then I’ll return in a bit.” Galtron finally left.

Mila schooled her expression. She noticed Andrew was not even trying to hide his amusement. He was laughing at Isabel, who stood with her mouth wide open.

“Is there anything wrong with what I said?” Mila innocently tilted her head.

“No!” Isabel squawked. “Nope. Not at all.” She woodenly opened the doors to the room next to Mila’s. “Not at all.” She walked inside and closed the doors.

“Are you aware of what you are doing?” Andrew suddenly asked.

Mila tilted her head to the other side. “Hmm?”

“Are you trying to appear cute? It’s not really working. Your expression is too stiff.” Andrew studied her. “So, are you?”

“Are you implying something?” Mila pretended to be confused. Her mood was excellent, and joking around felt appropriate.

“Stop that. That’s creepy.” Andrew shuddered while Mr Crow sent her a nasty glare. “Whatever. Just-” He paused. “Just don’t play around with her.” His expression was stern.

Mila looked into his eyes. “I won't.” She promised.

“Good!” Andrew ruffled his hair. “Yeah, good. She is a good girl.” He lamely added. “She had it rough because of- Well, because of her preferences. Don’t hurt her. Don’t give her false hope.”

“I won’t.” Mila conveyed her conviction.

“Right, well, see you later?” Andrew spat out and escaped into his chosen room.

Mulling over Andrew’s words for a moment, Mila decided to wait for Isabel to speak of her history herself. Maybe she would try to ask if a chance arose, but it sounded like a painful memory to recall for her friend.

For now, she had to prepare herself for relaxation. Mila allowed a small smile. She entered her room and began to drop the travelling gear in the corner.

There was a good chance she would grow flustered herself. Mila knew her self-control was slipping. She stretched her sore limbs and steeled her heart.

It wouldn’t do to let Isabel influence her too much. After all, Mila didn’t feel like losing control anytime soon.