They followed the signs that led them to a residential area. The homes on this street were uncharacteristically fine compared to the rest of the city. They had windows with clean shutters, roofs with metal shingles, and woodwork adorned with detailed motifs. Not to mention the even paint and colorful flowerboxes. Steve took a big whiff of some azaleas as the party walked by.

The governor's manor was the building at the end of the neighborhood, with its back to the edge of the bridge. It was considerably large, with lots of tall windows armed with thick iron bars. The property was surrounded by a tall iron fence that framed a courtyard. An array of plants and trees grew from raised boxes inside.

Dozens of guards stood watch around the fence. A couple of them near the gate watched the party approach.

“What do you want?” one of them growled.

“We were told Kathryn the Kind is looking to add to her security detail for the Kathryn the Kind Beat the Onyx Wing So Let's Celebrate and Get Drunk Festival,” DJ said. “A friend of hers sent us.”

“What friend?” the second guard said.

“The wizard waffle merchant!” Steve replied.

The guards traded unbelieving stares.

Riley whispered in DJ’s ear, “Maybe they don’t know about him.”

“Experience in security?” the second guard asked.

“Do we!” Riley stepped forward with her hands on her hips. “Listen tough guy, we’ve traveled to this mud hole all the way from Beregond. We’ve fought bandits, killed an evil goblin king, escaped a cult in the middle of the forest… your governor would be lucky to have us on her detail.”

The first guard gave a tiny smirk. “All that, huh? You look like a breeze could blow you over.”

Riley turned scarlet.

“We could let her size you up if you’re willing to disarm yourselves and take a Truth Serum,” the second guard said. “But that’s the only way we can let you in.”

Truth Serum? DJ was amazed that something like that could even exist. The whole party considered, then agreed.

“Good,” the first guard said. “Follow them, and be prepared to hand over your weapons.”

Some guards inside the courtyard unlocked the gates and brought the party inside. There were two guards for every party member. DJ and the others removed their weapons and handed them over—one guard was puzzled to receive Steve’s frying pan. Then the guards swiftly marched the party to the front door, passing by the raised trees and shrubs that populated the courtyard. They gave a special knock, the door unlocked, and they entered.

Given the tight security, DJ was surprised to see how modest the governor’s manor was. He expected a Sandy Brambleton-esque fortress of mahogany and leather, but it wasn’t the case. The furniture was fine, but there wasn’t much of it. Empty wall and floor space were common, occasionally marked with discoloration where long-time fixtures that had been removed. The place had obviously been decadent in the past, but now it felt mostly empty. And frankly, it all could use a bit of dusting.

The guards led the party to a main room with a wide fireplace, a couch, two chairs, and a rug made from a large snowbear pelt. The bear’s white fur was a strict contrast against most of the home’s dingy gray-and-purple interior.

More chairs were brought in. The party sat down. Guards surrounded them. Then one guard came in with a small vial of a liquid so purple it was almost black. He held it up as he spoke.

“This is Truth Serum,” he said. “Each of you hold out your tongues. I’ll only ask once.”

You didn’t ask at all, but okay, DJ thought bitterly. He stuck out his tongue.

The guard put a single drop of the Truth Serum on everyone’s tongues. DJ’s face twisted. It was like rancid apple cider—he wondered what ingredients made it up. The guard put his hands behind his back and stared daggers at the group. His words were deliberate and slow, impossible to misunderstand.

“Do any of you have intentions to harm Kathryn the Kind?”

“No.” “No.” “No.” “No!”

DJ was amazed at how the word tumbled off his tongue, completely involuntary.

“Are any of you in league with those who would do harm to Kathryn the Kind?”

“No.” “No.” “No.” “No!”

“Do you have any intentions to remove Kathryn the Kind from her position?”

“No.” “No.” “No.” “No!”

The guard nodded. “Good.” He turned to another guard. “Return their weapons. I’ll bring her in.”

The guards returned the weapons. DJ smacked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and slid Riley a look. “This stuff tastes awful, doesn’t it?”

“Yes,” the word jumped off Riley’s lips.

DJ laughed, realizing his innocent question commanded an honest answer. Giggling, a mischievous grin spread across Riley’s face.

“When was the last time you wet the bed?” she asked.

“Age seven,” DJ blabbed the answer. His cheeks flushed red. “Hey! Not cool.”

Riley laughed. Then she turned to Francis. “What’s a secret you never told anyone?”

“My favorite book genre is sensual romance,” Francis blurted. He turned on Riley with eyes more nervous than angry. “Er… please forget you heard that.”

Having a grand time, Riley leaned toward Steve. “What’s your biggest fear, Steve?”

“That I do righteous deeds for unrighteous reasons!” Steve said with wide eyes. “As a Steward of the Goddess I find a degree of joy in my service, but I occasionally question if I truly thirst for righteousness or if it is merely the fruits of selfishness! Do I serve to create a life of goodness of its own merit, or as an attempt to find belonging among my fellow Stewards? Is my service truly for others, or for myself? I have lost much sleep over this!”

Everyone grew quiet. Even the guards shifted uncomfortably. Riley clammed up and her eyes fell to her boots.

DJ leaned over. “Are you glad you asked?”

“No.” The word popped off her tongue.

Clomping footsteps entered the room. The party turned to see a strong, beautiful woman donning leather armor. Her burgundy hair was shaved on one side, cascading down her right shoulder. On the shaved side, three long scars raked her ear, jaw, and neck. DJ wondered if the scars and the snowbear rug were related. She looked at the crew with a satisfied smirk and folded arms.

“The waffle wizard sent you, huh?” she asked.

“Yes.” “Yes.” “Yes.” “Yes!”

Her smirk grew. “Well, he hasn’t led me astray yet. And don’t worry, the Truth Serum will wear off in a few minutes. I’m Kathryn. Sit by the fire, it’s more comfortable.”

The group cautiously joined her. Francis took up most of the couch, but there was still room for Steve and Riley on either side. DJ sat in the armchair nearest to Kathryn.

“So our waffle-loving friend told you I could use some protection?” Kathryn asked.

Francis answered. “That’s right, Lady Kathryn. Said the Onyx Wing isn’t too fond of you.”

“That’s putting it lightly,” Kathryn half-laughed. She turned to one of the guards. “Bring me a bottle of wine, would you, George?” Then she glanced at her visitors. “Hungry? Thirsty? I’m sure you want to wash down that Goddess-awful Truth Serum.”

Everyone graciously accepted her offer and two guards brought them a platter of cheese, bread, and wine. While everyone helped themselves, Kathryn pulled a utility knife from her boot and carved into an apple.

“Here’s the short version of the story,” she said. “I grew up on the South Bank of Blight’s Respite. You’ve probably seen it—rough neighborhood, and it used to be even worse. I turned sixteen, and instead of getting married off to the highest bidder, I left town and become a ranger. Did that for about twelve years.”

That had Riley’s full attention. She watched Kathryn with sparkling eyes. DJ smiled at her.

“Meanwhile, the Onyx Wing ran this town like they did for decades,” Kathryn continued, “muscling their way into everything, charging ‘protection fees’ to everyone. If you could pay, you got their protection, but if you didn’t, well…” she paused. “Obviously the rich assholes on the Bridge District had no problem, but the rest of us struggled.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I got some ravenpost when I was chasing a bounty near Daenan. My mother and father could no longer pay the protection fees, so the Onyx Wing beat my father within an inch of his life. I came home as fast as I could, but the time I arrived, he was already dead.”

Riley gasped. DJ’s heart sank.

“That lit a fire in me,” Kathryn said. “I was sick of the Onyx Wing and their corruption. And as a ranger—a damn good one—I knew I could do something about it. For months, I stalked their captains like prey. I learned everything about them. I found an evening when they were all gathered together, and…” She made a slicing motion with her hand. “Stuffed all their heads in a bag.”

The color left DJ’s face.

“That same night,” Kathryn said, “I climbed a post in the middle of town, called out to the city that Blight’s Respite was free, the leaders of the Onyx Wing were dead, and if any members stayed in the city, they would suffer the same fate. Then I dropped the heads in town square and disappeared—had to stay mysterious to keep the Onyx Wing afraid.

“I stayed hidden for days, and as far as I knew, most of the Onyx Wing fled. Then the whispers about me started. Blight’s Respite had no one to lead it anymore, and from the sound of things, people wanted me in charge. It was funny because I never viewed myself as a politician. But as I thought about it… maybe that’s what this city needed. So here I am, appointed by the voice of the people.”

“You’re the coolest person I’ve ever met,” Riley interjected with wide eyes.

Kathryn suppressed a smile. “That was nearly three years ago. Since then, there have been a lot of messes to clean up. The city’s poor like me because I gave them the Onyx Wing’s wealth. The city’s rich hate me because I stripped away part of their power. And some members of the Onyx Wing stay in hiding.” A small laugh. “Guess it wasn’t really the short version, huh? Anyway, I received this recently.”

She gestured to a nearby guard who handed her a note. Kathryn unfolded it and set it on the table. In black ink, it said, Revenge is ours. Beneath the writing, a stenciled painting of a black wing.

“The Kathryn the Kind Beat the Onyx Wing So Let's Celebrate and Get Drunk Festival is in three days,” Kathryn said. “It’ll mark three years since I killed the Onyx Wing leaders and dumped their heads in the middle of town. I think the Onyx Wing is going to attempt something during the festival, so I need all the help I can get.” She leaned back and folded her arms. “I’m usually much pickier about my guard detail, but that wizard seems to like you four. I take that as a good sign.”

“It’ll be an honor to serve you,” Riley bowed.

“I hate to bring it up at a time like this,” Francis said, “but there is the question of compensation.”

Kathryn leaned forward and rubbed her hands. “Here’s the simple truth: I can’t pay you handsomely, but I can promise you beds, food, and supplies for your upcoming journey. I can also see what coin I can scrape up, but I won’t make lofty promises. I’m already spread thin hiring guards that I can trust, and even then, they make a lot less than they would have under the Onyx Wing.” She smirked at one of her guards. “But you don’t mind, do you, Lyle?”

One of the guards—presumably named Lyle—said, “Serving you is an honor in itself, Lady Kathryn.”

“If that’s not enough, I understand,” Kathryn said. “There won’t be any consequences if you choose to leave.”

Everyone turned to DJ. He hated how everyone always looked at him whenever there’s a major decision. But this whole quest was for him, wasn’t it? He took a breath and considered it. Kathryn seemed honest enough, and the waffle wizard never steered them wrong. Maybe this was destiny. Or something close enough.

“If you guys are in,” DJ said. “I am too.”

Everyone agreed.

Kathryn smiled approvingly. “We’ve got a barbarian, two mages, and a… ranger?”

“Working on it,” Riley beamed.

“Good,” Kathryn said. “The guards will tell you everything you need to know. My life is in your hands now, so don’t get me killed.” She winked. “Welcome aboard the Blight’s Respite Town Guard.”

Kathryn shook all of their hands and the party followed a guard down to the manor’s basement. There, they found the manor’s supply of food, a modest armory, and rooms full of bunks. The bunks were a bit cramped even for humans, so Francis knew he’d have to to sleep on the floor. After their long walk into town, they chose to spend the evening eating, washing, and getting ready for bed.

The next morning, they awoke with the other guards before the sun had peeked over the river. They shared a modest breakfast of salted fish, vegetables, and bread. As they ate, a guard instructed them on what to look for when it came to the Onyx Wing.

The guard told them about the black wing tattoos on necks and wrists—DJ already knew about that one thanks to his dad. They were also admonished not to take bribes from or share information with any civilians. And they were told to watch for anyone who moved or talked suspiciously, which felt obvious enough.

Lastly, every volunteer was stamped with an insignia on the back of their wrist. It had two crossing arrows on a bridge—the crest of Blight’s Respite. They were told showing this insignia would get them into guard facilities, including the governor’s manor.

DJ and the others decided it would be wise to get a lay of the land. They explored up and down the Bridge District, spending plenty of time on the main concourse. Their feet clomped on the wooden bridge, weaving around locals who complained under their breath about out-of-towners.

On the concourse, vendors and performers had been setting up their spaces in preparation for the Festival. Lights and streamers were hung between posts. Stages were erected for minstrels and bards. Merchants built booths for games and prizes. And there was lots of food that filled the misty air with sweetness—DJ even noticed travelers from Westfall selling Odambro Braids. He salivated and smacked his lips, then told himself he’d get one later.

Something about all the festival preparations resurrected a memory in DJ’s mind. When he was a small child, Sir Dashing took him to the Beregond Harvest Festival where they saw dancers, minstrels, and jesters performing in the street. He remembered the lively music and jubilant crowd as he sat on Sir Dashing’s shoulders, laughing and smiling and pointing all around. They even enjoyed frozen strawberries later that day as a treat. DJ smiled. He’d have to remind his father of that memory soon.

He and his friends traveled to the North Bank, which wasn’t much different from the South Bank—dirty, muddy, and full of irritable locals. There were, however, more farms on the North Bank.

There wasn’t much else to do since they had no money, so the party sparred with the local guards. The South Bank had a training ground complete with wooden dummies, practice weapons, and a first aid facility. It was scanty, but sufficient.

DJ was a little self conscious about practicing magic around city guards—stereotypical meatheads famous for their brawn. When they saw him utter magetongue and conduct his magic movements, he heard a couple of them snickering quietly. He even caught the words, “All magic, no maidens.” With a scowl, DJ lodged a foot-long Ice Spike in the chest of a wooden dummy. The guards kept quiet after that.

“Impressive!”

DJ turned toward the voice. It was Kathryn, strolling into the training facility with two guards and an assistant. She must have noticed the guards mocking DJ, because she gave them a sly look.

“Not bad, right?” she said, pointing to the Ice Spike. “Why can’t you do that?”

The guards shuffled their feet uncomfortably.

Kathryn focused on DJ. “Know any other spells?”

“Oh yeah,” DJ said, counting on his fingers. “Flamefist, Ironflesh, Healing Hand…”

“What about your friend? He any good?”

She gestured to Steve, who had just batted a wooden dummy across its face with a frying pan. DJ watched him wind up another swing and grinned. “He’s a lot better than me, actually.”

“Mages don’t get the respect they deserve,” Kathryn said. “A mage that’s been on the road and seen some action? Worth more than their weight in gold. That’s why I want you two close on Festival day. You’ll be part of my closest guard detail. That alright?”

Feeling somewhere between awkward and honored, DJ swallowed and nodded. “Of course, Lady Kathryn.”

Not far away, Riley was shooting arrows into a wooden dummy. Almost all of them hit their mark—a stationary target was easier. She stopped to look when Kathryn entered, but put extra moxy in her pull when she knew the governor was watching.

Kathryn raised her voice. “How are you doing, ranger? Are your shots true?”

“Oh, I’m not a full ranger yet,” Riley clutched her bow and blushed. “But I’m getting there! I’ve learned a lot!”

“Yet?” Kathryn raised an eyebrow. “Haven’t you traveled all the way from Beregond, hunting, trapping, and foraging?”

“I mean… yeah.”

“Then you’re a ranger,” Kathryn said. “An inexperienced one, but a ranger nonetheless.”

Riley could have levitated.

Kathryn turned to DJ again. “What do you need from me? Something tells me you’ll be important during the Festival. That wizard tends to arrive just when he’s needed. I hope you understand the trust I have in you.”

So this is why she’s called Kathryn the Kind, DJ thought. “You’ve already given us what we need. We just hope the Kathryn the Kind Beat the Onyx Wing So Let's Celebrate and Get Drunk Festival comes and goes without issue.”

“You and I both,” Kathryn said. She paused. “That name is a mouthful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah!” DJ said. “Who came up with that?”

Kathryn gave a half-smile and shrugged. “Don’t blame me. I let the people make their own choices.”

At that moment, a stray guard came sprinting to the training area. He slid to a halt before Kathryn, who watched him with furrowed eyebrows.

“Lady Kathryn,” the guard said, panting heavily. “There is something you must see at the town square. Quickly.”

Kathryn nodded. “Lead the way.”

She and her entourage followed the guard out, hurrying northward toward the Bridge District. DJ and his friends only had to exchange a brief glance before they followed. After they ran through the mud and reached the town square, they saw it.

A crowd had gathered in the middle of the festival preparations. The throng was focused on a single post near the center of it all. From that post dangled a stuffed dummy of a woman with red hair shaved on the side. A rope was tied around the dummy’s neck—a noose.

DJ and the others pushed themselves to the front of the crowd. Locals murmured around them. A guard took a ladder and severed the rope, handing the dummy to Kathryn. She turned it around in her hands, feeling the red yarn and stitched scars that mimicked her own features. Most prominently, there was a note stabbed into the dummy’s chest. The words on the note were short:

We’ll rise again. Then there was a stencil of a black wing.

Kathryn crumpled up the note and threw it aside. She looked around the crowd, realizing every gaze was fixed on her. For a moment, DJ thought he saw unease pass over her face, but she chased it away and replaced it with an amused sneer.

“Who knew the Onyx Wing still played with dollies?” she said. The crowd laughed nervously, to which she replied, “I don’t fear these cowards, and neither should you. In two days, we’ll celebrate without incident as we always have. Our guards are doing a tremendous job securing the city, and we’re as safe as we’ve ever been. So if you lack confidence, have some of mine.”

With a collective sigh, the people of Blight’s Respite applauded. Kathryn dropped the dummy and marched through the crowd with meaningful steps. As she passed DJ, she put an arm around him and pulled him along. His friends followed. When they left the crowd and were sure no one could hear, Kathryn leaned in, speaking inches from DJ’s ear.

“Be ready, mage,” she said. “My life is in your hands.”

She patted him on the back, then retreated with a few of her associates. As Francis, Riley, and Steve gathered around DJ, he gulped and shuddered.