The resolution of that adventure was positive, considering all that could have gone wrong, but it felt like a draw for the young couple.

At the end of the evening, my master and I went out to bid farewell to the adults, who once again thanked us for what we had done. Briseida extended her hand to hand my master Baron Boldrus's seal, upon which it disintegrated into ashes. I felt relieved because our favor had been repaid, and I bid them farewell cheerfully. Both turned their backs and began walking toward their mounts.

My master nudged me with his elbow while pointing his gaze at the married couple. I then noticed that Mr. Arbel was walking slightly behind his wife, more than usual. I smiled, conceding him the victory, but he wouldn't be satisfied until confirming his suspicions completely.

—Was he your bodyguard? —he asked aloud.

Briseida stopped and turned to look at us incredulously. I knew she wanted to ask how he had come to such a conclusion but decided not to. She carefully observed her husband, realizing the slight distance between them. She closed her eyes and nodded. Since Arbel had already revealed a bit of his history, it wasn't hard to imagine that my master had connected some dots. She smiled, much like his daughter when talking about Caisam, and proceeded to answer.

—He was a carriage escort when I first arrived in the city —she said—. Then fate wanted to bring us together.

Arbel smiled too.

—She's referring to a thief who tried to break into his house while I patrolled the area —he said—. The wretch was strong. I managed to subdue him, but I suffered terrible wounds, the severity of which I may have exaggerated a bit.

—I offered my own healers' services to attend to him at my house.

—An opportunity I didn't miss.

—And here we are now, losing sleep over the troubles of some teenagers.

My master returned their smile.

—I'm happy for you —he said, nodding—. Good night.

After that, we went into our house to accommodate our guests. Irene would stay in the guest room, while Caisam had agreed to sleep in the living room, despite my master offering him his room.

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Such was our adventure. Saving that couple had been gratifying, but removing the burden of owing something to Baron Boldrus made it worthwhile by itself. Our life already seemed to be heading towards more peaceful times, and that episode felt like an insignificant stone on the road, but it turned out to be the drop that heralded a downpour.

We bid Irene good night and did the same with Caisam, but something in him had changed. He was happy when we left him, but now he seemed lost in his thoughts.

—Thank you for your help —he said politely. He meant it, but it was evident that other things were on his mind.

—Is something wrong? —my master asked as he sat on a piece of furniture, sensing his intentions.

—There's one thing you should know —the young man said—. My father believes that those living near the city benefit from it and should, therefore, pay taxes. That includes nearby settlements not recognized as cities by the capital, regardless of their population.

—That includes this house —my master said, and Caisam nodded.

—He's seeking to enact that law before King Kaenius, —he said—. His goal isn't to profit from these people with taxes but to push them to annex to the city. He'll convince the king of his idea by the income he'd be receiving.

Caisam hesitated, visibly stressed by what only his mind was capable of conceiving at that moment. I feel he regretted bringing up the topic but understood immediately that it was better for everyone to reveal what he knew. I was completely unaware of what he wanted to tell us, but I could perceive the bravery with which he was mastering himself to speak and couldn't help but admire him for it.

—My father is in the service of someone else —he said— It's not the king of Stavenger or anyone else. I speak of the person who allowed him to amass a fortune in Munrich. Also, the same person who helped him rebuild his empire in Stavenger.

—He must be very rich —my master said.

—He doesn't own a single gem in his name, but his influence is vast —the young man said seriously—. He's as skilled at talking to people as he is at predicting them. He recognizes the exact moment to approach, how to do it, which words to choose, and how to use them to get what he wants. He's subtle enough to shape others' ambitions for his benefit, but sometimes, when the situation warrants it, he's also capable of intimidating even the strongest men. My father holds him in reverential respect for everything he has gained through him, but he also fears him. When this man looks at him, my father closes his eyes as if facing a deity; and when he speaks, he bows to his will... He's a cruel and ruthless man, driven by unyielding ambition, possessing a charisma and cunning that make him untouchable. He rules the city from the shadows, and who knows how many more, moving his invisible threads without anyone suspecting his influence.

—You said this city is in decline —my master said—. Is that part of his plans?

Caisam fixed his gaze on the windows, right on the horizon where the ocean met the sky.

—I can't understand how he takes advantage of such a situation —he murmured—, but I'm sure it benefits him —He made a brief pause, then shook his head, dominated by a silent unease that I had rarely seen in someone so young—. My warning wasn't about taxes but about that individual. He's the one orchestrating that movement. And if he wants people to annex to the city, rest assured he'll achieve it no matter what methods he uses... I don't know what his ultimate goal is, but I can assure you it's nothing good. That's why I advise you to get away from here as soon as possible.

I could see it in his eyes: he feared him too. I then understood his true motivations. Caisam wasn't running away from his father by eloping with Irene but from that man who harassed them. My master leaned forward in his seat and sought the young man's gaze.

—And who is he? —he asked.

The words stayed in Caisam's throat for a few seconds, as if he feared invoking him by mistake.

—He goes by the name of Dvorak Vexel —he said—, but among nobles and criminals alike, he's known as The Alchemist of Elker.