Reaching the unnamed town unofficially called Vermin House, it became clear why that name was appropriate. Not only was the town mostly populated by Fa’ars, but it was also in a worse condition than Endsville.

Despite the uncomfortable atmosphere and the eerie ruins of an ancient civilization, Vermin House was a town mostly made out of scraps. Almost every building in the town was constructed improperly; a slight push with enough strength could potentially collapse the shacks. The buildings were nothing more than rotting wood and rusted metal sheets. The more solid buildings had seen better days.

However, one stood out compared to the rest. A concrete, unpainted building, situated under the remains of an ancient highway overpass much like the rest of the town, took the attention of Karkas. Not only was it mostly intact with a couple of broken windows, but it was also fortified. Soon, it became clear that the fortifications were shoddy at best. Aside from the rusted chain link fence with barbed wire on top, there was no gate, or even guards. The unappealing building stood as if to invite anyone who wished to visit.

Karkas wondered if Asran was in the building. It was extremely likely, given that he was a rather successful, if elusive, slave trader. However, the building did not indicate that it was the case. The courtyard between the chain link fence and the building was empty. Nothing but malnourished grass grew in the courtyard. The front door felt like an open invitation to enter the building. Yet, the two already knew that it was a trap.

Or rather, the whole town felt like a trap.

When they approached the building, Karkas noticed the Fa’ars staring at the two suspiciously. He quickly surmised that they worked for Asran, and the two visitors were their newest prey. The Croc did not hesitate to let out a deep, audible growl that certainly made an impression on some of them. He noticed them backing off after he started the guttural noise.

Narati had a different approach. While Karkas intimidated them, Narati had a better way to defuse the situation. He knew that Fa’ars were like many other races that populated the world: there were more than just cowards among the rat people. If Karkas intimidated them further, someone would be taunted and started attacking them. If he died, the others would rush in, and they would be overwhelmed before they even reached the building.

Thus, acting quickly, he approached one of the Fa’ars behind the counter of a poorly-constructed shop. He let out a smile on his rodent face and started speaking Fa’ari.

“(Greetings, rat fellow),” started Narati. “(Do you speak Fa’ari?)”

“(Uh, yeah),” said the Fa’ari shopkeeper. “(Can I help you?)”

“(Don’t mind my Crocodilian friend over there. He’s not used to seeing this many Fa’ars in one place, especially when they’re staring at him. Would you mind telling the others about it?)”

The shopkeeper seemed to understand what Narati was trying to say, so he told the others to stop staring. Many Fa’ars on his side started to back away, while the others kept staring for several minutes longer before they, too, returned to what they were doing before Karkas and Narati’s arrival.

“(Thanks),” said Narati. “(He’s far from home).”

“(Too far from home),” said the shopkeeper. “(I’ve never seen his kind before. You are offering him to big boss over in the building?)”

“(He’s a friend. I told you, didn’t I?)”

The shopkeeper scoffed. “(The only friend you have is yourself. But it’s not my business. The only business this shambling nest has is in that ugly building).”

“(Problem with the big boss?)”

“(Oh, you bet there is).” He then looked around, then leaned into Narati and said, “(You stay on his good side, then you’ll get to live here. You talk shit about him, you can kiss your ass goodbye. Nobody’s going in ever gone out. I bet they’re no longer a free rat. Who knows what that creep’s doing to them. Word of advice. If you consider offering that Croc to him, you better make sure you don’t end up joining him. He doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can make him a profit).”

“(Why do you know all this? You work with him or something?)”

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

“(I had friends. Fa’ari friends),” said the shopkeeper short. “(Now, I’m just here inviting you to indulge his desires. He likes to break people, Fa’ari or not. I’m sure he’ll have a blast with your exotic friend).”

This surprised Narati. He soon noticed that the shopkeeper never had anything to sell on the counter or behind him. He was more like a gatekeeper. However, he did not seem to have a malicious expression, only annoyance apparent by his squinted eyes.

“(But I like you, rat fellow. You speak Fa’ari well. Out here, we don’t get Fa’ars who’s as fluent as you are. I appreciate it).”

Narati, feeling that he could trust the ‘shopkeeper’, then said, “(Since you know a lot about the fate of the visitors, maybe we can talk a bit more when I finished my business with the big boss. You might want some insights from a traveler).”

The ‘shopkeeper’ laughed. “(Sure, young rat. Anyway, you might want to keep your ‘friend’ close. He looks like he’s a bit too eager).”

The young Fa’ar gasped and turned to Karkas. The Croc kept walking while growling despite Narati convincing others not to intimidate him. He excused himself and ran on all fours towards the Croc, who was already near the chain link fence and was going to enter the building’s yard.

“Hey, wait!” called the Fa’ar. Karkas stopped and waited for Narati to come to him.

“Don’t bother asking anything in this town,” said Karkas. “One look is enough to tell that they work for him.”

“Is it your bias talking or is it your genuine assessment?”

“Honestly, it’s both,” said Karkas. “It is unfortunate, but right now, I can’t expect anyone in this town not to be working with him. I suggest you stay out of my way before I—”

“Before you what? Kar, I thought of you as a friend and a brother. What you’re doing right now is not going to change your opinion towards my kind.”

“You are different, Nara,” reasoned Karkas.

“Everyone is different,” retorted Narati. “Just tell me something. What is your deal with Asran for you to be so vengeful? He betrayed you and disappeared for five years. To me, he’s not worth your time.”

“You’ll never understand.”

“I’ve lost my innocence a long time ago. Try me.”

Narati’s insistence was enough for Karkas to be taken aback and amused. This was the reason why he called Narati ‘different’. Respecting his friend, and knowing that Narati was partially right, the Croc mage relented.

“Asran and I were…we did many things. Unforgivable things,” said Karkas. “We dabbled in slave trading.”

“What?” said Narati, surprised.

Karkas nodded. “I told you about how life as a tribeless Croc is difficult and you’re fated to live your whole life as a celibate priest if you cannot prove yourself to join a tribe before. I had a disagreement with my belief on this, so I left the River Kingdoms and became a wanderer. Over time, my disillusionment clouded my judgement. The teachings of Sobek forbade a Croc to deprive another Croc’s freedom, but I was being a clever asshole who pointed out that it applied only to Crocs, so anyone else is fair play.”

Karkas looked away, evidently embarrassed by what he did.

“I had no money and no friend. Asran was the first person I met who wanted to help. Looking back, I’m convinced he just needed a dangerous-looking person who happened to be a predator beast person. He was a bounty hunter. Allegedly. But it didn’t take long for me to realize that Asran never turned in the criminals. He sold them. What I realized too late was the criminals he sold were all proficient in magic. He must’ve planned to turn on me the moment he realized I carried a mage staff and cast binding spells.”

Narati listened intently, even though he knew how the story would end.

“But I never thought of him like that. Asran, he…was very compelling. Almost like Raine, but not with his morals.” Karkas dryly chuckled. “I suppose I have a penchant for attracting cheerful personalities. I felt fortunate that Raine’s only darker personality was his willingness to kill. More than that, and I’d even warn you about it.”

“So, he lured you with a cheery attitude, then showed his true colors the moment you considered him a friend?”

“That’s how it went. When I was ambushed, I never once thought he was the one behind it. Asran was never a fighter like you. He was better with his tongue. So, imagine what I felt when he shot me in the back. I was lucky he did not know how tough a Crocodilian’s scale was. A Lizan would surely be killed by a shot in the head. Granted, I narrowly avoided death, though I fainted due to shock and exhaustion. Yet, I remembered what he said to me before I lost consciousness. ‘You shouldn’t have trusted a Fa’ar’.”

Karkas sighed. “Crocs have long memories. A grudge lasts a lifetime. Asran has become my reason to continue living until the day I can wrangle than traitor with my own hands. It caused me to become a fool. I’m sure the more my notoriety grows, the more Asran eludes me. This time, I’m going to fulfill my vow. And to atone for my past mistakes."

“He might not be in there, though,” commented Narati.

“But at least I know where to go.” The Croc paused, then turned his head to his young Fa’ar friend. “And so, I have told you everything about me. Judge me however you want, kid. Nothing else matters but him now.”

“Karkas….”

“Consider this my penance for my mistake.” Karkas let out a smirk on his reptilian face. “Whatever happens, you are always good in my book.”

The mage soon returned his attention to the ominous concrete building, walking towards it with a deep growl. His mind was set on getting his overdue vengeance.

Narati, on his part, could only slap his forehead. He could not believe how stubborn Karkas could be.

“Sada buidhe (That fool),” said an exasperated Narati. “If you end up fallen into a trap, don’t blame the Fa’ar.”