ã€ŠEchoes of Duplicityã€‹


 01-Red Flags

    Varga sat impassively, as Agent Wali shuffled through various parchments. This was obviously some sort of test, but knowing that did little to calm his nerves. With an effort of will, he resisted the urge to fidget in his seat or wipe the sweat beading on his brow.

    Determined to avoid failing before the interview even started, Vargas focused on his surroundings. The room¡¯s four unadorned, windowless walls pressed in on him, their cold, white, stone surface reflecting the dim light of the few flickering lanterns. The stale air, heavy with the scent of old parchment and ink, made each breath taste like an old, musty book. Varga wondered if the room''s layout was designed to unsettle guests or if the agent simply had austere tastes.

    Agent Wali sat behind the large polished desk in the center of the room. He was a tall, thin Arzan with sharp features and navy skin that strongly contrasted with his short-cropped, teal hair. Fit and economical with his movements, he moved with the precision and confidence all senior Vestigare seemed to have, but Varga got the impression that Agent Wali preferred office work over fieldwork.

    ¡°Tell me, recruit,¡± Agent Wali said, breaking Varga from his thoughts. ¡°What does the Vestigare do for the Five Kingdoms?¡±

    The question startled Varga, but he quickly gathered his wits and answered. ¡°The Vestigare polices the people who believe they are above the law because of their wealth or power.¡±

    ¡°That is a textbook answer, recruit. A Vestigare agent must be unswayable in their pursuit of justice. An agent can have no weaknesses in their character. If not, the entire system crumbles.¡±

    Varga nodded in agreement, though a knot of uncertainty tightened in his chest. The praise felt hollow and listless as if the agent was speaking a practiced script.

    Agent Wali held up a parchment that he was looking at, gesturing to it as he spoke. ¡°Your marks are stellar, your instructors and fellow recruits speak highly of you, and don¡¯t even get me started on your swordsmanship.¡±

    Varga knew his skill with a sword had caught the eye of the recruiters, but he wondered where Agent Wali was going with this praise. Could he be getting a promotion? It was crazy to think so because he was a week away from finishing basic training, but he could not think of another possibility.

    Before he could ask, a knock on the door echoed through the room. Agent Wali¡¯s mouth compressed to a flat line.

    ¡°He¡¯s early,¡± the agent mumbled to himself, but just loud enough for Varga to hear.

    Following Agent Wali¡¯s eyes, Vargas looked over his shoulder just in time to see the door open to admit a stoop-backed Grang with spectacles.

    Grang were bipedal lizards, known for their imposing stature and fearsome reputation as warriors. But as Agent Aon shuffled into the room, his stooped back and the subtle hiss of his breath highlighted the alienness of his kind, making him seem less like the fabled warriors and more like a creature out of a nightmare.

    ¡°Recruit Varga, this fine individual is Agent Aon,¡± Agent Wali said, introducing the Grang to Varga. Varga noticed that he did not introduce Varga to the Grang, meaning Agent Aon probably already knew who Varga was.

    ¡°Did you tell him?¡± Agent Aon asked, addressing Agent Wali.

    Agent Aon snorted at Agent Wali¡¯s curt head shake.

    ¡°I thought this might be difficult for you. I understand your hesitation, but you must know it¡¯s either this or nothing for the recruit. There is no other option.¡±

    Varga froze. They were talking about him.

    ¡°Recruit, I have some terrible news. You will never be a Vestigare agent. I¡¯m afraid it is just impossible,¡± Agent Aon said, turning his attention to Varga.

    Varga felt like someone had punched him in the gut. His mouth worked, but he couldn¡¯t find the words to speak.

    Agent Wali sighed before explaining.

    ¡°Agent Aon is correct. You have too many red flags in your background.¡±

    ¡°Red flags? What do you mean?¡± Varga demanded. He didn¡¯t care about what they thought of his tone. They were questioning his very character.

    Agent Aon fumbled around in a leather shoulder he carried until he found what he was looking for, taking out a single parchment of paper.

    ¡°Your father, Eseten, moved from the city of Xanth when your mother became pregnant with you. Before that, he was a minor associate in Xanth¡¯s trades. Eseten was not much more than muscle, but your uncle, Alberto, became a lieutenant in the Gurez family,¡± Agent Aon drily read from the parchment.

    Varga¡¯s head was spinning. Was it true? Had his father been a roughian? His uncle, Alberto, a gangster? How could either of those things be true?

    ¡°Alberto was murdered over his gambling debts. Despite your uncle¡¯s debts never being settled, the Gurez family left your father and mother alone because they weren¡¯t worth enough to settle the debts. But if they found out Eseten¡¯s son was a Vestigare agent, they would come for your family, and your uncle¡¯s debt would put you in a compromised position.¡±

    Varga¡¯s father told him Uncle Alberto was murdered by bandits for a handful of silver deni.

    ¡°I would never betray the Vestigare. All of my life, all I ever wanted to be was a Vestigare agent,¡± Varga pleaded, but from the look on the two agent¡¯s faces, he knew his efforts were in vain.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    A storm of emotions churned within Varga¡ªshock, denial, anger. Each one crashed against the other, leaving him reeling. How could his father have hidden this from him? The thought of his uncle as a criminal twisted his stomach. Yet, the worst was the gnawing doubt about his own future. When his emotions settled he was left with anger, but he was unsure who it was directed at. He was furious that his father and uncle¡¯s poor life decisions ruined his ambitions, but he was equally as incensed at the Vestigare for judging him based on those poor decisions instead of his merits.

    ¡°It¡¯s unfair, I know. But you could still help the Vestigare,¡± Agent Aon started, snapping Varga from his internal brooding. Agent Aon glanced at Agent Wali and the Arzan agent nodded for Agent Aon to continue.

    ¡°From time to time, even the agents who don¡¯t have red flags stray. An agent named Balrik is one of those agents. Balrik has avoided capture for over a decade now. He was a highly skilled field agent and, so far, has been able to predict our every move to get him. I was close to arresting him one time. But the slippery eel managed to slip through our fingers. After that, he went underground, until recently, there have been reports that he has resurfaced in the City-State of Tazen with a small crew. I must ask you to go undercover, infiltrate his gang, and help the Vestigare finally bring him to justice.¡±

    ¡°How would I do that?¡± Varga asked. Everything felt surreal, almost as if he were dreaming.

    ¡°The mission will be dangerous. You¡¯ll finish your training, then we¡¯ll stage a bribery scandal with a powerful asset of ours in Xandelfi. You¡¯ll be arrested, tried, and imprisoned as a criminal. That will give your backstory credibility. After you¡¯ve served your time, our asset will escort you to an arranged meeting with a fixer who will connect you with Balrik in Tazen,¡± Agent Aon explained.

    ¡°How long would I be in prison?¡±

    ¡°I am afraid we cannot give you a solid answer to that question. Unfortunately, for security purposes, only you, Agent Wali, the asset, and I would know you were working the Vestigare. Even the local magistrate will not know of your involvement,¡± Agent Wali answered.

    ¡°Meaning my sentence will be determined by a magistrate who assumes I was a crooked agent who accepted bribes and may try to make an example out of my case,¡± Varga added, and Agent Aon nodded in confirmation.

    ¡°And in prison, I will have no support from the guards or the Vestigare, and I will have to survive my sentence on my own?¡± Varga asked, and Agent Aon nodded again in confirmation.

    ¡°Listen, Recruit Varga. We cannot order you to take this assignment, and I understand if you want to reject us out of spite, but we need you. The Five Kingdoms need you, and if bringing evil to justice was a reason you wanted to join the Vestigare in the first place, please consider accepting our offer,¡± Agent Wali added.

    ¡°Also, you will be well compensated for your time. You will basically have a career¡¯s worth of earnings for one assignment. After you finish, you can start almost any endeavor. Not many people can live two dreams in one lifespan,¡± Agent Aon added.

    Varga wanted to become a Vestigare agent to help rid the Five Kingdoms of such people who murdered his uncle. After some reflection, he concluded it didn¡¯t matter that the details of his uncle''s death were a lie. Strangely, learning the truth strengthened his resolve to fulfill his dream.

    Varga stared at the floor, his vision blurring as his thoughts raced. This was it¡ªhis one chance to prove himself. The risks were staggering, but the alternative was a life of obscurity, haunted by what-ifs. Finally, he nodded, his voice steadier than he felt. ¡®I¡¯ll do it.¡¯¡±

    His voice sounded much more confident than he felt, but he figured if this was his only chance to work for the Vestigare, he had to take it.

    ¡°Are you sure? Because once we start, we cannot change course,¡± Agent Wali said.

    ¡°Yes, I am sure,¡± Varga answered.

    The two agents share another glance. Agent Wali reached into his desk again, pulling another parchment out.

    ¡°Here are some more details of your assignment. Read it and memorize what you can because that parchment cannot leave this room,¡± Agent Wali said, sliding the details across his desk.

    Varga nodded his thanks, slowly picking the parchment off the desk. He read the outline of his assignment and felt his eyebrows climb to the top of his forehead when he saw the name of the person vouching for him.

    ¡°I gather you saw who would be introducing you to the underworld,¡± Agent Aon commented, correctly reading Varga¡¯s expression.

    ¡°He is an asset?¡± Varga asked, not believing what he was reading.

    ¡°Just so. As you can see, the stakes are high,¡± Agent Aon answered.

    Hours went by as Varga committed the parchment to memory.

    ¡°Did you memorize it?¡± Agent Aon asked, pulling Varga from his thoughts.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Agent Aon turned his attention to Agent Wali, ¡°I think this calls for a drink, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Agent Wali nodded before standing up and leaving the room.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± Agent Aon said, producing a crumpled scrap of parchment and handing it to Varga.

    ¡°Read this, memorize it, and follow its instructions daily.¡±

    Varga carefully smoothed out the rumpled parchment and read the contents.

    ¡°This is about breathing?¡± Varga asked.

    ¡°Just so. Do not forget the importance of checking your pulse and where to focus a trickle of your ley. You do know how to use magikal devices, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Pulse?¡±

    ¡°I do not have enough time now to teach you. Tomorrow, ask the health attendant on duty to show you how to check your pulse. I cannot tell you everything yet, but know that those techniques will probably save your life with Balrik,¡± Agent Aon explained.

    Varga nodded. He was unsure if the old Grang was right-minded but knew he wanted to live through this assignment.

    ¡°I will let you keep the instructions so you can learn the techniques, but before finishing basic training, destroy that parchment. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°I will do as you ask.¡±

    ¡°Excellent.¡±

    Finally, the door opened, and Agent Wali returned, awkwardly holding a stopped bottle of amber liquid in the crook of his elbow and three jigger glasses in his hand. He smiled, placing the glasses on his desk before uncorking the bottle and filling the jiggers to the brim.

    ¡°Congratulations, Varga. Your new life begins,¡± Agent Wali said, gesturing to the glass nearest to Varga. Varga carefully picked up the jigger, trying not to spill the contents on the agent¡¯s desk.

    ¡°To Varga. A hero that the Five Kingdoms will never know they had,¡± Agent Aon added, holding his jigger for a toast. Varga and Agent Wali followed the Grang¡¯s lead.

    Varga raised his glass, the irony bitter on his tongue. ¡°To prison,¡± he said, clinking his glass against the others. The liquid burned as it went down, a fitting prelude to the path he¡¯d just chosen.

    ¡°Is there anything special we can do for you before this starts?¡±

    Varga shot his fresh drink before answering.

    ¡°Yes. You can tell me about my father and uncle.¡±

    The agents glanced at one another again, and Agent Aon nodded.

    Agent Wali rounded up the file on Varga¡¯s family, and they talked and drank until the morning.

 02-Graduation

    Every breath felt like fire as Esmeralda pushed herself harder, trying to ignore the sharp stitch stabbing at her side. Her legs screamed in protest, each step more painful than the last, but she refused to slow down. The thought of falling behind, of showing any weakness, was unbearable.

    ¡°Are you having trouble?¡± the familiar voice of her fellow recruit, Paya, asked.

    Esmeralda looked to her right to see the slender Grang matching her pace with ease. They were the only two females in their class, and they took a liking to one another early in their basic training.

    ¡°I am going to quit drinking until we graduate,¡± Esmeralda muttered, struggling for air.

    ¡°You say that every time we drink before PT. But we both know you couldn¡¯t last six months without your wine,¡± Paya retorted, chuckling.

    Esmeralda tried to take her mind off her hangover by focusing on what Paya had said moments ago. They only had six months of basic training remaining. In the next few days, the senior class would graduate, making her class the senior class for the next group of recruits.

    ¡°Thanks for reminding me,¡± Esmeralda started, leaving the unfinished thought to linger.

    Paya looked at her quizzically, the light of the twin suns reflecting off of her bronze-colored scales.

    ¡°To hurry up, finish, and hit the town before the seniors buy up all the wine!¡±

    They continued their run in silence, the rhythmic pounding of their feet on the dirt track the only sound between them. The finish line loomed ahead, a small victory in a day that promised many challenges. As they crossed it, Esmeralda stumbled, her legs finally giving in as she collapsed onto a patch of grass. She lay there for a moment, the world spinning slightly as she gulped down air, her body screaming in protest.

    The intense physical exertion faded, leaving behind only the steady thrum of her heartbeat and the dull ache in her muscles. Esmeralda forced herself to sit up, cradling her head in her hands as she tried to stave off the nausea. The morning sun was warm against her skin, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to bask in the small sense of accomplishment.

    ¡°Recruit Esmeralda.¡±

    The sudden voice shattered her brief reprieve. Esmeralda opened her eyes, blinking away the last vestiges of exhaustion, to see Agent Wali standing over her. His presence was as commanding as ever, a figure of authority against the bright sky. He smiled with the fondness of a father and waited for Esmeralda to gather herself. As Esmeralda stood, she noticed that besides Agent Wali was Agent Franc.

    Agent Wali was an Arzan like she was. Esmeralda heard rumors that the agent took a special interest in Arzans, who came through basic training. Esmeralda hadn¡¯t seen any proof of those claims outside of the occasional greetings like now. Agent Wali was reed thin, with sharp features and a dark-blue complexion. Esmeralda was fond of his company and always eager to absorb whatever knowledge she could from him.

    His companion, Agent Franc, was someone she would rather not be around. Agent Franc was an older Xandran roughly around Agent Wali¡¯s age whose eyes leered at the few female recruits in basic training. He was short for a Xandran with pampered-soft tawny skin. He also had a soft belly that only came from overindulgence in the finer things. Esmeralda heard that the Xandran did more than leer at the women of basic training, but luckily, she also hadn¡¯t seen any proof of those rumors as well.

    ¡°I am glad to see that you remain ever vigilant to your PT requirements,¡± Agent Wali commented after waiting for her to stand.

    ¡°I am just living up to the standards of the Vestigare,¡± Esmeralda answered, carefully avoiding looking at Agent Franc. She didn¡¯t like the man, but he was still her superior, and drawing attention to his belly would surely make an unnecessary enemy out of him.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Agent Wali started with a chuckle, addressing both Esmeralda and Paya, ¡°but don¡¯t forget that being a Vestigare agent is far more than physical strength or agility. The only way to be prepared for anything is to be good at everything, so never neglect your magikal studies, recruits.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Esmeralda and Paya answered in near unison.

    ¡°Especially you, Recruit Esmeralda. I have heard you have an affinity with aeromancy,¡± Agent Wali added.

    Esmeralda¡¯s father told her she had an affinity with lightning but had some trouble with general magikal theory. Some of her instructors felt that she had a mental block, and she was making progress, but it was coming along slowly.

    ¡°Thank you, Sir,¡± Esmeralda responded.

    ¡°Keep in mind, recruits, your training truly begins after the senior class graduates. Up until now, you have had it easy.¡±

    Agent Wali left without another word, and Agent Franc purposely looked her up and down before joining Agent Wali.

    ¡°What a creep,¡± Paya muttered, spitting in the general direction of the elder agents. Esmeralda wanted to assume that her friend was talking about Agent Franc, so she nodded in agreement before saying.

    ¡°I think this calls for a drink.¡±

    <hr>

    Little did Esmeralda know that Agent Wali¡¯s warning was more than rhetoric, but the literal truth. From the day her class became the seniors, her training regiment became brutal. The days blended into weeks and weeks into months as she honed her skill with the longsword, magikal devices, poisons, and potions. Esmeralda even became more proficient with magik. She still had trouble with some spells, but the concepts made more sense, and she felt more confident casting.

    Outside of an incident where Agent Franc cornered her and indecently propositioned her, her training flew by, and before she knew it, it was graduation day.

    Esmeralda woke up early to prepare for the ceremony. She made sure her Vestigare recruit uniform was pressed and immaculate. After getting dressed, Esmeralda made some tea to calm her nerves. Finally, she would make her father proud and be able to help him properly. A knock at the door to her tiny room pulled her from her thoughts.

    Esmeralda opened the door to see Paya standing there in her crisp uniform. Esmeralda had to admit she was jealous of how intimidating the Grang could make something like a recruit¡¯s uniform look. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    Esmeralda admired the bipedal reptilian Grang race because even after being enslaved, they took back their freedom by force and eventually carved out their own empire.

    ¡°Ready to become agents?¡± Paya asked.

    ¡°More than you could ever know,¡± Esmeralda replied, causing Paya to throw her head back with laughter. Her comment wasn¡¯t that funny. Esmeralda doubted that she would even understand Grang''s humor.

    They arrived at the field where they¡¯d spent countless hours training, now transformed by a stage adorned with banners and flags. The ceremony was a blur¡ªboth practical and surreal. As Esmeralda received her diploma, it finally hit her: she had made it. The weight of the parchment in her hand anchored her to the reality of her achievement, yet a strange hollowness settled in her chest. The excitement around her was infectious, but beneath her smile, doubts simmered. Was she truly ready for what lay ahead? The questions lingered, unspoken, as she gathered with the other new agents, their cheers mingling with her own mixed emotions.

    ¡°From tomorrow, you will represent justice and the future of the Five Kingdoms,¡± Agent Wali announced from the stage. He waited for the crowd to go silent before continuing.

    ¡°I know you are excited about what comes next, but take the day to be proud of yourselves and all you accomplished. Cherish the friendships and bonds that you forged. But most importantly, never forget the passion and determination you showed over the last year. Your grit and desire are some of your most important traits. Take the time to congratulate yourself today because soon, your life begins anew!¡±

    The graduates erupted in a cheer, and Esmeralda found herself cheering along with them. After the excitement died down, Esmeralda found Paya.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Esmeralda said as they embraced.

    ¡°We are family now. Keep in touch, OK?¡± Paya replied.

    Esmeralda nodded, scrubbing tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.

    ¡°What are you going to do before we get our assignments?¡± Paya asked, politely ignoring Esmeralda¡¯s tears.

    ¡°I am going to pamper myself, at least for tonight,¡± Esmeralda answered.

    ¡°Then have fun, Agent Esmeralda. Until we met again.¡±

    Esmeralda hugged her friend again before leaving the training facility. Once outside, she found dozens of carriages. Some of them private, and some, waiting for fares.

    Esmeralda found a respectable looking one and flagged the Arzan driver¡¯s attention.

    ¡°I need to go to the Waltz. Do you know where it is?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°The beauty parlor outside the shopping district?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Hop in,¡± the driver said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder towards the carriage.

    Esmeralda boarded and got settled as the carriage pulled away. She dozed off and woke with a start as the driver opened the door to the carriage.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± he said, knuckling his forehead as she alighted.

    Esmeralda handed him three silver deni, and his eyes widened with surprise.

    ¡°I will double that if you return at dawn,¡± Esmeralda said.

    ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am,¡± the driver replied excitedly.

    Esmeralda stood outside the Waltz, feeling a little sad that this might be the last time she visited for some time. The Waltz was a large two-story building that was a brilliant burnt shade of orange.

    She made her way inside and found Mistress Nance waiting. Mistress Nance was a middle-aged Arzan woman and the owner of the Waltz.

    ¡°Mistress Esmeralda, I am glad you could make it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I assume my room is prepared?¡±

    ¡°Of course, this way if it pleases you,¡± Mistress Nance said, gesturing down the long, gently lit hallway.

    They walked in silence, and Esmeralda admired the subtle d¨¦cor before arriving at a large double door at the end of the hall.

    Mistress Nance curtsied before leaving.

    Esmeralda took a deep breath and entered the room. There was the faint smell of lavender and honey in the air. She locked the door behind her.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda,¡± a familiar deep voice said as soon as the lock to the door engaged.

    ¡°Father,¡± Esmeralda said, spinning to see her father, Balrik, standing there smiling proudly.

    Balrik was not her father by blood¡ªhe was Nawahl, and she was Arzan¡ªbut he had raised her with a love fiercer than any she imagined a true father could give. Esmeralda¡¯s birth father had been a pathetic man, too weak to protect her or himself. In contrast, Balrik was strength personified, a survivor who had carved a place for them both in a world that would have swallowed her whole. She knew she was lucky that he found her, but sometimes, late at night, she wondered what kind of life she would have led if her biological father had been stronger.

    Balrik was not tall, even by the shorter Nawahl standards, yet his presence loomed as if he were a giant. His broad shoulders and muscular build set him apart¡ªa rare physicality among his people. His long, black hair, thick as an animal¡¯s mane, only added to the aura of power he carried. He wore his usual tight red leather shirt with black leather trousers, a combination that seemed to amplify his intensity. As he approached, Esmeralda¡¯s heart pounded from the weight of the expectations he placed on her shoulders. Balrik was her protector, her mentor, her everything. And though she would die before disappointing him, there were moments she wished the bond between them didn¡¯t feel so suffocating.

    ¡°You did well, Lala,¡± Balrik said, locking his different-colored eyes on her. Esmeralda remembered when she was a child, she thought his one brown eye and one blue eye were disturbing, but now, she found the trait quite charming.

    ¡°That¡¯s Agent Lala,¡± Esmeralda said, joking about her childhood nickname.

    Balrik let out a deep, rich laugh.

    ¡°Unfortunately, Lala, I need to depart. My business in Tazen cannot wait, and being so close to the heart of the Vestigare makes me uneasy. I would hate to have a day that you earned go to waste because I allowed myself to be sloppy,¡± Balrik started, walking across the room with a brown backpack that she hadn''t noticed until now. He stopped an arm¡¯s length away from Esmeralda before rustling through the bag.

    ¡°Take these,¡± Balrik said, producing a rolled-up parchment and a heavy-looking coin purse.

    Esmeralda was unprepared for the weight of the purse as she took it. She almost dropped it but recovered before she made a fool of herself in front of Balrik.

    Balrik was gracious enough not to mention her near blunder and patiently waited for her to take the parchment.

    ¡°The parchment is a list of people I need you to take down when you get to Xandelfi. I am sorry, but I must ask you to work before you get settled. Time is of the essence.¡±

    Esmeralda looked up at her father with surprise. How did he know where she would be stationed? Esmeralda didn¡¯t even know where she would be stationed until now.

    ¡°Lala, I wouldn¡¯t be able to protect you if I couldn¡¯t get information like this,¡± Balrik said, reading your feelings perfectly.

    ¡°The coin should be enough to allow you to live comfortably in a private flat and allow you to operate without needing to put in a request for ducats for some time. I will supply you with enough coin to do what is needed, so there is no need to be overly thrifty.¡±

    Balrik reached out, gently grabbing Esmeralda¡¯s hand before standing on his tip-toes and kissing Esmeralda on the cheek.

    ¡°I know you will make your father proud. I promise you won¡¯t have to live this life for long, and when we disappear, you will want for nothing.¡±

    Esmeralda touched her cheek as Balrik walked past her. She heard the lock disengage.

    ¡°Lock the door behind me, Lala. Be careful, and I will be in touch.¡±

    When Esmeralda turned around, Balrik was gone. She locked the door behind him, but the emptiness in the room felt vast and consuming. Leaning against the door, she pressed the cool wood against her back, trying to steady her racing thoughts. Balrik had given her everything¡ªa life, a purpose, a mission. She couldn¡¯t afford to fail him; failure wasn¡¯t an option. However, as she clutched the heavy coin purse in one hand and the parchment in the other, a new, unsettling thought took root: What would she become if she succeeded?

 03-Faces

    ¡°Open doors!¡± someone, probably a guard, bellowed. Something in the walls, or perhaps the ceiling, clicked, and a deep, resounding thud vibrated the world. A moment later, a sliver of light appeared between the heavy iron doors of the prisoner release unit. Varga squinted as the light of the twin suns hit him in the face while the entrance to the prison he had called home for the past eight months slowly opened. The warm, dusty air filled his lungs. He took a deep breath, savoring the taste of freedom, and thanked the gods he survived to see the day of his release.

    As he stepped beyond the iron threshold, he felt a rush of energy surge through him. It was as if the world itself was waking up inside him, the ley lines that the prison denied, now filling him with life. The blue sky stretched above him, vast and infinite, a stark contrast to the gray walls that had confined him. For a brief moment, he just stood there, absorbing the feeling and letting it sink into his bones.

    Varga¡¯s silent moment of appreciation was interrupted when he noticed two large carriages with several Xandrans toughs standing around them. They exploded into applause as soon as he made eye contact with them. They signaled him over. Varga figured it was his contact, and as he approached them, he saw that his hunch was correct as one of Xandelfi trades¡¯ bosses, Carlos Del Gato, alighted from a carriage.

    ¡°Varga! Get over here, boy,¡± Carlos said, smiling widely. Varga quickened his step. The last thing he needed was to upset the one other person in the world who knew he was an undercover agent. Carlos embraced him as soon as Varga got close. After an awkward hug, Carlos grasped Varga by the shoulders and looked him up and down.

    ¡°Look at this guy. It is like he is chiseled from oak,¡± Carlos said over his shoulder to his men, referring to Varga¡¯s physique.

    ¡°Prison has a way of tempering a person, I suppose,¡± Carlos murmured, his eyes narrowing as they scanned Varga¡¯s face. There was a flicker of something behind that smile, something cold and calculating. Varga met his gaze steadily, knowing better than to flinch under the scrutiny.

    Carlos turned away, his demeanor shifting as he addressed his men with a brisk command. The transition was so seamless, so practiced, that Varga couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many faces Carlos wore and how Varga had better master the skills that Carlos possessed if he expected to survive this lifestyle.

    ¡°Get this man some clothes. I have seen beggars in better rags than the prison provides,¡± Carlos said, inspecting Varga¡¯s prison attire.

    One of Carlos¡¯s men scrambled to follow the request. He disappeared into one of the carriages and reappeared almost immediately, holding a neat bundle of clothes wrapped in twine.

    ¡°Change behind the carriage,¡± the Xandran tough said, jerking his thumb in the direction of the carriage. Varga walked behind the carriage and changed into the clothes provided for him. They were simple black trousers and a white shirt, but they felt like fine silks compared to the scratchy tunic he wore in prison. He walked back to the other side of the carriage.

    ¡°Chuck those rags, and let¡¯s go. You ride with me,¡± Carlos said, boarding his carriage before Varga could even acknowledge his orders.

    Varga climbed into Carlos¡¯s carriage and was surprised to find that the inside was plush but not overly extravagant. The bench seats had thick cushions sewn onto them and looked more comfortable than your standard bed. He closed the door and sat across from the Xandran trades¡¯ boss. Once inside, Vargas immediately noticed the smiling face Carlos wore outside was replaced with an unreadable expression. Suddenly, the carriage lurched into motion.

    ¡°I am sure your experience inside prison gave you some insight into how things work in the trades and the other areas of the underworld throughout Cordizal,¡±

    Varga nodded in confirmation.

    ¡°There¡¯s one thing you need to know before we meet Balrik,¡± Carlos said, leaning forward as his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper.

    Varga instinctively straightened in his seat, meeting Carlos''s gaze.

    ¡°Balrik is not like the others,¡± Carlos continued, his tone carrying a soft, cold edge. ¡°He¡¯s unpredictable. Dangerous. Most of us in the trades operate with a code¡ªa set of unwritten rules. However, Balrik¡­¡± Carlos paused, allowing the silence to stretch long enough for Varga to feel the weight of his words. ¡°He makes his own rules. And if you cross him, or even if he believes you crossed them, there are no second chances.¡±

    Varga felt a chill crawl up his spine despite the warm, dry, stale air in the carriage. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand. I am not telling you this out of the kindness of my heart. I need you to succeed. Or at least, I need you not to be questioned by Balrik. If he suspected the Vestigare sent you there to infiltrate his operation, he would extract the information from you in the most unpleasant ways imaginable, and the results of your torture would put me in a compromising position,¡± Carlos explained.

    ¡°I am under no delusion that we are friends or that you have any stake in my personal safety outside of the need to protect yourself, so I have to ask, why are you doing this? Why risk alienating Balrik or a rumor of working with the Vestigare?¡± Varga asked, allowing his curiosity to defeat his common sense.

    Carlos silently sat, intently staring at Varga for a moment before sighing audibly. ¡°I suppose there is no reason why we can¡¯t be candid with one another during this trip. I am doing it because Balrik is a rabid animal that needs to be put down.¡±Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you work with him?¡±

    ¡°Yes and no. Our spheres touch from time to time, but I do my best not to be associated with Balrik,¡± Carlos answered, turning his face toward the window. Varga took the gesture to mean their conversation about Balrik was over.

    As they rode in silence, the sway of the carriage lulled Varga to sleep, but his mind remained restless. The world outside the prison felt both familiar and foreign, a place he once belonged but now viewed through a different lens. The mission weighed heavily on him, the stakes higher than ever. However, beneath the surface, there was a constant nagging of doubt¡ªa question of whether he would ever return to the Five Kingdoms, and if he did, would the man he became be someone else entirely?

    ¡°We are almost there,¡± Carlos said, waking Varga with a start.

    ¡°How long was I asleep for?¡± Varga asked, wiping the sleep from his eyes.

    ¡°Almost about thirty hours.¡±

    Varga looked out the window to see the twin suns setting, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape. The terrain had changed drastically since they left the prison, with the barren plains giving way to rolling hills and the distant glimmer of the ocean. They were heading toward the borders of Arza and Nawahl. The air was cooler and carried the scent of brine.

    Carlos pulled out a hunk of crusty bread and a wineskin, handing them to Varga. Varga took them, nodding with gratitude before eating and drinking greedily. The wine alone made it the best meal he had had in months.

    They rode for an unknown amount of time, filling the silence with small talk. Finally, the carriage began to slow down. Carlos locked eyes with Varga before speaking.

    ¡°Follow my lead. If the fixer becomes suspicious, your mission will be over, and maybe our lives as well.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Varga acknowledged as the carriage came to a stop.

    Carlos gestured for Varga to exit first, which made sense, considering that Varga was supposed to be Carlos¡¯s underling, so he alighted without protest. Outside, some of the men who greeted him upon his prison release were there, along with a few Arzans and a rotund Ramon with the thickest walking cane Varga had ever seen.

    ¡°Carlos, good to see you again,¡± the Ramon said as soon as Carlos exited the carriage.

    ¡°Fulope! It is a pleasure,¡± Carlos returned the greeting. Varga noticed that Carlos¡¯s jovial demeanor was back. He was impressed at how the Xandran could change emotions on demand.

    The Ramon waddled forward in an effort to meet Carlos halfway, and to his credit, he made a third of the way before Carlos got to him. The two clutched forearms, smiling and making small talk. Varga was surprised that Carlos was on such friendly terms with a Ramon but then remembered that Carlos was passing a mole over to the Ramon, so their relationship must not be genuine.

    As the two men stood next to one another, Varga took the opportunity to compare them. Carlos had long, black hair, pulled into a ponytail, and the tawny skin of their people, but he was short and lithe by Xandran standards. Fulope, in comparison, had sandy-brown hair cut in Ramon legionnaire fashion and an olive complexion. He was meaty and tall, making the two men almost complete opposites.

    ¡°Fulope, this is Varga,¡± Carlos started as Varga approached them. Fulope made eye contact for a polite greeting but kept his attention on Carlos.

    ¡°I need you to know that this man is like kin to me. He is from good Xandran stock and very reliable and loyal,¡± Carlos said.

    ¡°He is a former Vestigare agent, is he not? How loyal can he be?¡±

    ¡°His family has ties to the trades. Varga joined the Vestigare to protect his people, and I will not tolerate such slander to his name again,¡± Carlos hissed, his voice low and dangerous. Fulope¡¯s smile faltered, just for a moment, before he raised his meaty hands in a placating gesture.

    ¡°At ease, my friend,¡± Fulope said, his tone light but his eyes wary. ¡°You have to see it from my point of view. A former Vestigare agent could be a tremendous asset or a tremendous risk.¡±

    Varga was impressed by the Xandran¡¯s performance. He would have believed they were age old companions if he hadn¡¯t met him just yesterday.

    ¡°Just so. Unfortunately, in Xandelfi, there is too much attention on Varga for me to put into the trades in the capacity that he deserves. I thought you or your boss could use a good man for a few years. Consider this a favor to me.¡±

    Varga noticed the Ramon frown at the word boss but did not correct Carlos.

    ¡°How good are you with a sword? Sword arms are always useful. I assume you fenced in Xandra at some point.¡±

    ¡°I believe I could hold my own against most in a fair fight,¡± Varga answered carefully.

    ¡°I am not sure if that was modesty or overconfidence. Either way, I like it,¡± Fulope responded, laughing loudly at his wit.

    ¡°So, I can trust you to take care of him?¡± Carlos asked after Fulope finished.

    ¡°Of course, old friend. But I cannot promise that Balrik will take him, so I will need something to cover his living expenses until we find a way for him to start earning,¡± Fulope replied.

    Varga suspected Fulope would have asked for the coins regardless of whether he knew Balrik would take Varga on.

    ¡°That goes without saying,¡± Carlos said, producing a bulging coin purse and handing it over to the Ramon. Carlos turned to Varga, clapping him on the shoulders like they were age-old companions.

    ¡°I will see you in a few years. Take care and be safe,¡± Carlos said before saying his farewells to Fulope and leaving Varga alone with the Ramon.

    ¡°So, what did Carlos tell you about me?¡± Fulope asked as they watched Carlos¡¯s carriages ride away.

    ¡°Not much. Carlos only told me that you work for Balrik,¡± Varga answered truthfully.

    ¡°I work with Balrik, but those are some semantics for some other time. Come along now. I will catch you up on what to expect,¡± Fulope said with a chuckle before turning toward his carriage.

    ¡°By the way, where are we going?¡± Varga asked as he fell in beside the waddling Ramon.

    ¡°We are heading to the City-State of Tazen, lad. You wanted to meet Balrik. Now all you have to do is hope that he wants to meet you,¡± Fulope answered ominously.

    They boarded the carriage, with Varga wondering if he would return to Xandra as a hero. Or if he would end up buried in a shallow grave, remembered for the infamous deeds crafted by the Vestigare. The road ahead was uncertain, and the shadows stretching across the land seemed to whisper of dangers yet unseen. However, Varga knew one thing for sure¡ªwhatever awaited him in Tazen would test him in ways he had never imagined.

 04-Private Residence

    Esmeralda woke with a start.

    Her bed was a tangled mess from her tossing and turning. Her bedclothes clung to her damp skin, and each breath was laborious because the feeling of terror still rested heavily in her chest.

    Instinctively reaching for her nightstand, she grabbed the bottle of Arzan spirits she kept there for moments like this. Her hands shook so much she had trouble uncorking the bottle, nearly dropping it twice. Once she finally worked the cork free, she tipped the bottle up and took a long drink. The amber liquid burned in her chest, but her shaking stopped immediately.

    The familiar burn grounded her, pulling her away from the lingering shadows of her nightmare. As her breathing slowed, Esmeralda took in her surroundings¡ªthe dim light filtering through the heavy curtains, the soft rustle of the morning breeze outside. The oppressive weight of the dream began to lift, replaced by the cool, solid reality of her private apartment in Xandelfi.

    She exhaled deeply, forcing the remnants of the nightmare to retreat further into the recesses of her mind. Pushing back the covers, Esmeralda stood and walked across the room. She pulled the curtains open, allowing the soft glow of dawn to flood in. The eldest of the twin suns was just peeking over the horizon, casting long, golden rays over the city.

    Esmeralda took another long drink from the bottle, savoring the warmth that spread through her stomach. This warmth contrasted sharply with the cold determination she needed to fuel her survival¡ªa quality her biological father lacked.

    She pushed the thoughts of her worthless father from her mind. Unlike him, who lacked the strength and will to protect his family or survive, Esmeralda was determined to push through whatever obstacles the gods placed in her way.

    Living in a private residence near the Higher Grounds was a rare luxury for an agent fresh from basic training. This comfort was made possible not only by the Vestigare stipend, but also by the generous funds from Balrik. Today marked the beginning of her effort to repay Balrik for the support and love he had given her. She was resolved to succeed or die trying.

    With a final glance at the horizon, Esmeralda set the bottle down and began to prepare for the day ahead.

    She got dressed in navy trousers and a white blouse. After Esmeralda was satisfied with her clothes, she had a small plate of fruit for breakfast. The combination of her recurring nightmares and the liquor made it difficult for her to eat anything substantial in the morning. Luckily, today, it seemed like she would hold everything down. Esmeralda was thankful for that small blessing as she did her daily routine of stretches. Once Esmeralda felt limber, she checked the list Balrik gave her and headed to the field office.

    Esmeralda entered the field office to find two agents, a Ramon agent and a Nawahl agent, in the middle of a discussion.

    ¡°Can you believe the Vestigare declined to help Rame again against the Wildland bandits, Agent Suri?¡± the Ramon agent asked.

    ¡°Agent Giovanni, I understand your frustration, but you know as well as I do the Vestigare does not get involved in wars,¡± Agent Suri replied.

    ¡°Rame is not at war with the Wildlands bandits, but they threaten the Five Kingdoms. The Vestigare also catches criminals, and Silz the Five Thousand Ducat Bandit is indeed a criminal of the highest order,¡± Agent Giovanni retorted.

    ¡°Again, the Vestigare do not chase outlaws unless they are citizens of Five Kingdoms or if their crimes take place in a Five Kingdoms city. These are rules we learned as recruits,¡± Agent Suri said.

    Giovanni¡¯s face turned beet-red, and the veins in his temples bulged. Esmeralda was impressed that despite his obvious anger, his voice remained steady.

    ¡°These crimes often happen within the borders of Rame. Why should it matter if they happen in a city or not?¡±

    Agent Suri shrugged and opened his mouth to answer but stopped as he noticed Esmeralda across the room.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda, was it?¡± Agent Suri said, smoothing his travel-worn shirt as he approached her.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Suri was about half a hand shorter than Esmeralda, making him an average height for a Nawahl. He had black hair tied in a long ponytail and a pale, ghostly complexion. Giovanni was taller than Esmeralda, making him tall for a Ramon. He had an olive complexion with sandy-brown hair and wore cropped shorts in the legionnaire fashion.

    ¡°Just so,¡± Esmeralda replied before asking. ¡°And you are?¡±

    She knew the answer to her question but figured it would be impolite to admit to eavesdropping on their conversation.

    ¡°I am Agent Suri,¡± Agent Suri started before gesturing to the Ramon agent. ¡°And this is Agent Giovanni.¡±

    ¡°Well met, Agent Suri,¡± Esmeralda nodded toward the Nawahl agent before turning her attention to the Ramon agent. ¡°Agent Giovanni.¡±

    Giovanni¡¯s eyes flicked over her, curiosity mixed with suspicion. ¡°You¡¯re the new agent who just got assigned here, right? Rumor has it you¡¯re living in a private residence. Quite the feat for a rookie salary.¡±

    ¡°If you must know, I am living off my inheritance until I can secure a few promotions,¡± Esmeralda answered.

    ¡°Lucky you,¡± Giovanni said with a half-smile. As soon as he realized how his statement sounded, he dropped his voice and added. ¡°I don¡¯t mean it was lucky to lose your family. That is just¡ªwell, unfortunate. Please take no offense.¡±

    ¡°None was taken, Agent Giovanni. I have been blessed that my father provides from beyond.¡±

    The three of them stood in awkward silence before Agent Suri asked.

    ¡°So how are you liking Xandelfi, Agent Esmeralda?¡±

    ¡°It is everything they say it is,¡± Esmeralda responded neutrally, evoking a round of laughs from the other two agents.

    ¡°Indeed. No matter what you hear about Xandelfi, good or bad, it is true,¡± Giovanni added, still chuckling.

    ¡°Actually, I could use your help,¡± Esmeralda said, her tone casual but deliberate as she laid the bait. ¡°I¡¯ve got a lead on a smuggling operation that could enrich our careers.¡±

    ¡°Smuggling? That sounds like something for Agent Giovanni,¡± Suri started, raising his hands, palms out.

    ¡°I am on my way out of this gods¡¯ forsaken pit, and finally, my transfer has been approved, so I will leave you two to figure it out.¡±

    Agent Suri walked towards the staircase, and before he could go upstairs, Agent Giovanni said. ¡°Remember, you promised to give me your assets before you left.¡±

    ¡°If they have no more use for me, maybe,¡± Suri said over his shoulder as he ascended the steps and disappeared from view.

    ¡°You were saying, Agent Esmeralda?¡± Agent Giovanni asked, gesturing to a small, round table with four chairs. Esmeralda took a seat, and Giovanni sat across from her.

    ¡°Yes, I got a tip and want to hunt down somebody,¡± Esmeralda explained.

    ¡°A tip? Already? From who?¡± Giovanni asked, scratching his chin in thought.

    ¡°If you are willing to exchange contacts, I suppose I could introduce you to my source,¡± Esmeralda said.

    ¡°I only want to make sure you are not getting tricked,¡± Giovanni replied, leaning back in his seat as if she had struck him.

    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Agent Giovanni, but I am quite confident in the validity of my sources,¡± Esmeralda retorted.

    Agent Giovanni snorted in reply, gesturing for Esmeralda to continue.

    Esmeralda paused, weighing her words carefully. ¡°There¡¯s an Arzan smuggler, Marlowe Aerofinch. If we can hunt him down, it would be a significant victory for the both of us.¡±

    ¡°Marlowe Aerofinch? I don¡¯t know the name offhand. Are you sure he is even worth our time?¡±

    ¡°Trust me, Agent Giovanni. Once we collar him, we will have the attention of the upper brass.¡±

    ¡°For a rookie, you seem to have a lot of faith in your intel and abilities,¡± Giovanni said with a chuckle. The Ramon ran his hand through his hair and spoke again.

    ¡°You said he was a smuggler. What does he smuggle?¡±

    Esmeralda mentally smiled. He finally took the bait, and all she had to do was reel him in.

    ¡°The most despicable cargo there is, slaves.¡±

    Giovanni let out a soft whistle. Esmeralda doubted that the Ramon felt sorry for the enslaved but was thinking about the impact busting a slave trader in Xandelfi would have on his career.

    ¡°Use your contacts in the city to find him, and I will do the legwork of investigating him, and we both get credit for the arrest. How does that sound?¡±

    Giovanni did not take long before nodding his head in agreement.

    ¡°Marlowe Aerofinch? Give me a day or two, and I will have his whereabouts if he exists,¡± Giovanni said, standing to take his leave.

    ¡°Excellent. I look forward to working with you, Agent Giovanni,¡± Esmeralda added, following the Ramon agent¡¯s lead and standing. Esmeralda extended her hand, and they clasped forearms, sealing their pact.

    Agent Giovanni politely excused himself from the table. Esmeralda eyed Giovanni as he headed up the stairs. Their relationship could be fruitful¡ªif he didn¡¯t become a liability. She couldn¡¯t help but feel that their partnership had a high possibility of ending in blood.

 05-Oziberry Juice

    Varga winced as the Tazen mender cleaned the deep gash on his brow, disrupting his focus. The breathing techniques Agent Aon urged him to master would have to wait.

    For the third time, Varga found himself back in the mender''s hut, nursing fresh wounds from yet another brawl in the town.

    ¡°You need to be more careful,¡± the mender, Kokal, mentioned as she stood, inspecting her handiwork from afar.

    ¡°I think it will heal fine,¡± she murmured, leaning over Varga and pinching the wound together. Varga grimaced from the pain of the gash. Suddenly, it felt like someone dunked his head in a bucket of ice water.

    Varga lost track of time. The icy numbness not only took away the pain of his gashed forehead, but it also momentarily pushed away the simmering anger he carried. When Kokal released him, he gasped for air, his chest tight with a mix of relief and the familiar, unwelcome tension he had developed since his Fulope brought him to the City-State of Tazen.

    Varga touched his brow, feeling smooth skin where the gash used to be.

    ¡°Just a light scar,¡± Kokal said, smiling at her work.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Varga mumbled as he stood from the cot.

    ¡°You are lucky that you didn¡¯t have any significant injuries, or your body would need much more rest. It would be best to remember while healing is magik, all it does is accelerate your body¡¯s natural healing process,¡± Kokal explained. Varga was not an expert on magik or healing, but he learned during his time at Vestigare basic training that one could receive magikal healing and still die.

    Varga pulled out three silver denis from his coin purse and handed them to her.

    ¡°Master Varga, listen. I know it¡¯s not my place, but you¡¯ve got to get a handle on that temper of yours. Whatever¡¯s eating at you¡ªit doesn¡¯t have to win,¡± Kokal said, looking him in the eye.

    Varga felt a rare sense of calm as he looked into Kokal¡¯s eyes. She made him feel safe¡ªlike maybe he mattered to someone in this cursed place and was more than only the Vestigare blunt instrument to take down Balrik. It was a feeling he wasn¡¯t used to, one that unsettled him as much as it comforted him.

    Kokal was tall enough to look him level in the eyes with smooth, onyx-colored skin and large almond-shaped eyes, and she wore her jet-black hair up in multiple buns.

    ¡°I believe in you,¡± Kokal added, pulling Varga from his thoughts.

    ¡°But until you can, make sure you don¡¯t get yourself killed, and I will help you.¡±

    ¡°As long as I have silver, right?¡± Varga quipped, gathering his jacket.

    ¡°Silver helps,¡± Kokal replied, laughing heartily at the exchange.

    Kokal¡¯s laugh was warm, genuine, and infectious. Before Varga knew it, he was laughing too¡ªa rare, unguarded interaction. He didn¡¯t realize how much he missed such moments until now.

    ¡°Also, I am unsure why your stomach is bothering you so much if you are not drinking as you say. It could be from stress. Regardless, drink a glass or two of oziberry juice to keep inflammation down,¡± Kokal explained. Varga was sad to see her radiant smile replaced with a look of concern, but he was grateful for her help.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll be back,¡± Varga said, making his way to the hut¡¯s exit.

    Kokal looked at him slyly, and before he left, she said.

    ¡°I know you will be.¡±

    <hr>

    Every step was a struggle, the thick mud clinging to his boots as if the Stew itself was trying to drag him under. Varga felt the eyes of the desperate on him as he pressed forward. Slowly, the buildings grew sturdier, the air slightly less oppressive, telling him Varga neared the border where the slums gave way to the city proper. Varga paused to catch his breath and glance back at the squalor he was leaving behind. No matter how often he crossed this threshold, the shift from misery to a semblance of civilization was always jarring.

    Varga knew better than to cross into the city proper, so he turned toward the one place where the line between the two worlds blurred: the Fifth Member. The inn stood like a sentinel on the edge of the slums, its worn sign swaying slightly in the breeze. It was a haven for the lowlifes of Tazen and Balrik''s headquarters.

    Varga made his way across the common room and found a stool. He noticed a thin Arzan leaning against the bar as he sat. The thick Tazen bartender, Mikah, approached him, wiping his meaty hands with a filthy rag.

    ¡°Master Varga, I am glad that gash healed. What can I get you?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Master Mikah. Get me a glass of oziberry juice.¡±

    Mikah nodded, and without another word, he went off to get Varga his drink.

    ¡°Oziberry juice?¡± the Arzan asked, snickering.

    ¡°Yes. The mender suggested I drink a few glasses a day for my stomach,¡± Varga answered, doing his best to remain calm as Kokal wanted.

    Mikah plunked the glass of juice on the counter and went off to do something else.

    ¡°Mender? I always thought Xandrans had more sense than to believe in backwater witchcraft,¡± the Arzan said, chuckling.

    Varga¡¯s knuckles whitened around the ceramic mug, the Arzan¡¯s snide comment pounding in his head like a war drum. He downed the oziberry juice in one long gulp, its bitter tang doing nothing to quell the rage simmering in his gut.

    He thought to walk away, but the Arzan¡¯s smug expression pushed him over the edge. Without thinking, Varga lunged, shattering the ceramic mug on the side of the Arzan¡¯s head.

    The Arzan screamed, falling backward and clutching his face. Varga tackled him, taking them to the floor. From there, Varga mounted the Arzan and started raining punches down on him. Varga lost track of how long he beat the Arzan, but he didn¡¯t stop until a meaty hand grasped his reared-back fist from behind.

    Varga turned, expecting to see Mikah, and was surprised when he found himself face-to-face with Fulope.

    ¡°Enough, lad,¡± Fulope said, his voice cutting through the chaos like a knife. He pointedly glanced at the Arzan¡¯s battered face. ¡°Point made.¡±

    Varga could feel the Ramon fixer guiding him to stand, so he went along. Once up on his feet, Fulope looked him up and down, sighing before he spoke.

    ¡°You have to get a new hobby.¡±

    Varga clenched his fists as the blood continued to pound in his ears, but Varga still had enough sense to keep his mouth shut when Fulope spoke to him.

    ¡°I get it. You are young and mad at the world, but Balrik has important visitors who come here. Individuals with deep business connections to him. Do you understand?¡±

    Varga nodded in response.

    ¡°There are some individuals who come here that you can¡¯t touch,¡± Fulope started before gesturing to bloodied Arzan on the floor. ¡°This gentleman is someone you almost can¡¯t touch, but luckily for you, Balrik also finds him annoying.¡±

    Varga let out a breath that he was unaware he was holding.

    Fulope looked over his shoulder at the bartender.

    ¡°Master Mikah, clean this mess up for me if you please.¡±

    ¡°Should I take him to a mender?¡± Mikah asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Fulope started, looking at the Arzan thoughtfully, ¡°this should remind him to keep his opinions to himself.¡±

    Fulope turned his attention back to Varga.

    ¡°Good news. Balrik wants to meet tomorrow. Until then, stick around. What were you drinking?¡±

    ¡°Oziberry juice,¡± Varga answered.

    The corners of Fulope¡¯s mouth twitched as he visibly fought a smile, but he said nothing and ordered Varga his drink.

 06-The Finer Details

    Esmeralda kept busy for the next few days by familiarizing herself with the inner workings of Xandelfi. The city was in chaos. The underworld, known as the trades, was splintered, a mess of people crawling each other for any advantage they could get. Everything from standard muggings to complex scams were happening daily in Xandelfi, and any day, a new war between the various factions could break out.

    The Lordship of Xandelfi was young and only in the fifth year of his rule. So far, the Lordship hadn¡¯t moved to tamp down the lawlessness in his city. The city¡¯s more affluent areas, like the Higher Grounds, were well policed and relatively safe, so Esmeralda didn¡¯t expect him to move as long as the crime stayed ¡®where it belonged.¡¯

    Esmeralda strode into the Vestigare field office, wondering how long it would be before the seven hells spilled into the streets of Xandelfi. Her keen eyes scanned the room and, after she was sure there were no hidden dangers, landed on Agent Giovanni, who sat at a table at the center of the room fussing with a tea set.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda. Thank you for this meeting,¡± Giovanni said, struggling to rise from his seat as a gesture of respect.

    Esmeralda watched him, her thoughts briefly wandering to the transformation of the Ramon people. Once a formidable warrior class that had subjugated the Grang, they now reveled in the excesses of an aristocracy. It was a shift she couldn¡¯t fully grasp, but such musings were best left to scholars. Esmeralda simply waited until Giovanni managed to stand before taking her seat, her mind returning to the task at hand.

    Giovanni slowly made his way to the hearth, where he retrieved a copper kettle. He then produced a leather pouch of dark tea leaves, pinching a generous amount and adding it to the teapot.

    ¡°Grang tea. Many Ramons would lie and tell you it almost rivals Ramon tea, but the truth is Ramon tea is a distant second,¡± Giovanni explained as he poured the water from the kettle into the teapot.

    After a few moments, Giovanni poured the tea into the cups, waited for her to pick which cup she wanted, and drank from his as a show of good faith.

    Esmeralda blew the steam from her teacup before sipping on it. The liquid was hot, but the tea was exquisite.

    ¡°See?¡± Giovanni commented before taking another drink himself. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s the little things that reveal the true character of a place.¡±

    Esmeralda nodded thoughtfully, tracing the rim of her cup with a finger. ¡°Agree, it¡¯s the finer details that matter most.¡±

    Giovanni¡¯s eyes sharpened, as if weighing her words. ¡°Speaking of details, I looked into this Marlowe Aerofinch as you asked.¡±

    ¡°Did you find his location?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°Aye. After looking into the Arzan¡¯s movements, I believe your tip might be onto something.¡±

    ¡°You investigated him?¡±

    ¡°I only pulled dock records, but there are enough discrepancies to give weight to your claims,¡± Giovanni answered, holding his hands up defensively. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Esmeralda unclenched her balled fist and relaxed at his explanation.

    ¡°Discrepancies?¡± Esmeralda asked, hoping her body language earlier didn¡¯t betray her too much.

    ¡°Yes, he often miscalculated the amount of food in his stores and the weight of his cargo. This type of thing happens to even the best of captains, but with Marlowe, it is the norm. I will say he seems savvy enough to know who to pay off to continue his operations,¡± Giovanni explained before sliding her a folded parchment. Esmeralda picked it up, unfolding it to find an address scrawled on the parchment.

    ¡°That¡¯s where you will find Marlowe. He lives alone, but not sure if he has guards,¡± Giovanni added as Esmeralda looked up from the parchment.

    ¡°Excellent work, Agent Giovanni. I will take care of the rest. I will also assure you receive credit for all your work,¡± Esmeralda said.

    Giovanni nodded before saying.

    ¡°Glad I could be of assistance. Oh, this came for you.¡±

    He slid a sealed missive across the table.

    ¡°What is this?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°I won¡¯t know. But it came by Vestigare carrier, so it is internal,¡± Giovanni answered with a shrug.

    They made small talk and finished their tea. Esmeralda was distracted by the missive. She left it on the table to show Giovanni that it meant nothing to her, but her eyes wandered to it several times during their conversation. Esmeralda was sure he believed it contained critical information.

    ¡°Thank you for the company, and I look forward to our next conversation, Agent Esmeralda,¡± Giovanni said, excusing himself.

    Esmeralda sat at the table until she was alone before opening the sealed missive. Esmeralda scanned the contents and immediately recognized the penmanship of her training companion, Paya.

    Agent Esmeralda,

    I hope this message finds you in good health. I tracked down where you were assigned so we may stay in contact with one another and continue to watch each other¡¯s backs even after graduation. I was impressed to hear your first assignment was in Xandelfi, something usually reserved for more seasoned agents. Regardless, I am confident you can navigate your new environment with skill and grace. I implore you to remember that if you ever need a hand, all you have to do is write, and I will come. Currently, I am assigned to headquarters, but I expect to receive a new assignment soon, and once I get my new location, I will let you know.

    Unfortunately, I also bring you some bad news. Yesterday, as I write this message, the Waltz had a horrible fire, burning it to the ground. The worst part of the incident was that Mistress Nance perished in the fire. The Vestigare is taking a personal interest in the case because of the proximity the Waltz was to the Vestigare training facility. So far, there have not been any signs of foul play.

    I know you were fond of the location and Mistress Nance and believed you would like to hear this horrible news from someone you knew.

    I apologize for ending this missive on such a dour note. So, I will remind you again: if you are ever in need, do not hesitate to reach out.

    Sincerely,

    Agent Paya

    Esmeralda slowly folded the parchment closed with careful precision, tucking it into her small pouch as if sealing away the emotions threatening to surface. The news about Mistress Nance hit her like a cudgel, blunt and unexpected. Memories of their quiet conversations in the dimly lit room flooded her mind¡ªthe warmth in Nance¡¯s eyes, the gentle encouragement that had been her lifeline through the grueling months of training. Without her, Esmeralda wasn¡¯t sure she would have made it through.

    Esmeralda realized she was gripping the edge of the table, her knuckles whitening as if she were trying to rip the solid wood table in half. However, beneath the anger and sorrow was something else¡ªa faint glimmer of warmth. Paya¡¯s words and sincerity lingered, promising a connection she hadn¡¯t realized she was desperate for. For the first time, Esmeralda had someone besides Balrik who seemed to care, someone she could call a friend. The thought was comforting and unsettling, stirring something long buried within her.

    Esmeralda closed her eyes, breathing through her nose. There would be time to sort through these tangled feelings later. For now, she needed to focus on the task at hand¡ªdealing with the smuggler.

 07-Down Payment

    Varga woke up in a comfortable bed, feeling the most rested he had felt in almost a year. Fulope set him up with a decent room for the night, and Varga forgot how much of a difference a good mattress made for getting sleep. Varga took the opportunity to practice his breathing as Agent Aon instructed. It was much harder to do when he shared his sleeping space with others, so having a private room was a gift from the gods.

    Varga finished his breathing exercises by checking his pulse. After being satisfied with the results, he finished dressing and headed downstairs to the bar.

    At the bar, Master Mikah dried mugs with a rag. He put down what he was doing, walking away from the counter as soon as he saw Varga, and quickly returned with a glass of oziberry juice. Varga nodded his thanks and sipped on the tart juice, wondering what Balrik expected him to do next. Fulope gave him no other instructions besides telling him Balrik would meet him today. Did they want him to wait at the bar all day?

    Varga finished his glass of juice and turned to lean on the bar. He almost physically jumped as he saw Fulope standing an arm¡¯s length away from him with a look of amusement on his face.

    ¡°Balrik will see you now,¡± Fulope said, skipping all pleasantries.

    ¡°Excellent.¡±

    Varga was unsure what else to say, so he did his best to look unfazed by Fulope sneaking up on him.

    ¡°This way,¡± the Ramon said, walking away before Varga could reply. All he could do was walk behind Fulope as he led them through the inn.

    They walked past three thick Tazens, sitting at a table dicing. At least, at first, he thought they were dicing, but they were only rolling the dice, and no coins were exchanging hands. Varga figured they were Balrik¡¯s muscle in the inn and mentally chastised himself for not catching this earlier.

    Fulope walked them around the table and behind a partition that revealed a small descending stairway with a door at the end.

    ¡°Balrik is in his office. I advise you to knock before entering,¡± Fulope said, gesturing towards the stairwell.

    ¡°I have some home training,¡± Varga mumbled. Fulope questioningly arched an eyebrow but said nothing. Varga decided that playing the tough guy now would be a mistake and headed down the stairs without complaint. His footsteps echoed as he made his way down the short hall. Varga stopped in front of the door before looking back to Fulope and loudly knocked on the door four times. Fulope smirked, and then Varga a voice from inside.

    ¡°Enter.¡±

    Varga opened the door and entered the office. Inside, he saw a short Nawahl leaning against a large, well-polished desk.

    The room was thick with the scent of old leather and sweet incense, but beneath that, Varga caught the metallic tang of iron, sharp and unsettling. The dim light flickered across the mounted animal heads of dangerous predators that lined the walls, their dead eyes glinting as if in a silent, desperate warning. Normally, such trophies wouldn¡¯t unnerve him, but here, in Balrik¡¯s presence, they weren¡¯t just decorations¡ªthey were a chilling reminder that Balrik was the hunter, and you were the prey.

    ¡°The Vestigare has always attracted the finest talent,¡± Balrik continued, stopping just outside Varga¡¯s reach. ¡°Regardless of their social standing.¡±

    Varga forced his expression to remain neutral, though the deliberate mention of his background set his nerves on edge. ¡°My uncle always said, ¡®You can take a man from the trades, but you can¡¯t take the trades from the man.¡¯¡±

    Balrik¡¯s lips curled into a cold, calculating smile. ¡°Indeed. Your family¡¯s reputation precedes you.¡± His mismatched eyes lingered on Varga, appraising him like a merchant inspecting rare goods. ¡°I didn¡¯t know your father well, but your uncle Alberto¡ªnow, he was a standup fellow.¡±

    ¡°I heard you got pinched taking bribes from Raul Del Gato and you took the fall for him instead of ratting him out. You are either very loyal or stupid,¡± Balrik added.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°Some would say I am a bit of both,¡± Varga replied.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Balrik said, his voice chilling the room.

    ¡°If what you say is true, I could use a person like you. However, I am the cautious sort. I am going to need more than a good story.¡±

    Varga shrugged for his response.

    Balrik studied Varga for a moment, then walked behind his desk. He returned holding a large metal ring and a quartz crystal as long as his forearm, their surfaces catching the light ominously. Without a word, he unceremoniously dropped the ring on the floor near Varga¡¯s feet, his eyes never leaving Varga.

    ¡°Step in it.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Varga asked, taking a half-step towards the ring.

    ¡°Something to give me peace of mind. Step in it.¡±

    Varga paused, a cold sweat forming on his brow. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but he knew there was nowhere to go. Balrik¡¯s eyes were on him, unblinking, waiting, judging. With a deep breath, Varga stepped into the ring, praying to whatever gods would hear him that whatever came next wouldn¡¯t be his end or something worse than death.

    Balrik¡¯s brow furrowed in deep concentration, and the ring on the floor flared to life. The now visible runes etched in its body cast a vivid blue glow that bathed the room in an eerie light.

    Varga felt the air around him grow thick, almost suffocating, as a wave of magikal energy washed over and through his body. The sensation was electric, every hair on his arms standing on end, as if the very essence of his being was laid bare to some unseen force.

    Balrik¡¯s eyes flicked to the quartz crystal in his hand, now pulsating with the same unsettling blue light as the runes on the ring. ¡°It seems you¡¯re not being tracked or monitored,¡± he remarked, his tone betraying no emotion, though the undercurrent of suspicion still lingered.

    Abruptly, the glow from both the ring and the quartz ceased, plunging the room back into its dim, oppressive atmosphere. ¡°That¡¯s enough. Come here,¡± Balrik ordered, his voice sharp, leaving no room for hesitation.

    Varga stepped closer to the former Vestigare agent, his heart pounding with mounting dread about what Balrik had in store for him next.

    ¡°Let me see your hands.¡±

    Varga¡¯s mind raced, struggling to make sense of Balrik¡¯s command. He wondered if his own face betrayed the confusion he felt. Balrik stood there, arms folded, his expression a cold mask of indifference. With no other option, Varga held out his hands as instructed.

    ¡°Put them on the table.¡±

    Varga swallowed hard before complying with the odd command. The moment his hands touched the table, Balrik¡¯s expression twisted into a sneer. Before Varga could register what was happening, Balrik brought the quartz crashing down onto Varga¡¯s left hand.

    The force of the blow was brutal. A sickening crack echoed through the room as the delicate bones in Varga¡¯s hand shattered. The pain was so intense it drove him to his knees, his world reduced to a blinding, relentless throb.

    ¡°Who sent you? Speak,¡± Balrik rasped, his voice devoid of emotion. His grip tightened on Varga¡¯s wrist, pinning it to the table with a ruthless, almost predatory force.

    ¡°No one!¡± Varga screamed, his voice cracking with pain.

    Balrik¡¯s response was immediate and vicious. He brought the quartz down onto Varga¡¯s hand again with a crushing force.

    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me, boy. The Vestigare? Are you their rat?¡± Balrik¡¯s voice was cold, and with each question the quartz slammed into his hand with a steady rhythm.

    ¡°No. I am only trying to survive!¡± Varga finally was able to cry out, his voice breaking. He tugged at his hand, but Balrik¡¯s grip was like iron, unyielding and relentless.

    ¡°Was it that damn lizard, Agent Aon?¡± Balrik¡¯s eyes blazed with a dangerous fervor as he smashed Varga¡¯s hand again, his actions precise and calculated.

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t know who that is!¡± Varga¡¯s voice was a whisper now, his strength ebbing and tears streaming down his face as his vision blurred.

    Without warning, Balrik abruptly released his grip on Varga¡¯s arm. The suddenness of it was almost as shocking as the violence that had preceded it.

    ¡°Enough. Get up,¡± Balrik ordered, yanking Varga to his feet.

    Varga cradled his shattered left hand with his right, a mix of fear and hope swirling within him. Would this torment finally end?

    Balrik pulled a small coin purse from his belt and dropped it onto the table. ¡°Get yourself fixed up and buy something nice with the leftover coins. I¡¯ll have work for you once your hand heals,¡± he said, his tone final, cutting off the impromptu interrogation.

    Varga snatched the coin purse and shuffled out of the room, the throbbing pain in his mangled hand echoing the turmoil in his mind. The purse felt heavy¡ªnot just with coin, but with the weight of an unspoken contract forged the moment he accepted it. As the door slammed shut behind him, the air seemed colder, the shadows deeper.

    He had walked away from Balrik today, but he knew better than to mistake it for mercy. The Nawahl¡¯s nature was one of calculation, not forgiveness. With each jingle of the coin purse, the truth settled deeper in Varga¡¯s gut¡ªthis wasn¡¯t an apology; it was a down payment. Perhaps on his skillset. Or perhaps his grave.

 08-Formalities

    Esmeralda stood outside Marlowe Aerofinch¡¯s residence, a tall, narrow building rising four stories against the skyline. The structure, a common sight in Xandelfi, seemed more like a towering stack of cramped rooms and stairs than a true home, its narrow windows glinting in the light of the morning suns.

    Esmeralda shook her head, chastising herself for stalling. Despite knowing Marlowe wouldn¡¯t be a significant challenge, the gravity of her mission pressed heavily upon her. As an agent, her word carried significant authority, but she had to ensure his death appeared accidental. A misstep could lead to her being rounded up by the inquisitors and marched before a Vestigare tribunal¡ªa fate nearly as daunting as failing Balrik.

    Esmeralda sighed and ascended the stairs to the front door. In these vertical homes, the main entrance was typically on the second floor. Pausing in front of the door, she fidgeted with the thick copper ring on her middle finger¡ªthe one that had kept her safe countless times, just as Balrik had promised. She took a steadying breath, pushing away her reluctance, and used the shiny bronze knocker fixed to the door before she could find another reason to stall.

    After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing an Arzan. Short for his kind, he had long white hair and plum-colored skin.

    ¡°Yes?¡± the Arzan asked.

    ¡°Marlowe Aerofinch?¡±

    ¡°Who is asking?¡±

    ¡°The Vestigare,¡± Esmeralda replied, showing him the badge medallion of her office she wore around her neck.

    ¡°Aye, I am Marlowe Aerofinch. What would the Vestigare want with me?¡± Marlowe asked.

    ¡°I only want to ask you a few questions. May I come in?¡±

    Marlowe shrugged with the easy confidence of someone who had greased the right palms.

    Esmeralda stepped through the threshold and scanned the room. It was a spacious area, clearly set up for entertaining guests. There were a few bench sofas against the wall and a mound of cushions near the center of the room. She also noticed a low table with a water pipe for smoking tobacco before returning her attention back to Marlowe.

    ¡°I am only a humble trader, nothing more, nothing less, so I am having trouble understanding. Why are you here?¡± Marlowe asked, closing the door.

    ¡°Rest assured, Master Marlowe, this will be a brief and straightforward inquiry. In fact, it would be better to think of this as a formality.¡±

    ¡°Care to sit?¡± he asked, gesturing toward the cushions.

    ¡°No, thank you. As I said, I will not be here long,¡± Esmeralda answered, waving her hand in decline.

    Marlowe¡¯s shrug was nonchalant, but the sheen of sweat on his forehead and the flicker of unease in his eyes betrayed his anxiety.

    ¡°The Vestigare reviews windship dock logs and occasionally requires follow-up on discrepancies,¡± Esmeralda explained, pulling a small leather-bound book from her belt.

    ¡°Let me check¡­ Ah, here we go. According to the logs, you left Xandelfi with far more food than necessary for your crew of three. Yet, you returned with most of it depleted. Could you tell me what happened?¡±

    ¡°I can see how that would look suspicious,¡± Marlowe said with a smile and a chuckle before continuing, ¡°but it was a simple miscommunication between my first mate and me.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°That sounds reasonable, but what happened to the food?¡±

    ¡°I considered selling it and paying taxes, but I¡¯d have only recouped a fraction of the value. Instead, I donated it to starving children. The gods have blessed me enough.¡±

    ¡°Did you file the official paperwork?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°No, is that an issue?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily, but you could use it for tax deductions. I¡¯d recommend consulting a Ramon arbitrator for more accurate guidance.¡±

    ¡°I will keep that in mind for the future,¡± Marlowe replied.

    ¡°Well, that should do it. Thank you for your time, Master Marlowe,¡± Esmeralda said, putting up her notebook.

    Esmeralda walked past him toward the door, before turning back to face the smuggler.

    ¡°One more thing before I leave,¡± Esmeralda said, raising her index finger as if a sudden thought had occurred to her.

    ¡°Of course, Agent,¡± Marlowe said, flashing what Esmeralda assumed was his best smile.

    ¡°After Balrik took you under his wing, why did you think you could use what you learned from him to cut into his profits? Did you truly believe there would be no consequences for your betrayal?¡±

    His smile faded, replaced by a look of fear as the color drained from his face.

    ¡°What?¡± Marlowe asked stupidly, taking a step back from her.

    ¡°Balrik has taken your actions personally and demands retribution,¡± Esmeralda said, drawing her short sword.

    Marlowe turned and broke into a full sprint. He skidded around the corner and out of the room.

    Esmeralda didn¡¯t have much time to react and dashed after him. Entering the hallway, she heard boots rapidly ascending a stairway. Esmeralda followed and saw Marlowe turn the corner at the top of the stairs. She pressed on but carefully turned the corner, so she would not walk into an ambush and found another flight of stairs.

    Breathless from the relentless chase, Esmeralda burst onto the fourth floor. The master bedroom door was ajar, and she moved stealthily, every muscle tensed, her senses on high alert as she scanned the room for any sign of Marlowe.

    If Esmeralda were in his shoes, she would take her last stand in her chambers. However, to Esmeralda¡¯s surprise, the room was empty, and upon further inspection. she saw a ladder and an open hatch.

    Esmeralda stood at the bottom of the ladder and focused her ley, casting a quick barrier spell in case Marlowe wanted to attack her as she emerged through the hatch.

    Esmeralda quickly climbed the ladder, braced herself for an attack that never came, and found herself on a gorgeous deck atop Marlowe¡¯s home.

    Esmeralda¡¯s eyes found Marlowe opposite the hatch, clutching a dagger two-handedly, pointing it in her direction.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for things to get so messed up between Balrik and me,¡± Marlowe said.

    ¡°How does one cut their mentor out by accident?¡± Esmeralda retorted.

    ¡°Things happened. Balrik was gone, and people wanted shipments. I should have paid, I know. There has to be some way to make this right.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s speak plainly,¡± Esmeralda said, sheathing her weapon, her palms open in a gesture of truce but her mind already calculating the next move.

    ¡°I want your word. Promise me you won¡¯t harm me,¡± Marlowe said.

    ¡°I won¡¯t touch you. I promise.¡±

    Marlowe tucked the dagger in his belt. Esmeralda took a few steps towards him.

    ¡°I need you to tell Balrik I will pay what I owe him and more. Whatever it takes. I will make this right,¡± Marlowe said.

    Esmeralda focused her ley on her ring.

    ¡°Actually, I think it¡¯s too late to mend fences with Balrik,¡± Esmeralda said, her voice sounding cold to her ears. Before Marlowe could react, Esmeralda used the ley she focused into her ring to unleash a powerful, eldritch kinetic blast.

    Marlowe flew as if he was pulled from behind by an invisible hand and pinwheeled over the deck¡¯s railing.

    Esmeralda looked down at Marlowe¡¯s bloodied, twisted body sprawled in the street below. Grimacing, she steeled herself for the long descent. She had to confirm his death and stage the scene, erasing any trace of her involvement¡ªa grim necessity before reporting to the Vestigare. The weight of breaking her oath pressed down harder than she¡¯d expected, but she forced the guilt aside. There would be time to reckon with that later.

 09-God and his Bastard Sons

    Varga arrived at the inn, his stiff hand aching with every flex. Kokal had done wonderful work repairing the mangled mess, but it still throbbed with pain; at least it wasn¡¯t his sword arm. As he entered the common room, Fulope signaled him to join him at the bar.

    ¡°There you are. I was starting to worry you might have run off,¡± Fulope said, idly toying with a gaudy ring on his pinky while his eyes measured Varga with quiet scrutiny.

    ¡°No, this is the opportunity I¡¯ve been waiting for, and I¡¯m grateful to have it," Varga replied, his voice steady, despite the churning anxiety in his gut.

    ¡°Excellent. How is the hand? Balrik regretted that it had to happen the way it did, but he couldn¡¯t risk it, considering your background,¡± Fulope explained.

    Varga involuntarily flexed his hand before answering.

    ¡°It¡¯s tip-top, and yes, I understand Balrik¡¯s position.¡±

    ¡°Good. Harboring ill feelings could be dangerous. Balrik has plans to make you wealthy beyond your dreams¡ªfocus on that, not the past.¡±

    Varga nodded in agreement, and Fulope slid him a folded parchment before continuing.

    ¡°Tremendous. Follow the directions on that parchment. Balrik rarely does business here. He is on good terms with Chief Dabo, but the chief desires a certain amount of plausible deniability in case the authorities from the Five Kingdoms come knocking. Balrik dislikes keeping all of his eggs in one basket.¡±

    Varga unfolded the parchment. The directions looked easy enough.

    "All set?" Fulope asked. Varga nodded, tucking the parchment into his coat. ¡°Then don¡¯t waste time. Balrik despises tardiness.¡±

    With a final nod, Fulope turned on his heel and strode out, the rhythmic thud of the Ramon¡¯s walking cane gradually fading, leaving Varga alone with his thoughts.

    <hr>

    Varga found the location from the parchment with ease. The abandoned dyer¡¯s workshop was situated just outside the city, far enough from the roads to deter accidental discovery.

    As Varga walked up the path to the wooden workshop, he glanced at the various-sized tubs¡ªsome wooden, some copper¡ªand mused about what life might have been if he had chosen an honest trade.

    Movement coming from the direction of the workshop pulled him away from his wistful daydream of doing backbreaking labor. Varga looked up to see a large, thick-necked Tazen emerge from inside.

    ¡°Lost, are you?¡± the Tazen asked, his eyes appraising Varga.

    ¡°No, I was told to come here,¡± Varga replied.

    ¡°By whom?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe I know you well enough to answer that question.¡±

    The Tazen¡¯s face broke into a broad grin, and he chuckled at the exchange.

    ¡°You must be Varga. Balrik said you would be coming. I am Levi. Come up. The others are waiting inside.¡±

    The Tazen¡¯s laugh was infectious, and Varga found himself smiling with the Tazen as he made his way up the path. Once Varga was close enough, Levi extended his hand. Varga took it, clasping forearms with the large man.

    ¡°Welcome! Let¡¯s get rich or die trying!¡± Levi declared, laughing heartily as he threw an arm around Varga¡¯s shoulder.

    They entered the workshop like primary school chums. For a moment, Varga felt a pang of embarrassment. It dawned on him how profoundly lonely he was¡ªwithout a lover, friends, or even a confidant. He was utterly alone.

    Varga would worry about his feelings later and return his attention to staying alive. Once inside the workshop, Varga found four more individuals, three Tazens and a young Arzan.

    ¡°Look, fellows, Balrik¡¯s new recruit, Varga, is here,¡± Levi announced, gesturing in Varga¡¯s direction.

    Levi turned his attention back to Varga before pointing toward a tall, slender Tazen with black curly hair like sheep¡¯s wool. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°This is Obi.¡±

    Levi then gestured to a stout, bald Tazen about the same height as Varga.

    ¡°This is Renzo.¡±

    Renzo nodded in greeting before Levi gestured to the other Tazen, the shortest Tazen Varga had ever seen. He was about Balrik¡¯s height but was much thinner. The short Tazen had his hair twisted into small poofs on his head.

    ¡°And this is Abdo.¡±

    Abdo also nodded in greeting after being introduced.

    ¡°Finally, this is young Randi,¡± Levi said, gesturing to the Arzan.

    ¡°Pleasure to meet you all,¡± Varga said in everyone¡¯s general direction before turning his attention to Levi.

    ¡°I see that there are four Tazens. Would it be rude of me to assume you are a quartus?¡±

    ¡°Just so, Master Varga. Not a very good one, but one,¡± Levi answered, laughing with all of the Tazens except Abdo, who scowled openly.

    ¡°I understand how Balrik would come to enlist you four, but what¡¯s your story?¡± Varga asked, directing his question toward Randi.

    ¡°I ran into trouble at the Academy,¡± Randi answered.

    ¡°A first-year student was caught cheating and tried to murder the lecturer who caught him,¡± Levi added. This time, all the Tazens laughed along with him.

    ¡°It was a little more complicated than that, but Master Levi speaks the truth, even if it is oversimplified. So how about you? What brought you to Tazen?¡±

    Varga¡¯s mind raced. Balrik might accept that he was an excommunicated Vestigare agent, but would hardened criminals?

    Before Varga could answer, the air shimmered in the middle of the room like heat from hot sand, causing him to leap back. Varga had his hand on the hilt of his dueling sword when Balrik appeared where the air was shimmering. Varga noted that the other members didn¡¯t flinch, meaning this spectacle must be the norm with the mysterious Nawahl.

    ¡°Excellent. Everyone made it,¡± Balrik said with a sharp clap.

    Varga was still confused about what just happened a moment ago. Did Balrik teleport into the room? Varga was not well-versed in magikal theory, but what he did learn while in basic training was the teleportation of living objects had eluded scholars thus far.

    ¡°Levi, take the quartus and Randi to pay Tolly for this location and fetch a cart for you all and the cargo,¡± Balrik said, snapping Varga out of his thoughts. Balrik threw a bag of coins to Levi.

    ¡°Should we take the new guy too?¡± Levi asked after making the bag disappear somewhere.

    ¡°No. I need to speak with Master Varga. Now get going. Time is of the essence.¡±

    Balrik folded his arms and leaned against the wall as the five men shuffled out of the workshop. Even while casually waiting, Balrik exuded an aura of impending violence.

    After an awkward moment, Balrik finally turned to Varga and spoke.

    ¡°I think it would be best if you didn¡¯t share your history with the fellows. They know about my past, but I had years to work off the Vestigare stank to prove my intentions.¡±

    Varga nodded at the advice. At least now he knew he could tell the guys whatever story he wanted to tell, and it wouldn¡¯t come back to bite in the rear with Balrik.

    "I have grand plans for you, Varga. First, you need to travel to the Independent City-State of Cacoo. There, procure these ingredients from a Nawahl trader named Salli. If she asks about their purpose, tell her they¡¯re for curing an outbreak of spotted fever. Don¡¯t elaborate further, or she¡¯ll see through you,¡± Balrik said, handing Varga a parchment with the list.

    Varga nodded to show that he understood the instructions, and Balrik continued.

    ¡°But what I will make will be the key to retrieving something the world has not seen for centuries. A dragon.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Varga blurted out before he could stop himself.

    ¡°Actually, a dragon egg. A fully preserved one. And with this egg¡­¡±

    Balrik closed his mouth mid-sentence before tilting his head as if Balrik was listening to something. A moment later, the door opened, and Levi entered.

    ¡°Boss, I am sorry, but I forgot to tell you Tolly raised the rent. He said if you didn¡¯t like it, you could find another place to do your illegal operations,¡± Levi said.

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne!¡± Balrik spat, pulling a smaller coin purse from his belt.

    ¡°You tell that old bastard, the next time he wants to raise the rent, to come and negotiate with the person footing the bill. It is the least he can do.¡±

    Balrik tossed the purse across the room to Levi.

    ¡°Levi, get yourself something with the leftover,¡± Balrik added before the large Tazen left.

    Balrik shook his head and turned his attention back to Varga.

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne?¡± Varga asked, trying to lighten the mood.

    ¡°Yes, it is an ancient Nawahl expression,¡± Balrik said with a chuckle.

    ¡°Something about a god?¡±

    ¡°I see you picked something during the Vestigare Academy classes. Yes, God and his bastard sons. I have no idea why we say it. It just feels good to say it.¡±

    ¡°Well, it is not everyday you get to learn ancient Nawahl curse words,¡± Varga added.

    Balrik let out a laugh, and for a fleeting moment, Varga thought it might be genuine. The Nawahl clapped him on the shoulder, his grip firm but not unkind. ¡°We¡¯ll talk later,¡± Balrik said, his tone almost warm, leaving Varga questioning if the man was truly the monster the world believed him to be¡ªor something far more dangerous.

    The short Nawahl moved toward the door, his form gradually fading into the surrounding darkness. The door creaked open and shut, the sound reverberating through the now-empty workshop. Varga stood motionless in the dim, silent space, the unsettling image of Balrik¡¯s vanishing act lingering in his mind. The oppressive quiet gnawed at him, amplifying his isolation. One thing was certain: with Balrik, the unexpected was the only guarantee.

 10-Unspoken Implications

    Esmeralda arrived in Xanth, the capital of Xandra, by windskiff and stood outside the office of Agent Rowlin, the Vestigare branch leader. He had summoned her just days after she wrapped up the Marlowe Aerofinch case, where she had carefully staged the evidence to fit her story. Her report had led agents to uncover Aerofinch¡¯s stash of contraband¡ªexactly the kind of success that would boost Rowlin¡¯s standing. Usually, congratulations were handled via messenger or at formal events. So why had he called her in after a case that should have already earned him praise?

    The door to the office swung open, revealing a tall, thin Arzan man with an air of formality. His presence was marked by a subtle scent of polished wood and ink, hinting at the meticulous nature of his role.

    ¡°Agent Rowlin will see you now,¡± the Arzan said as he exited.

    Esmeralda assumed that was Agent Rowlin''s assistant and entered the room. Esmeralda looked over her shoulder, wondering if she should close the door behind her, and the Arzan gave a slight bow of his head as he did it.

    Esmeralda barely had time to reflect on her brief interaction with Rowlin¡¯s assistant; her attention was immediately drawn to the vast expanse of the office. The room was so enormous it could easily fit two windskiffs side by side, with space to spare, a stark reminder of the authority Rowlin commanded. The emptiness amplified the cold, imposing atmosphere, as though the height of the very walls were designed to keep visitors off-balance, reminding them of their insignificance. It felt less like an office and more like a courtroom where every word and gesture would be judged.

    Dominating the center was a large, impeccably polished desk, behind which sat another Arzan, impeccably dressed and exuding authority.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda, so glad you could make it,¡± the Arzan said, standing to greet her.

    ¡°Agent Rowlin, I presume?¡±

    ¡°Indeed. Forgive me for my lack of manners,¡± Agent Rowlin answered, bowing his head in acknowledgment before continuing, ¡°Please, have a seat.¡±

    He gestured to the two chairs positioned in front of his desk.

    Esmeralda followed the agent¡¯s suggestion and sat. As she settled into the plush, comfortable chair, she took a better look at her superior.

    Agent Rowlin stood well over a hand taller than Esmeralda, his height lending him both an imposing and elegant air. His every movement carried the grace of a seasoned swordsman, poised and deliberate. Light-blue skin accentuated his sharp, angular features, giving him an almost sculptural quality, as if he were carved from a solid block of topaz. The black silks he wore draped fluidly over his frame, with a light-blue, half capelet hanging from his left shoulder, a subtle yet striking contrast that hinted at both authority and formality, even in the confines of his office.

    Esmeralda willed herself to ignore how good-looking Agent Rowlin was. She didn¡¯t need any mental distractions, but she was finding it difficult to keep her mind off his handsome features.

    ¡°You are probably wondering why I called you here,¡± Agent Rowlin began, jolting Esmeralda from her thoughts and refocusing her attention on the impending conversation.

    ¡°I called you here to personally commend you for your exceptional handling of the Marlowe Aerofinch case.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, sir. I hope to make an impact.¡±

    ¡°Bravo!¡± Agent Rowlin slapped his hand against the polished desk, making Esmeralda flinch from the loud slap.

    ¡°The Vestigare needs more young agents like you. Agents with aspirations to make the world better. Agents who are not scared to seek out wrongdoing and evil on their own and are willing to take risks in Xandra. You have shown savvy beyond your experience, and I implore you to continue making moves as you did with Marlowe Aerofinch. Unfortunately, I cannot give the official endorsement of my office yet, so make sure your leads are solid because I cannot guarantee your protection. However, if you bring me another large case or two, a promotion will be yours, and we can discuss ways that I could support you publicly.¡±

    Just weeks ago, she had been immersed in physical training as a recruit; now, a Branch Agent was offering her unofficial authority for high-level Vestigare work. The sudden shift left her head spinning.

    ¡°Keep in mind, this endorsement isn¡¯t official yet, but I¡¯m confident you have a promising future ahead,¡± Agent Rowlin said, rising to his feet, his tone underscoring both encouragement and the weight of his expectations.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    Esmeralda sensed the meeting drawing to a close and followed Agent Rowlin¡¯s lead, rising from her seat. ¡°Thank you for the encouragement. I¡¯ll take your words to heart,¡± she said.

    The Branch Agent flashed a handsome smile, satisfied that she grasped the unspoken implications behind his praise.

    <hr>

    Once back in Xandelfi, Esmeralda enlisted Agent Giovanni to track down the second name on Balrik¡¯s list: Sebastian Blanko. Giovanni provided not only the smuggler¡¯s location but detailed floor plans of his warehouse near the windship docks.

    Esmeralda reached the warehouse just before dawn, her heavy backpack dragging on her shoulders, but the adrenaline of the hunt propelled her upward. In practiced silence, she slipped through a window and positioned herself on the roof. She found herself in the perfect vantage point above the warehouse floor.

    Esmeralda assembled her heavy crossbow from her backpack, loading it with a thick bolt before setting it aside. After she settled into her sniper perch and her eyes adjusted to the dark of the warehouse, Esmeralda started piecing together her surroundings.

    The warehouse floor was lined with oversized animal cages, arranged in neat rows like a carefully planted field. The thick stench of excrement clung to the air, curling into her nose and dragging up memories she¡¯d fought to bury¡ªmemories of her own time in cages. She blinked the images away, forcing her focus back to the present.

    The foul air dragged her back to when, as a toddler, she huddled in the corner of a cage, knees pulled to her chin. She¡¯d grown numb to the stench of filth, but the rot of her dead cellmate still clawed at the edges of her mind.

    A sharp clank echoed through the warehouse as the lock disengaged, snapping Esmeralda out of her memories. The door creaked open.

    A Xandran, holding a lantern, entered the warehouse. The Xandran had slouched shoulders and was dressed in modest clothing. He jangled the keyring on his belt until he found the key he was looking for and walked out of Esmeralda¡¯s line of sight. She heard the familiar sound of a cage lock disengaging. A few moments later, the Xandran returned to view with a small Ramon boy in tow.

    The Xandran turned and smiled at the child.

    ¡°Did you finish, Roland?¡± he asked the Ramon boy.

    ¡°Yes, Master Sebastian,¡± Roland replied cheerfully, holding a leather-bound book.

    The boy confirmed that the Xandran was the target, and Esmeralda trained her crossbow at Sebastian. She took a steadying breath before resting her index finger on the trigger.

    ¡°Please, call me Papa,¡± Sebastian affectionately said as he took the book from Roland and ruffled his hair.

    She had a perfect shot. Just one pull of the trigger. But her vision blurred with unshed tears, her hands trembling. Suddenly, nothing made sense.

    ¡°You are a really special boy, aren¡¯t you, Roland? You memorized your letters, and you have a real head for numbers. That¡¯s why the gods showed you to me so I could save you.¡±

    Esmeralda couldn¡¯t hold it any longer, and a sob escaped from her lips. The warehouse was so quiet that Esmeralda might as well have been screeching.

    ¡°Who is there?¡± Sebastian demanded, whipping his gaze in Esmeralda¡¯s direction.

    Panic overtook her, and she squeezed the trigger. The bolt shot forward, slamming into Sebastian¡¯s shoulder, spinning him like a child¡¯s top.

    Esmeralda looked over the railing, figured it was far too risky of a jump to make, and started reloading the crossbow. Esmeralda tried to keep an eye on her target while loading the bolt and saw the boy helping Sebastian to his feet.

    ¡°Vestigare! Stop where you are!¡± Esmeralda screamed. She felt ridiculous saying the words, but it could buy her some time.

    Sebastian ignored her as he and the boy scrambled to leave the warehouse.

    Esmeralda scrambled back through the window and dropped to the street below. There was no sign of Sebastian or the Ramon boy. They had vanished into the dark streets, leaving her alone with the daemons of her past.

    <hr>

    Hours later, the once-silent warehouse was teeming with Vestigare agents, circling like kaw over a fresh corpse. Yet despite the flurry of activity, a heavy sense of failure lodged itself in Esmeralda¡¯s gut.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda?¡± a familiar voice called to her, snapping her back to reality. She looked up to see the Nawahl agent, Agent Suri.

    ¡°Agent Suri, how can I help?¡±

    ¡°I need to review your statement to ensure we have everything for the report,¡± Agent Suri explained.

    ¡°Of course, Agent Suri, anything you need.¡±

    He nodded before unfolding a parchment.

    ¡°According to this, you arrived early in the morning because you received information from a reliable source that Sebastian Blanko was smuggling slaves.¡±

    ¡°Yes. That is accurate.¡±

    Suri nodded again before continuing.

    ¡°You waited for Sebastian Blanko, identified yourself as a Vestigare agent, and the culprit fled. Despite giving chase, he had too much of a lead and used his knowledge of the area to escape.¡±

    ¡°Again, correct.¡±

    ¡°You used his refusal to engage in conversation as probable cause to enter the warehouse and the slaving operation. From there, you contacted the Vestigare and waited for the investigation to begin.¡±

    ¡°Perfect. That is what happened."

    ¡°Wonderful work, Agent Esmeralda. The people you saved today will pray for you to whichever gods they worship,¡± Agent Suri said, folding the parchment with practiced precision.

    Esmeralda forced a smile, but the praise barely registered. Her mind was already elsewhere, wondering if any gods would protect her once Balrik learned of her failure.

 11-A Trip to Cacoo

    ¡°Your hand is healing well, but I¡¯d still like my colleague in Cacoo to examine it. You deserve the best care,¡± Kokal said, gently cradling his recovering hand with both of hers.

    Varga delayed his response, savoring the warmth and softness of her touch just a moment longer.

    ¡°If you think it¡¯s necessary.¡±

    Kokal¡¯s smile lit up brightly at his agreement.

    ¡°Excellent, it is settled then.¡±

    Varga felt a wave of disappointment as she released his hand.

    He was glad to see her smile, and since he already had orders to head to Cacoo for Balrik, the timing worked out perfectly.

    ¡°Make sure you see only Mistress Tawik. The healers of Cacoo are skilled, but I do not always agree with their methods, and Mistress Tawik knows my feelings on the matter, so I am confident she will treat you with that in mind,¡± Kokal explained as Varga gathered his things to leave.

    ¡°Mistress Tawik, understood.¡±

    ¡°Please, go quickly,¡± she added, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety. Before Varga could ask, Kokal was already ushering him toward the door.

    ¡°If it makes you feel at ease, I will leave right away.¡±

    Kokal stopped in her tracks, smiling even brighter than before.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said before brushing his cheek with a kiss so light, he wasn¡¯t even sure it happened.

    Varga stood still for a moment, caught between the warmth of her touch and the cold reminder of why he truly needed to leave. A dull guilt bloomed in his chest, her soft kiss feeling heavier than it should. He had led her to believe he was leaving for her sake, but the urgency came from his fear of crossing Balrik, not from Kokal¡¯s kindness.

    The guilt lingered with Varga as he returned to the inn to gather his belongings. Once satisfied with his provisions, he made his way down to the inn¡¯s bar.

    ¡°Master Mikah, could you inform Master Fulope that I will be away for a couple of weeks as per instructions of Master Balrik?¡± Varga asked the thick Tazen innkeeper, who grunted what Varga took for an agreement. Varga nodded his appreciation before taking his leave.

    Varga headed to the stables, where a Tazen stableboy, whose name Varga couldn¡¯t remember, greeted him.

    ¡°Master Varga, I shoed your steed as you requested.¡±

    ¡°Excellent. Now saddle Bibi for long travel and fetch her for me.¡±

    The stableboy ran off to do as Varga asked. Varga leaned against the stable¡¯s frame, idly rolling a silver deni across the fingers on his right hand. He wondered if he¡¯d ever regain enough dexterity in his left hand to perform the same trick again.

    Before Varga knew it, the stableboy returned with his steed, a stubborn chestnut-colored mare he named Bibi.

    Varga rubbed her muzzle before flicking the deni to the stableboy.

    ¡°She looks clean and happy. Thank you,¡± Varga said, climbing into the saddle.

    The stableboy grinned and knuckled his forehead as Varga wheeled his horse around and trotted out the exit.

    <hr>

    The ride to Cacoo was uneventful. Varga camped off the road, keeping to himself, and encountered few travelers¡ªonly a merchant and their guards, making their way through the sparse wilderness.

    Varga could admit that he was excited to see the City-State of Cacoo. Cacoons were a rarity in the Five Kingdoms outside the most metropolitan trade centers.

    When he arrived at the moat of the City-State, a Cacoon guard greeted him. Cacoons were stocky, with skin the color of tanned leather and hair thick and coarse like sheep¡¯s wool. The guard barely came up to Varga¡¯s stirrups. He wore chain mesh over leather and had a short spear and buckler.

    ¡°What is your business in Cacoo?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve come to seek out your famed healers and herbalists.¡±

    Varga offered his injured hand as proof. He saw no reason to bend the truth¡ªhis trip was above board and legal. He realized he had almost forgotten what it felt like to tell the truth.

    The guard inspected his hand, letting out a soft whistle. ¡°You¡¯ll find none better in the world.¡±

    The guard then turned and whistled sharply toward the other side of the moat. Varga watched as two guards sprang into action, cranking down the drawbridge and granting him access to the City-State.

    Before spurring his steed across the bridge, he asked the guard, who inspected him, a question.

    ¡°I am in search of Mistress Tawik. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know where she resides?¡±

    ¡°Mistress Tawik? Of course, let me explain,¡± the guard replied before giving Varga detailed instructions about how to get to Mistress Tawik¡¯s place.

    Varga thanked the guard and set off on his way. There was a stable right as he entered the gates, so he left his horse and headed for Mistress Tawik¡¯s place on foot.

    As Varga took in the sights of the City-State, he was struck by the unique architecture. The cottages, with their rounded edges and brightly painted walls, were unlike anything he had seen. Strips of dyed cloth hung from doorways and windows, swaying gently in the breeze and adding vibrant splashes of color to the winding streets. Each home seemed to reflect the personality of its residents, turning the streets into a quiet celebration of heritage.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Varga was so wrapped up in admiring his new surroundings he almost walked past the cottage the guard told him to find. There was a large bell outside that Varga assumed was for announcing visitors. He rang the bell loudly and waited. After a moment, the door opened, and he saw a young, teenage Cacoon woman. She was short and wore her black, curly hair in two thick braids dropped to her shoulders. She had umber-colored skin and pouty lips.

    ¡°Yes?¡± the young woman asked.

    ¡°Are you Mistress Tawik?¡± Varga asked in return, and to his surprise, the young woman laughed.

    ¡°I am not,¡± she started between laughs. She stifled a final laugh. ¡°I¡¯m her granddaughter. Call me Hally.¡±

    Varga was relieved. It is not that he doubted that a person the age of Hally couldn¡¯t be tremendously talented, but he felt better getting treatment from a person with a little more seasoning.

    ¡°Mistress Kokal sent me. She believes your grandmother would have better insight for my hand,¡± Varga explained, holding his hand out for Hally to see.

    ¡°Mistress Kokal? Yes, wait a moment,¡± Hally said, closing the door before Varga could respond. A few moments later, the door opened again, and Hally ushered Varga inside.

    ¡°Mistress Tawik will see you know,¡± she said, almost pushing him into the room adjacent to the entrance.

    Inside, an older woman sat in a high-backed chair, eying him as he entered. She had the same umber-colored skin as her granddaughter, but her hair was pure gray she wore up in a tight bun.

    ¡°I can see now why Kokal was so concerned about you. You are easy on the eyes,¡± she commented as Varga came closer.

    ¡°Mistress Tawik?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Tawik replied before standing from her chair.

    ¡°Mistress Kokal was worried about my hand and recommended that I see you,¡± he explained.

    ¡°Do not worry, Master Varga. Your hand is fine,¡± Tawik said.

    ¡°Fine? You didn¡¯t even look at it.¡±

    ¡°You are not here to see me,¡± Tawik added.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Varga asked.

    ¡°As I said, it''s not me you¡¯re here to see,¡± Tawik said, her gaze sliding past Varga¡¯s shoulder. A prickling unease washed over him¡ªthere was someone else in the room, their presence as quiet and heavy as a predator lying in wait.

    Varga whirled around, eyes widening as they landed on the hulking figure of a Grang standing too close for comfort. His moss-green scales caught the dim light, and it took Varga a moment to recognize the familiar yet fearsome form of Agent Aon.

    ¡°Thank you, Mistress Tawik. I will take it from here,¡± Agent Aon said, glancing past Varga at the Cacoon healer.

    The older woman walked past him, giving a motherly pat on his shoulder as she left.

    Agent Aon settled into the healer¡¯s chair. Though Varga never admitted it, the Grang in general always unsettled him. Aon¡¯s broad shoulders and sheer size only intensified that feeling, making him a looming presence that Varga couldn¡¯t ignore, even in a room as small as this.

    ¡°Varga, I¡¯m sorry for the deception, but it was necessary. It¡¯s the only way to ensure your safety and the mission¡¯s success.¡±

    The agent¡¯s words triggered something in Varga¡¯s brain.

    ¡°Kokal,¡± Varga said before he could stop himself.

    ¡°She agreed to help,¡± Agent Aon answered Varga¡¯s rhetorical statement.

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t involved with this from the beginning?¡± Varga asked, and Agent Aon shook his head in reply.

    ¡°Why would you involve her?¡±

    A white-hot surge of anger pulsed through Varga. His hands twitched at his sides, the urge to leap at Aon barely contained. He forced himself to stay rooted, though his blood thundered in his ears.

    ¡°It would behoove you to calm down, young man,¡± Agent Aon started before folding his reading spectacles and placing them on the table.

    ¡°First of all, you are not a bandit or a gangster. You are an undercover Vestigare asset. I understand you must be so convincing that sometimes the line between who you are and who you are pretending to be becomes muddled. That is another reason why these visits needed to happen. To help you remember who you are.¡±

    Varga unclenched his fists. He didn¡¯t realize that he had clenched them until now.

    ¡°Second, your friend, Kokal, seems to care for you genuinely, but she is being paid handsomely for facilitating these meetings. Also, she is in minimal danger. Also, wouldn¡¯t you rather have the only person you connected with in years be the person who has your back?¡±

    Varga felt all of the anger drain from his body. Agent Aon was right, every word. Finally, Varga nodded in response.

    ¡°Excellent, now what do you have for me?¡±

    Varga recounted how he managed to get closer to Balrik until the day he met his crew at the abandoned dyer.

    ¡°This part might sound crazy, but Balrik suddenly appeared out of thin air,¡± Varga said, wondering if the agent would believe him.

    ¡°Yes, that is consistent with what we know about Balrik,¡± Agent Aon replied.

    ¡°What? How is that possible?¡±

    ¡°As I¡¯ve explained before, Balrik was a valuable Vestigare field agent and one of the greatest alchemists of our age. But like many geniuses, he felt shackled by morality.¡± Aon¡¯s voice dropped, his words weighted. ¡°His obsession with alchemical enhancement was only the beginning.¡±

    Varga shifted in his seat, realizing he had been holding his breath.

    ¡°To push his work further, he needed living subjects¡ªreal people. The Consul and the Academy condemned his experiments as inhumane, but by then, it was too late. His thirst for knowledge had consumed him, and he turned to slavery to find his test subjects.¡±

    As the gravity of Aon¡¯s words sank in, Varga was starting to imagine the horrors Balrik caused. Before he could fully process the implications, Aon pressed on.

    ¡°Balrik created a slavery network, using his Vestigare status to keep his operation safe. I found out what he was doing, but by the time I busted his slave ring, he had already discovered how to extract the essence of beasts in the form of a potion, and if an individual drank that potion regularly, they would gain aspects of the beast. I am unsure how it all works, but as I understand, the more magikal the beasts were, the more aspects of the beast one would gain.¡±

    Suddenly the last piece of the puzzle slid into place for Varga.

    ¡°Your Balrik problem is about to escalate. He¡¯s planning to steal a dragon egg. Whatever he has planned for it can¡¯t be good,¡± Varga warned.

    The confusion on Aon¡¯s face made it clear he didn¡¯t understand. Varga recounted the strange exchange he had with Balrik after the others left.

    ¡°Dragon egg?¡± Aon asked, his tone measured but his brow furrowed. ¡°That¡¯s a far cry from the beasts he¡¯s dealt with before. What could he possibly be planning?¡±

    Varga shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but I doubt he¡¯s raising it for a pet.¡±

    The weight of Varga¡¯s revelation hung in the air, and for a moment, Aon said nothing. His gaze drifted downward, deep in thought. Then, without warning, he shifted the conversation.

    ¡°Have you been practicing the breathing techniques I taught you the night you agreed to this assignment?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but I don¡¯t see what that has to do with anything.¡±

    ¡°Every day?¡±

    Something about the intensity of Aon¡¯s voice made Varga pause and carefully think before answering.

    ¡°There are some days when I can''t practice, but I try to get some time every day I can.¡±

    The older Grang looked at Varga in a way that Varga could only describe as pity.

    ¡°The words I told you that day are as true today as they were then. These techniques are your only defense. Balrik¡¯s paranoia will surface sooner or later¡ªhe always suspects betrayal eventually. Always.¡± Aon said before getting out of his chair and sitting on the floor cross-legged.

    ¡°Sit, and we will practice before you return.¡±

    Varga was still unsure how this would help, but Aon¡¯s conviction was convincing, so he sat, reviewing the breathing techniques for hours with the eccentric Grang.

 12-Vestigare Party

    Esmeralda smoothed her dress as she looked at herself in the full-sized mirror. She¡¯d spent a small fortune on the outfit. It looked fabulous¡ªjust not on her.

    Esmeralda was an Arzan woman of average height. She had light-blue skin and thin blue-green hair. She didn¡¯t have the curves of womanhood yet and felt she would never have them. Her figure made the gorgeous black dress hang off her like a burlap sack.

    Esmeralda would be lying if she said she wasn¡¯t self-conscious, but she did her best to bury it. Blending in had its advantages in her line of work, after all.

    Suddenly, a knock on her door pulled her away from her thoughts.

    Esmeralda wasn¡¯t expecting any visitors, so she warily approached the door to her flat. Before opening the peephole, she unfastened the sheath with a long dagger she affixed to the wall beside the door.

    When Esmeralda finally opened the peephole, she saw the familiar bronze-colored scales of her friend, Paya.

    She flung open the door, pulling Paya into a tight embrace.

    ¡°I know you were fiddling with that dagger you keep by the door,¡± Paya said with a chuckle, returning the embrace.

    Esmeralda laughed at the comment. She held on to a hug for a moment before reluctantly letting go. Esmeralda looked closer at her friend and noticed Paya was in a light-blue puffy, frilly dress that looked out of place on the Grang.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get to wear dresses very often,¡± Paya said. She must have noticed  Esmeralda staring at her dress.

    ¡°It is very lovely,¡± Esmeralda commented before adding, ¡°come in.¡±

    Esmeralda ushered Paya inside, closing the door behind them. She turned to see her friend glide across the room with the grace of a dancer, each step revealing the curves of her body. Watching Paya, Esmeralda realized she¡¯d judged too quickly. The dress wasn¡¯t out of place on her¡ªthe Grang just defied the expectations of her race. Esmeralda should have known better; after all, Paya had never acted any differently than any other young woman.

    ¡°Paya, I am so happy to see you, but why are you here?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    Paya turned around with another chuckle.

    ¡°You sure know how to welcome a guest,¡± Paya teased, resting her hands on her hips.

    ¡°I¡¯d extinguish one of the suns to have you nearby, but we both just started assignments, and transfers don¡¯t come easy,¡± Esmeralda said, her voice softening.

    ¡°Just so, but I hear there might be one for you,¡± Paya said.

    Esmeralda felt her jaw swing open, and before she could say anything, Paya continued.

    ¡°Besides, do you think I would miss a party the Vestigare threw for my sister?¡±

    Esmeralda smiled before asking, ¡°What did you mean you heard there might be a transfer for me?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get your hopes up, but you are definitely on track to be promoted and to inherit more duties. All it takes is some accomplishments and a senior agent to see your potential,¡± Paya answered.

    Esmeralda smiled as genuinely as she could at the news, but her mind raced at how this might affect her work for Balrik.

    <hr>

    That evening, Esmeralda and Paya arrived at a sprawling villa just outside of Xandelfi, owned by the Lordship. From what Esmeralda had heard, the Lordship only came here when he wanted to ¡°rough it,¡± which struck her as absurd because his quaint villa was the size of a small hamlet.

    From what Esmeralda had heard, the Lordship only came here when he wanted to ¡°rough it,¡± though calling it that seemed absurd given his quaint villa was nearly as large as a hamlet and offered every luxury one could desire.

    As they neared the gate, a Xandran guard clad in the Lordship¡¯s colors emerged from the guardhouse and stepped forward, blocking their path.

    ¡°Names, please.¡±

    ¡°This is Agent Paya,¡± Esmeralda said, gesturing to her friend, ¡°and I am Agent Esmeralda.¡±

    A Nawahl agent, dressed in standard-issue leathers, followed the Xandran guard.

    ¡°Pardon us, agents,¡± the Nawahl said, looking over a long parchment.

    ¡°Ah, here you are. May I have your agent numbers, please?¡±

    ¡°Six-zero-zero-three,¡± Paya said.

    The Nawahl nodded as he checked the parchment.

    ¡°Four-one-seven-zero,¡± Esmeralda said.

    The Nawahl smiled.

    ¡°Welcome, agents, and congratulations, Agent Esmeralda,¡± the Nawahl said, signaling for the Xandran to open the gates.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    The Xandran guard hurried off, and moments later, the gates glided open with a quiet groan.

    ¡°Enjoy your evening, agents,¡± the Nawahl said, making a leg as they walked past him.

    Paya let out a soft whistle as they entered the villa¡¯s garden, their eyes drawn to marble statues of Xandran deities, scattered throughout a lush expanse of greenery.

    They didn¡¯t get to dally for long because out of the villa came Agent Giovanni to greet them. Giovanni''s breath came in short, labored puffs, his plump cheeks flushed a deep red.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda, I wanted to thank you before the festivities began,¡± Giovanni said, smiling like a child receiving the last piece of cake.

    ¡°You were instrumental in any success I had, agent. It is I that should be thanking you,¡± Esmeralda replied.

    ¡°You¡¯re far too kind, Agent Esmeralda, but it is because of your actions that so many powerful individuals have gathered tonight. Speaking of which, we shouldn¡¯t keep them waiting for the guest of honor, shall we?¡±

    Giovanni gestured toward the villa, and Esmeralda nodded for her response. The Ramon agent led them to a large hall decorated with fine paintings and more sculptures, and from the ceiling hung a large chandelier that sparkled with various gemstones. Esmeralda heard the Lordship loved his chandeliers.

    Esmeralda finally tore her gaze from the artwork, only to be struck by how packed the hall was¡ªagents and prominent figures crowded every corner, filling the space with a low hum of conversation.

    ¡°I guess it is true that agents never turn down free food and drink,¡± Paya whispered as if she also was surprised by the number of agents in attendance.

    ¡°There she is,¡± a familiar voice Esmeralda couldn¡¯t put a face to said behind her.

    Esmeralda turned and found herself face to face with the source of the familiar voice¡ªAgent Wali, his usual warm smile already in place. The kindly Arzan agent was accompanied by Agent Rowlin and tall, older Grang with brilliant green scales that reminded Esmeralda of fresh moss.

    ¡°Could we have a word before the festivities begin?¡± Agent Wali asked.

    Esmeralda nodded to her two companions, and they left without a word.

    ¡°You already know Agent Rowlin, and this is Agent Aon,¡± Agent Wali said, gesturing to Agent Rowlin and the Grang.

    Esmeralda stopped herself from gaping at Agent Aon. Balrik used to tell her stories of Aon, describing him as a relentless thorn in his side, a man obsessed with single-minded pursuit. Balrik also used Agent Aon to get Esmeralda to study or do chores. She never thought she would encounter her childhood boogie man at a Vestigare function.

    ¡°Well met, Agent Aon. It is an honor to have a chance to speak with a legendary agent such as yourself,¡± Esmeralda said before her pause became awkward.

    Agent Aon let out a low chuckle, his dark, beady eyes fixed on her, an unreadable expression crossing his face before he spoke.

    ¡°I am afraid my career will be remembered as the fool who chased legendary shadows, but your manners are impeccable.¡±

    ¡°Your actions have made you a valuable agent in a short time. You have impressed Agent Rowlin, and Agent Aon is in need of a capable assistant, so we have decided to promote you to a full field agent and assign you to Agent Aon starting immediately,¡± Agent Wali added, smiling like a proud uncle.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I would like to debrief my assistant before this crowd takes all of her attention,¡± Agent Aon added, wasting no time establishing his position in their new relationship.

    ¡°Of course, Agent Aon. I shall speak to both of you later,¡± Agent Wali said before he and Agent Rowlin took their leave.

    Agent Aon waited until the two senior agents were of earshot before speaking.

    ¡°Great. If you didn¡¯t know, I¡¯ve been hunting a rogue agent named Balrik for most of my career. I¡¯ve chased him so long that the younger agents think he¡¯s a myth. I¡¯ve faced doubt, ridicule¡ªbut I never stopped. I¡¯ve been close before, but now, Agent Esmeralda, I¡¯m closer than ever. This time, I¡¯m two steps ahead. I know his plans, and with your help, we¡¯ll finally catch him.¡±

    Esmeralda¡¯s head spun. She couldn¡¯t find the words, so she simply nodded.

    Aon continued, laying out Balrik¡¯s scheme in chilling detail. It was audacious, ambitious¡ªexactly the kind of masterstroke she had come to expect from her father.

    <hr>

    Agent Aon gave Esmeralda fifteen days of leave. She didn¡¯t realize how much she needed the distraction from her life and spent the days relaxing in the only way she knew¡ªlosing herself in drink. Days blurred together, each one starting and ending in a haze until she barely remembered the number. By the time she stumbled into her flat, the days had blurred so completely, she no longer knew which one it was.

    ¡°Still celebrating, are we?¡± came a voice from the shadows¡ªone she immediately recognized as her father¡¯s.

    Esmeralda spun, her mind racing, wondering if the alcohol had finally driven her mad. But no, there he stood¡ªBalrik, in the flesh.

    Esmeralda collapsed to her knees, sobs breaking free. Balrik remained still, arms crossed, head tilted, watching her with a detached curiosity.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­ I failed,¡± Esmeralda choked between sobs.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Balrik asked.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t kill Sebastian Blanko. He escaped.¡±

    Balrik chuckled, the sound low and dismissive.

    ¡°Well, you stopped his operations. Him being alive is but a minor nuisance. What interests me now are the rewards for your valor.¡±

    Esmeralda felt a wave of relief wash over her, grateful that Balrik wasn¡¯t angry. Still, the shift in the conversation left her confused.

    ¡°Tell me what happened at the event the Vestigare threw for you.¡±

    Esmeralda was never sure how much Balrik truly knew, but she had long learned it was exactly how he preferred it.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been promoted,¡± Esmeralda began, her voice faltering as she braced for his reaction to what she had to say next.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been reassigned¡­ to Agent Aon,¡± she hesitated, her voice barely more than a whisper. ¡°And the target is you.¡±

    Balrik¡¯s gaze bored into her, cold and calculating as he mulled over what she had just told him. The silence stretched, pressing down on Esmeralda until she shifted under its weight, her mind scrambling for a way to break it. However, before she could speak, Balrik laughed, melting the tension as if it had never existed.

    ¡°Brilliant! I couldn¡¯t have planned this better myself,¡± Balrik said between laughs. ¡°You¡¯ll keep him chasing his own tail while I carry out my plan. I¡¯ll show you how to reach me later. For now, just keep him satisfied with your excellent work performance.¡±

    ¡°When you say plan, do you mean your plan to steal a dragon egg?¡± Esmeralda asked, her words wiping away any trace of Balrik¡¯s good humor.

    His eyes darkened, and his tone turned sharp. ¡°How did you know about that?¡±

    ¡°I learned about it from Agent Aon. He claims to have a mole in your ranks,¡± Esmeralda explained.

    Balrik¡¯s good mood returned in an instant.

    ¡°How many have I eliminated now? Five? Six?¡± he asked rhetorically, a grin forming.

    ¡°They call me insane, yet here is Agent Aon, using the same tactics over and over again, expecting different results. Isn¡¯t that the very definition of insanity?¡± Balrik chuckled, shaking his head.

    ¡°If there is a mole, I¡¯ll find them. I always do.¡±

    With those words, Balrik vanished, leaving only the echo of his footsteps and the sharp sound of the door closing behind him.

 13-The Twenty Percent

    With Balrik out of town for the past few weeks, Varga found himself with an unusual amount of freedom¡ªfreedom that made him uneasy. No one explained Balrik¡¯s absence, and Varga didn¡¯t dare ask. He had long since learned the dangers of curiosity in Balrik¡¯s crew: Balrik told you what he wanted you to know, and you either accepted it or suffered the consequences.

    During his downtime, Varga visited the Tazen mender as much as possible. At first, he thought their relationship would be awkward, but their shared circumstances brought them closer. In Kokal, Varga found a kind of understanding that he hadn¡¯t realized he was missing. She didn¡¯t press him with questions or judge his silences; instead, she offered a quiet reassurance that made him feel like he could be something more than just another tool for the Vestigare or Balrik to use.

    That trust made her examination room feel like the safest place to practice his breathing exercises. Part of him was concerned that someone at the inn might interrupt him, but truthfully, he didn¡¯t need much of an excuse to see Kokal as often as possible.

    Varga walked downstairs and found Master Mikah and one of the thick Tazen guards talking at the bar. They went silent when they noticed him.

    ¡°Morning, Master Varga,¡± Mikah greeted.

    ¡°Morning, Master Mikah,¡± Varga returned.

    Varga was on his way to the exit when the guard spoke.

    ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°To see the mender,¡± Varga answered, flexing his left hand.

    ¡°That thing hasn¡¯t healed yet?¡± Mikah asked.

    ¡°Almost, but can¡¯t be too careful,¡± Varga muttered, feeling the weight of their prying eyes.

    The two Tazens exchanged a glance, and Mikah chuckled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you are sweet on this mender,¡± the guard said, barely holding back his laughter.

    ¡°If Tazens are your thing, I can find you some companionship. Trust us, it will save you some heartache,¡± Mikah added.

    ¡°You guys got it all wrong. I am just making sure my hand is as flexible as it was. Might be the difference between life and death for me.¡±

    The two exchanged glances again.

    ¡°Sure, Master Varga,¡± Mikah said. This time the guard couldn¡¯t hold back his laughter.

    Varga left, wondering what they meant by saving him some heartache.

    He arrived at Kokal¡¯s hut and loudly knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Kokal¡¯s voice called from within.

    Varga entered to see her sitting at her writing table, scratching on a parchment with a pen. Varga wanted to ask her what Mikah and the guard were referring to, but he didn¡¯t want to ruin the level of comfort their relationship had reached, so he refrained from asking Kokal for now.

    Kokal looked up with a smile.

    ¡°I was wondering when you would show up.¡±

    ¡°The guys at the inn were chattier than normal,¡± Varga replied with a shrug.

    ¡°I find it hard to imagine,¡± Kokal started with a laugh, ¡°I suppose you will want to get to your practice.¡±

    Varga nodded before sitting cross-legged on the floor. Since he had started coming to Kokal¡¯s hut to practice regularly, he felt much more in control of the exercise than when he did it in his room at the inn.

    Varga steadied his pulse, his breathing falling into a practiced rhythm. He channeled his ley inward¡ªinto his lungs, his heart, his mind¡ªguiding the energy as smoothly into himself as if he were a magikal object. He could feel each breath, each beat of his heart, syncing perfectly with the flow of energy.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    This practice had helped him overcome the stomach ailments, easing the discomforts until they were barely noticeable. Now, with each session, he felt his control expanding beyond just his breath, as if he were finally mastering the rhythms of his own body. The nausea that once accompanied the stress of his missions had vanished, replaced by a calm, focused clarity.

    As he became more attuned to his practice, Varga often lost track of time. Though he remained aware of his surroundings, time seemed to move differently when he meditated. Today was no exception. He noticed Kokal approach him, but it was her gentle shake of his shoulder that brought him back from his trance.

    ¡°It has been hours. I need to serve people, and you should return before Balrik¡¯s people worry about your whereabouts,¡± Kokal said.

    ¡°You are correct,¡± he replied, and for one foolish moment, he imagined leaning in to kiss her. However, the weight of unspoken consequences held him back, and as he left her hut, he felt a lingering sense of missed opportunity.

    Lost in regret, he returned to the inn, still pondering the encounter. ¡°Glad to see you back,¡± Mikah said, pulling Varga from his thoughts.

    ¡°Balrik wants everyone to meet outside of town. He said you¡¯d know where to go.¡±

    This was unusual; Varga had never seen Balrik rely on Mikah for his schemes before.

    ¡°I¡¯d better not keep him waiting,¡± Varga said, nodding his thanks to Mikah before heading out.

    As Varga headed toward the abandoned dyer, he debated whether to warn Kokal and flee. Balrik¡¯s unpredictability and his habit of calling sudden, impromptu meetings were nothing new, but involving Mikah like this felt reckless¡ªeven for him. It was a dangerous combination, one that left Varga tense, wondering if this was how chickens felt when marched to the chopping block.

    Varga entered the dyer¡¯s workshop to find his four Tanzen companions, Levi, Renzo, Abdo, Obi, and the young Arzan, Randi, nervously standing in front of Balrik and his three Tazen bodyguards from the inn.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you finally joined us, Varga. I was starting to worry about your loyalty,¡± Balrik said, his back still turned. The bodyguards shifted, keeping Varga in their sights but staying where they were.

    Varga noticed that both Balrik and his guards were wearing leathers and were armed.

    ¡°Now, join the others,¡± Balrik added.

    Varga saw little choice but to join the others. He squeezed past Randi and stood next to Obi. The air felt thick with dread, as if something inevitably horrible awaited them.

    ¡°Bring the table,¡± Balrik said, his gaze fixed on them. One of the bodyguards hurried to the corner of the room, retrieved a small table, and set it down between Balrik and the others.

    Balrik set six vials of cloudy pink liquid on the table and began his explanation. ¡°I¡¯ve discovered there¡¯s a traitor in my crew, leaving me no choice but to take measures I¡¯d rather avoid.¡±

    He gestured to the vials. ¡°These potions will force you to answer truthfully. I didn¡¯t use them when I recruited you for two reasons: the ingredients to create them are extremely rare and costly, and some individuals react violently to them.¡± He then produced a healing potion, holding it between his thumb and index finger. ¡°The risk of a severe reaction is about twenty percent, so I have a potion on hand for those who might be unlucky. Now, drink up.¡±

    Varga reached for his vial, and the others followed suit.

    ¡°I want everyone to drink their potion at the same time. Do not test my patience by attempting to hide the potion in your mouth or something equally silly. I will know,¡± Balrik said, pulling another potion from his belt.

    The six of them uncorked their vials, exchanging nervous glances with one another before draining their vials in near unison.

    Balrik also uncorked his vial and drank the dark purple liquid inside it.

    As soon as Varga drank the potion, a wave of pressure slammed into his skull, and his heart raced as if he had sprinted up a steep hill. He glanced up to see Balrik watching them with a predatory grin, making Varga feel like a mouse under a cat¡¯s paw.

    ¡°You might experience some cranial pressure and heart palpitations. These are normal effects of the potion,¡± Balrik said, his tone disturbingly calm.

    A revelation struck Varga: this was what Agent Aon had been preparing him for. He fought against the potion¡¯s effects, focusing on his breathing and channeling his ley inward.

    Balrik turned his attention to Randi, his gaze cold and calculating. ¡°Let¡¯s get started, shall we?¡±

    Balrik stood in front of the young Arzan, intensely staring at him as if he could see through him.

    Suddenly, Randi¡¯s mouth fell open, his eyes rolling back to reveal only the whites. He collapsed, his body convulsing violently as he frosted at the mouth. His thrashing shook the room, the old floorboards groaning under the strain. Varga could feel his desperation in the air.

    Balrik watched with a chilling detachment, idly rolling the healing potion between his index finger and thumb but making no move to aid the writhing Arzan. The sound of Randi¡¯s tortured gasps and the sight of his spastic movements created a visceral, nauseating spectacle that seemed to stretch on endlessly. Time seemed to slow to crawl before Randi¡¯s convulsions finally ceased, leaving him motionless on the floor.

    Balrik¡¯s gaze shifted to Varga, his mismatched eyes gleaming with a cold, predatory anticipation. ¡°Well, I guess you¡¯re next.¡±

 14-Through the Ring

    Esmeralda jolted awake, drenched in sweat, her heart hammering against her ribcage. Her hand fumbled on the nightstand until it found the bottle of Arzan spirits. Her fingers trembled, spilling some of the precious liquid as she brought it to her lips. Even the small amount she swallowed burned its way down, dulling the claustrophobic feeling that clung to her like a second skin.

    Esmeralda changed out of her soaked garments and decided to skip breakfast as she started her daily stretching routine. Esmeralda was about halfway through her stretches when there was a knock on her door.

    Esmeralda wasn¡¯t expecting anyone. Moving silently, she slipped to the door, her hand reaching for the hidden dagger attached to the frame. She unfastened it in one smooth motion, leaning toward the peephole where a thin Xandran boy stood outside, his eyes flicking up as if he sensed her eyes on him.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°Mistress Esmeralda?¡±

    ¡°Just so. What business do you have here, boy?¡±

    ¡°I have a package to deliver,¡± the teen answered, his voice waiving from the exchange.

    Esmeralda considered having him leave the package but decided it was best to keep the exchange as routine as possible.

    ¡°Oh, could you wait a moment?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Esmeralda put on a modest blouse and fished three silver deni out of her coin pouch before returning to the door and opening it.

    The teen flinched as the door swung open. Esmeralda handed him the deni as he handed her a medium-sized parcel.

    His eyes widened at the sight of the tip before knuckling his forehead and taking his leave.

    Once the door was locked, Esmeralda set the parcel on the table, eyeing the plain brown wrapping with suspicion. She extended a delicate thread of ley, probing for enchantments. A faint pulse of energy stirred¡ªa quiet hum from within. Focusing, she refined the thread, confirming the box wasn¡¯t enchanted but held something magikal inside.

    Esmeralda exhaled slowly, her gaze fixed on the box. Whoever had sent this knew exactly what they were doing, putting her in a difficult position. After a tense moment of deliberation, she decided the risk of opening it was worth taking.

    Esmeralda slowly peeled the brown paper off to reveal a stunningly beautiful, lacquered jewelry box. Esmeralda stared at the box, her pulse quickening. Had she agreed to something dangerous during one of her blackout binges? The thought gnawed at her, and she could only hope it didn¡¯t involve anything drastic to clean up whatever mess she might have stumbled into this time.

    Esmeralda gingerly opened the box to find the ugliest ring she had ever seen. The ring was made of silver, its bulky face large enough to cover two fingers. Nine jaggedly-cut aquamarine gems formed a circle around a central stone, each gem oddly sharp, almost as if designed to repel rather than attract. The center gem, large enough to resemble a child¡¯s marble, pulsed with an eerie, faint blue light.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Esmeralda noticed a scrap of parchment attached to the ring and a sealed leather missive tube. She removed and unrolled the scrap of parchment to find a message. She immediately recognized the handwriting as Balrik¡¯s.

    <hr>

    Esmeralda,

    I apologize for sending a parcel and message in such a fashion. Unfortunately, time is of the essence. You are probably curious about the ring, and rightfully so. The ring will allow me to communicate with you without exposing you or me. The middle gem will light up when the ring receives a transmission from its twin in my possession. The smaller gems will then light up using Vestigare semaphore. I suggest keeping a writing utensil and parchment nearby before you start.

    The tube is warded; if opened without the keyword, its contents will burn to ash. If the Vestigare capture me, deliver it to the one who knows the keyword. I prepared it in this fashion to protect you, giving plausible deniability if the tube ended up in the wrong hands. The location of the individual is encoded in the ring along with the rest of your instructions.

    -B

    <hr>

    Esmeralda reread the message before lighting the parchment with her lantern and tossing it in the hearth.

    Esmeralda gathered a few sheets of parchment, a pen, and an inkwell and returned to the table. As the implications of the magikal ring sank in, a weight lifted from her shoulders. She wasn¡¯t alone anymore. For the first time in what felt like years, she had a direct link to the only person who knew her beyond the mask of a double agent¡ªher father, and his guidance. The isolation that had clung to her like a shroud began to fade.

    Refocusing on the ring, Esmeralda trickled ley into it. After a few ticks, the sixth gem on the bottom lit up, followed by the third gem on the right¡ªsignaling the first letter of Balrik¡¯s message: ¡°f.¡±

    She quickly decoded the instructions and couldn¡¯t help but admire Balrik¡¯s plan. It was convoluted but clever, keeping them both safe. And if anything went wrong, she could warn him in time for an alternative approach.

    Esmeralda reread the orders and address before burning the parchment. This time, she sat in her plush chair, watching the paper curl and turn to ash. For the first time in years, she fell asleep without needing a drink.

    <hr>

    Esmeralda shot awake to a heavy knock on her door.

    ¡°Who is it?¡± she called, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

    ¡°Agent Aon,¡± the voice from the other side of the door answered.

    ¡°Be right there,¡± Esmeralda replied, stifling a yawn.

    She realized she hadn¡¯t changed from yesterday¡¯s clothes. Smoothing out the wrinkles, she chewed on some mint, fastened her belt, and stepped out the door.

    Agent Aon waited in the hallway, hands clasped behind his back.

    ¡°¡®Apologies for the intrusion,¡± Aon said, his tone brisk. ¡°There¡¯s pressing business.¡± He turned and led her down the hall.

    The Grang Vestigare agent led them outside to a carriage in the street, and after they boarded, he finally spoke.

    ¡°Reliable intel suggests Balrik¡¯s right-hand man, Fulope, is coming to town. I suspect it¡¯s tied to the egg, though I¡¯m not sure how.¡±

    Esmeralda kept her face neutral. She hadn¡¯t expected Balrik¡¯s operation to start so soon after receiving his message.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know much about Fulope. Is he a wanted individual?¡±

    ¡°Fulope is Balrik¡¯s fixer. His friend too. Most of his businesses are legit, yet he¡¯s managed to keep himself clean¡ªdespite his close dealings with Balrik,¡± Aon said.

    Esmeralda noted Aon¡¯s intimate knowledge of Balrik¡¯s operation with quiet admiration. Fulope had always been Balrik¡¯s confidant, operating just as Aon described. For a moment, she thought of the Ramon she¡¯d once called ¡°uncle.¡±

    ¡°If he is not wanted, how will we question him?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll get creative,¡± Aon said, his predatory grin widening, his beady, inky black pupils staring past her hungrily.

    A chill ran down Esmeralda¡¯s spine. The thought that Balrik might have underestimated Aon¡¯s ruthlessness gnawed at her, leaving her with a lingering sense of dread as the carriage lurched forward.

 15-The Rat

    Varga trickled ley inward, focusing on his breathing as Aon had taught him, forcing himself to ignore Randi¡¯s lifeless body. The pressure in his skull began to ease, though its grip still lingered, like a slowly loosening vice.

    ¡°Now,¡± Balrik said, pacing before them, ¡°We have little time, so I will ask you a simple yes or no question. Answer it truthfully and do not fight the potion¡¯s effects. Are any of you working against my interests outside our little operation?¡°

    Balrik stopped in front of Varga.

    ¡°You.¡±

    Pressure swelled behind Varga¡¯s eyes, making them bulge, as if they might burst from his face if he dared to lie.

    Instead of succumbing to Balrik¡¯s insidious alchemy, Varga channeled ley into his heart, lungs, and mind, letting the tension ebb before answering.

    ¡°No.¡±

    The steadiness of his voice surprised him. Balrik lingered, eyes narrowing, disbelief flickering across his face as if weighing the truth behind Varga¡¯s words.

    ¡°You,¡± Balrik said, suddenly pointing at Renzo at the other end of the table.

    ¡°N-n-no, sir,¡± Renzo answered, sweating freely.

    Balrik nodded with a satisfied look before turning his attention to Obi.

    ¡°How about you?¡±

    ¡°N-n-no. I-I-I would n-n-never,¡± Obi stammered.

    ¡°And what of you, Abdo?¡±

    ¡°N-n-no. I-I-I s-s-swear I w-w-would never,¡± Abdo replied.

    ¡°Which leaves us with my loyal companion, Levi,¡± Balrik said, turning his attention to the large Tazen.

    The large Tazen looked directly at Balrik, opening his mouth to speak.

    Levi¡¯s jaw clenched, teeth grinding as though he was chewing through bark. His fingers dug into the table, knuckles white as if he were wrestling to control a raging beast.

    Balrik watched the spectacle, folding his arms across his chest.

    His head snapped back and forth, eyes wild with the terror of an individual no longer fully in control of their body.

    At last, the trembling ceased. Levi¡¯s voice, when it came, was barely a whisper of defeat.

    ¡°Y-y-yes. I am w-w-working against you.¡±

    Levi¡¯s eyes, still wild, now held the look of a cornered beast, desperate to flee. Without hesitation, he sprang from his seat in a frantic attempt to reach the door.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    In one fluid motion, Varga leapt from his seat, sword flashing free from its sheath.

    Levi moved with surprising agility, ducking past a guard and crashing through the weathered door with a lowered shoulder. Varga was right on his heels.

    Varga sprinted down the stairs, ducking just in time as Levi¡¯s wild swing with a thick stick nearly caught him.

    Levi, armed with a stick, squared up to take Varga out so he could escape. As soon as Varga recovered from the initial attack, Levi reared back and unleashed a two-handed swing, attempting to take Varga¡¯s head off his shoulders.

    Varga tucked into a roll, narrowly dodging the swing. As he sprang to his feet, Levi had already shifted into a defensive stance, backpedaling to create distance.

    ¡°I was just padding the rent a little, skimming a few ducats off the top. That¡¯s not enough to die over,¡± Levi pleaded.

    Regret flickered in Varga¡¯s chest. He liked Levi, but he couldn¡¯t forget that, for the right amount of ducats, Levi would likely kill him. This was too good an opportunity¡ªmaybe his only one¡ªto let sentiment cloud his judgment.

    ¡°When you betrayed Balrik, you betrayed all of us,¡± Varga shouted, feeling a bit ridiculous, but it was necessary to drown out Levi¡¯s desperate pleas before Balrik could hear them.

    ¡°What are you talking about? I was just¡ª¡± Levi¡¯s words were cut short as Varga lunged, his dueling sword striking like a serpent.

    Varga had to admit, Levi was quick, fending off the first few strikes with nothing more than a stick. But his luck ran out, and Varga¡¯s blade found his thigh.

    Varga knew if he let up in his assault, Balrik would demand to take Levi alive, so he pressed on. It seemed as if Levi had already given up because his sword found its mark repeatedly.

    Finally, Varga jammed his sword almost to the hilt in Levi¡¯s chest, making him scream with the gurgling sound of blood in his throat.

    Levi fell backward, and the weight of his thick body wretched Varga¡¯s dueling sword from his hand.

    Varga watched blood well up under the body of the dark-skinned Tazen he had grown fond of over his time trapped in this nightmare.

    ¡°Sorry, Levi,¡± Varga whispered. Levi smiled as they made eye contact before Varga could form a response, the light of life left Levi¡¯s eyes.

    Varga allowed Levi¡¯s body to fall to the ground as he heard the boots of Balrik and his bodyguards descending the steps of the dyer¡¯s shack. The smile made sense now. Levi preferred a clean, quick death by the sword than to endure whatever twisted tortures Balrik would have used to extract information from him.

    ¡°What in the seven hells did you do, Varga?¡± Balrik snapped, approaching Varga.

    ¡°I needed him alive.¡±

    ¡°Why? You found the rat in your crew, what else did you need?¡± Varga retorted. He knew he was living dangerously talking back to Balrik, but he was nearing the end of his patience, and perhaps, his sanity.

    Balrik stared at him coldly and the situation became so awkward, the bodyguards cleared their weapons in case Balrik was ready to strike.

    After a few moments, Balrik made a gesture and the bodyguards stood down, sheathing their weapons.

    ¡°As brilliant as the concoction you drank is, it has two limitations. I can only invoke answers to yes or no questions, and the effects wear off quickly,¡± Balrik explained, his gaze fixed on Varga.

    ¡°I asked a general question to flush out those betraying me, but who they were working with, and what their plans were, are just as important.¡±

    ¡°I went after Levi, even though you treated me like a traitor. I did what had to be done,¡± Varga said through gritted teeth.

    ¡°I suppose you did,¡± Balrik replied, his tone cryptic, eyes flickering between Varga and Levi¡¯s corpse.

    ¡°I¡¯m not pleased with the result, but it will have to do. Let¡¯s move forward and refocus on what¡¯s ahead.¡±

    ¡°Can we still pull it off, even down two members?¡± Varga asked.

    ¡°Of course. That just means bigger shares for the rest of us,¡± Balrik said, walking away with a low cackle.

 16-Bargains at the Gate

    Esmeralda and Aon had exhausted their small talk about an hour ago. Now, they sat in silence, waiting for word that their men had stopped the driver¡ªan Arzan named Nat¡ªat the gate. Days of sharing the same table had left their conversations stale.

    Yet their silences never felt awkward or forced. And when they did find something to discuss, Esmeralda often imagined what life might have been like under Aon¡¯s guidance¡ªpatient, worldly, and wise. Qualities her life had sorely lacked. The thought stirred a quiet longing for a simpler, safer existence.

    The door burst open, and a Vestigare messenger boy rushed inside.

    ¡°Agent Aon, the guards at west gate two have detained the individual as requested,¡± the boy reported.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Aon replied, flicking the messenger a silver deni. The boy knuckled his head before departing.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda, go ahead and confirm they have the right man. I¡¯ll prepare the interrogation room in the meantime,¡± Aon said, turning to her. His black pupils gleamed with excitement, though his voice remained steady.

    Esmeralda gave a curt nod, rose swiftly, and strode toward the door, her mind already fixed on the task ahead.

    <hr>

    Esmeralda arrived at the quieter of Xandelfi¡¯s two west gates. Apparently, it¡¯s the one preferred by smugglers. Her investigation revealed a tight-knit group of guards likely taking bribes to look the other way.

    Esmeralda doubted she was the first agent to uncover this, but the guards still operated with impunity, leaving her to wonder what they were trading to keep their protection.

    Esmeralda walked to the guard at the entrance, showing him her Vestigare badge before speaking.

    ¡°I am Agent Esmeralda of Vestigare. You are holding someone for me. Who is in charge?¡±

    The guard¡¯s gaze lingered, just shy of a leer, before he caught himself and straightened his posture.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda. That would be Guardsman Luca. He is inside, probably sitting at the table with the lads.¡±

    Esmeralda decided to ignore leering earlier. She didn¡¯t have time to be sidetracked and thanked the guard before heading inside.

    Esmeralda entered the guardhouse to see three guards sitting around a table, drinking and sharing stories. Two guards were Arzans of about average height and build, and the third guard was also an Arzan, but he was as large as a Grang. Esmeralda figured he was Luca.

    The guards fell silent when she entered.

    ¡°My name is Agent Esmeralda, and I am looking for Guardsman Luca,¡± Esmeralda announced, holding her badge up so all in the room could see it.

    ¡°Well, you found him,¡± the large Arzan said, flashing a smile before continuing.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a tad young to handle a case alone?¡±

    ¡°Two things,¡± Esmeralda started, holding up two fingers. ¡°First, you will address me by my title. Second, my age and this case are none of your concern. Do I make myself clear? If you fail to follow these simple requests, I will have this guard shack vetted so thoroughly that you won¡¯t be able to hide the bribes even in your anus.¡±

    Luca¡¯s smile faltered, his eyes narrowing for a heartbeat before his laid-back mask slipped back into place.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    ¡°Understood, Agent Esmeralda,¡± Luca replied. Esmeralda strained, but she couldn¡¯t detect any sarcasm in his voice.

    ¡°Excellent. Then I am positive we can have a long, fruitful relationship,¡± Esmeralda added.

    Luca nodded, his expression remaining neutral. If he resented being dressed down in front of his peers, he gave no sign.

    ¡°Lads, follow Agent Esmeralda¡¯s wishes, or you will answer to me,¡± Luca said before standing.

    ¡°I assume you want to see the smuggler?¡±

    Esmeralda nodded for her response.

    ¡°After me then,¡± Luca said, gesturing to a hallway leading further into the guardhouse.

    After they were out of eavesdropping range, Luca spoke.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind a good tongue lashing now and again, but be careful of brandishing threats that would make individuals, just trying to survive, resort to desperate measures.

    Luca let the warning linger, his eyes weighing Esmeralda, before he continued.

    ¡°I only say this because I am interested in the fruitful relationship you mentioned earlier.¡±

    ¡°Noted, Guardsman Luca. I needed your attention, but I¡¯ll keep your position in mind from now on,¡± Esmeralda said, her tone measured. Now that she had confirmed Luca and his men were crooked, they could become useful. But that would have to wait; she had more urgent matters to address.

    ¡°The prisoner, agent,¡± Luca said as they approached a solid-looking wooden door.

    Esmeralda held her hand out palm up, and Luca fumbled with his keyring until he finally removed the key to the door. Esmeralda took the key, opened the door, and peeked inside. A Xandran looked up at her, and she immediately recognized him to be Nat. He looked almost the same, only much older.

    ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Esmeralda said, locking the door again.

    ¡°Prepare to move him to this address,¡± she added, handing Luca a scrap of parchment.

    ¡°I need to speak with him before we leave, so I will come and get you when I finish."

    Luca nodded at the orders and turned to leave.

    ¡°Before you start,¡± Esmeralda said, fishing out three ducats from her purse.

    ¡°These should help cover any expenses or inconveniences working with me might have caused.¡±

    Luca¡¯s eyes bulged comically at the sight of the payout before pocketing the ducats with one swift motion. Esmeralda was certain none of the other guards would see a thin copper bit of that money.

    ¡°Fruitful indeed,¡± Luca quipped, smiling before taking his leave.

    Esmeralda frowned at his back. She would have to establish her dominance if he was going to be a useful asset down the road. She breathed deeply, setting that future problem aside, refocused on her current mission and smoothed her blouse before entering the small cell Nat occupied.

    Nat¡¯s tawny skin was weathered from years of smuggling under the twin suns, deep lines etched into his face.

    Esmeralda was a little confused that Balrik would use Nat for this because they had a long history together and because there was a chance that Nat might recognize Esmeralda. She met him a few times when she was of primary school age. Esmeralda remembered he was the first man she had a crush on, and his rugged looks improved with age.

    Nat looked up as she closed the door behind her. He opened his mouth to say something but snapped it shut, opting to squint at her instead.

    ¡°Master Nat, I know who you are and who you have worked with. That¡¯s why it is important that you listen to me,¡± Esmeralda started as she sat before the Xandran.

    Nat looked at her blankly before she continued.

    ¡°Balrik will get you out of here, but all you have to tell them is what they want to hear. Tell them you transported him to a different group of smugglers, and you know where they are,¡± Esmeralda explained.

    Nat¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of Balrik, but he wisely said nothing.

    ¡°Balrik told me to tell you he would owe you two bottles of summer wine and a steak.¡±

    Nat laughed at the statement and shook his head.

    ¡°That crafty son of a whore. How did he get his hooks in you?¡± Nat asked, still chuckling at the situation.

    ¡°I¡¯ll explain later, but we¡¯re out of time,¡± Esmeralda said, her tone urgent. Nat nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.

    ¡°This is what you need to tell Agent Aon later.¡±

    Esmeralda explained, and Nat looked confused but recited what she had told him word for word.

    ¡°Excellent. Now, some guards will be here to take you away. Don''t panic, and stick to what I told you to say,¡± Esmeralda said before standing and opening the door.

    Esmeralda looked over her shoulder and said.

    ¡°Remember to stick to exactly what I told you, and Balrik will be forever indebted to you. That debt will be worth more than any cargo you¡¯ve ever smuggled.

 17-From Sword to Knife

    Obi guided the cart down the stone road toward Xandelfi as Varga sat beside him on the front bench. Balrik and the others remained hidden in the covered back.

    Varga had grown fond of the Tazen. Obi¡¯s warmth and surprising sensitivity stood in stark contrast to his career, but since the dyer incident, their once frequent conversations had fallen into uncomfortable silences. Varga suspected Obi took Levi¡¯s death hard¡ªhis close friend had not only betrayed him, but now Obi had to work alongside the man who killed him.

    Varga glanced at Obi, hoping to find an opening to start a chat, but the Tazen stared ahead, zombie-like, steering the cart.

    Varga sighed and turned his gaze to the green fields of Xandra, his homeland. He hadn¡¯t realized how much he missed it until now¡ªthe scent of freshly plowed earth, the soft glow of the suns over the wheat fields.

    The walls of Xandelfi appeared on the horizon. Varga opened the cloth cover and peaked his head in the back. The crew looked up in unison at the sudden appearance of his face.

    ¡°We are approaching the city, Balrik.¡±

    Balrik smiled at the news.

    ¡°How long before we arrive?¡±

    ¡°Two, three hours,¡± Varga replied.

    Balrik cocked his head in thought before nodding.

    ¡°Very good. Knock on the wall of the cart when you think we are within an hour. One of the guys will knock back to acknowledge we heard you. Don¡¯t look back here. It will be too suspicious if a guard sees you.¡±

    Varga nodded before settling back onto the bench. Obi glanced at Varga with an unreadable expression but said nothing.

    Other than a few mounted travelers past them, along with several carts and carriages with more steeds pulling them.

    When Varga estimated they were an hour away, he knocked on the wall of the cart. A single knock replied moments later, signaling the others were ready for when the guards would check the cargo. Balrik, however, didn¡¯t need to hide¡ªhe could simply turn invisible. Varga couldn¡¯t fathom the power Balrik must feel, concealed from prying eyes in plain sight.

    The road merged with three others, and the route became congested with carts, carriages, steeds, and foot traffic. Their progress came to a crawl as they approached the large gates of Xandelfi. Varga wondered why they didn¡¯t enter through the west gates, unofficially dubbed ¡°the Smugglers¡¯ Gate," but never voiced his curiosity.

    It took longer than expected to reach the towering stone gates, but once they arrived, a guard quickly approached them for questioning.

    ¡°What is your purpose in Xandelfi?¡±

    ¡°Work, sir,¡± Obi answered before handing the guard a folded parchment.

    The guard frowned as he examined the papers and muttered, ¡°I guess they couldn¡¯t find any Xandrans to cater.¡±

    Varga cleared his throat, drawing a scowl from the guard, who rudely cleared his sinuses and spat onto the ground.

    ¡°Paperwork looks in order. What do you have in the back? Do you have anything I should know about it before I check? Keep in mind, I hate surprises.¡±

    ¡°Only our supplies for the job and the other Tazen crew members,¡± Obi answered.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    The guard spat again before walking to the rear of the cart. As they waited, it dawned on Varga that he was unaware of how long Balrik could stay invisible.

    Varga felt the cart sway from the weight of the guard climbing aboard. They sat still without a word. Varga could hear the guard¡¯s boots moving about the cart as he searched for contraband. The uncertainty ate at him, and his hand drifted to his sword hilt, loosening it in its sheath just in case. Time seemed to stand still, and finally, the guard returned.

    ¡°Everything looks in order. Enjoy your stay in Xandelfi, and stay out of trouble.¡±

    Obi snapped the reins, urging the horses to pull the cart forward. Once they were a respectable distance from the gates, Obi loudly exhaled.

    ¡°I thought we were cooked for sure,¡± Obi said, smiling.

    Just like that, the tension between them was gone. Varga guessed the bond of surviving was stronger than the trauma of betrayal and murder.

    <hr>

    Obi deftly guided the cart through the bustling city, its vibrant colors, clamor, and scents washing over Varga. Xandelfi¡¯s energy was like a raging river compared to the calm creek of Tazen, and to his surprise, he found himself longing for the peace of the creek.

    Obi took them to the entrance of the Higher Grounds before turning off the main road. Finally, they arrived at the large, enclosed compound, sitting at the foot of the cliff belonging to the Higher Grounds.

    Outside was a small guard booth at the gate, and a tall Xandran guard emerged to greet them.

    ¡°May I help you, gentleman?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re here to cater the event,¡± Obi said, handing over the folded parchment.

    ¡°Right on time. The guest kitchen¡¯s over there,¡± the guard replied, pointing to a small wooden building near the mansion.

    Obi nodded his thanks and urged the horses forward. As they made their way to the building, Varga realized how much his thinking had changed. As a teen, he dreamed of places like this, but now, after prison and Tazen, a guest kitchen felt ostentatious.

    The cart came to a stop, snapping Varga from his thoughts. After he alighted from the cart, he took stock of his surroundings. The guest kitchen was large enough to house a medium-sized family. They were in a covered stable for carts and steeds, and Varga heard the rest of the crew starting to unload. Varga rolled up his sleeves and joined the Tazens.

    After clearing the cart and bringing most of the goods inside, they unpacked the crates. Varga hoisted bags of flour and salt on his shoulders, carrying them to the prepping areas in the kitchen. The kitchen was made of marble.

    Varga set the bags down when Balrik and Fulope walked into the kitchen.

    ¡°Tell the brothers to set the burner up here,¡± Balrik said to Fulope, pointing to a corner in the kitchen. Varga recently learned that Balrik¡¯s bodyguards were siblings but still didn¡¯t know their names.

    Balrik noticed Varga and stopped talking with Fulope.

    ¡°Do you need something, Master Varga?¡±

    ¡°There was something I was wondering. When do the real caters arrive?¡±

    Balrik glanced at Fulope, who openly smiled at the question.

    ¡°Master Varga, we are the caterers,¡± Balrik said, a smile playing on his lips.

    ¡°I know how to wield a sword, not a paring knife,¡± Varga muttered.

    ¡°It¡¯s no different than what I expect of you now¡ªjust cut what I tell you to. Alchemy makes recipes child¡¯s play for me. Follow my orders, and everything will go smoothly.¡±

    Varga had to admit the thought of an alchemist of Balrik¡¯s reputation having trouble with a recipe seemed ridiculous once he thought about it.

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne!¡± Balrik shouted, making Varga reach for his sword before he realized Balrik was looking at the meats and vegetables in storage.

    ¡°This will not do at all. Master Varga, are you still familiar enough with Xandelfi to navigate yourself to a high-quality market?¡± Balrik asked over his shoulder.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t been gone that long,¡± Varga said flippantly without thinking, and to his surprise, Balrik barked a laugh.

    ¡°The scene in Xandelfi fluctuates hourly, yet somehow never changes,¡± Balrik waxed poetically before turning to Fulope and saying, ¡°Give him a heavy purse. He¡¯ll need enough to buy the finest ingredients.¡±

    Fulope nodded before producing a heavy-looking coin purse and a folded parchment.

    ¡°I trust I needn¡¯t remind you of the penalty for stealing from Balrik,¡± Fulope added, passing the purse and list to Varga.

    Varga nodded in response, but Balrik replied instead of Fulope.

    ¡°Good. Now take Obi and go shopping. When you return, we¡¯ll craft dishes¡­ truly to die for.¡±

 18-Collateral Exchange

    Esmeralda sipped her now lukewarm tea from a thick clay mug as she watched the smugglers¡¯ cave with Agent Aon near Xandelfi.

    Aon also sipped from his mug before frowning at the tepid liquid. They have been watching the smuggler¡¯s den from a small cart for over thirty hours, and there has been no movement from the cave other than a runner bringing back supplies.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ve spotted us?¡± Esmeralda asked.

    ¡°We have decent cover, but if we can see them, they might see us,¡± Aon replied, pouring his tea outside the cart.

    ¡°What do you think Balrik would do if he knew we were here?¡± Esmeralda asked, aware the den was a decoy and Balrik was likely already in Xandelfi, executing his plan.

    ¡°I think he¡¯d bide his time, but eventually, he¡¯d need to act due to his limited window,¡± Aon replied.

    They sat, watching the cave in silence for what felt to be over an hour when Esmeralda spoke again.

    ¡°How did you end up dedicating your career to taking Balrik down?¡±

    Aon glanced at her before chuckling and answering.

    ¡°I knew Balrik when he was in the Vestigare and even worked with him on a few cases. He was gifted in the art of alchemy and was a brilliant agent. One could say that I respected him greatly, and perhaps because I respected him, his betrayal felt personal.¡±

    ¡°Do you know why he betrayed the Vestigare?¡± Esmeralda asked. When she was a child, Balrik told her the Vestigare used him and left him for dead, so she was curious how an Agent like Aon perceived the situation.

    ¡°Some say it was because the Vestigare wouldn¡¯t let him conduct illegal experiments on live subjects. Others think he was crooked all along. Only Balrik knows for sure. However, I know he meticulously plotted his departure, using his Vestigare resources for years, amassing wealth and assets before departing.¡±

    "When do you believe his involvement in the slave trade began?¡±

    ¡°Started well before Balrik left the Vestigare. My theory is that he used the slave trade to find test subjects.¡±

    Esmeralda nodded, reflecting on how much of Aon¡¯s story was true¡ªand what Balrik might have hidden from her.

    ¡°Regardless of how distasteful Balrik¡¯s actions are, there is no denying his genius. He created things only thought possible in the Nawahl age, perhaps even things the ancient Nawahl couldn¡¯t pull off, and his crowning achievement was the extraction of the essence of beasts. Balrik could infuse himself with the properties of creatures via an elixir made from beast materials. I would be lying if I claimed to understand how any of it worked, but his accomplishments have stumped the Academy and several top alchemists for years.¡±

    Esmeralda was not ready to deal with the mysteries of Balrik¡¯s past, so she eagerly welcomed the change of topic.

    "So there is truth to the stories that Balrik can turn invisible because he uses the essence of the despanthra?¡±

    ¡°Just so, but he is not turning invisible per se. He is camouflaging himself by bending the light around him just as the despanthra do,¡± Aon replied.

    ¡°How does that work with his clothes? Does he strip naked to camouflage?¡± Esmeralda asked. It had bothered her for years, and if anyone besides Balrik knew the answer, it would be Agent Aon.

    ¡°That is a very astute question, and the answer to it is simpler than you might have imagined,¡± Aon commented before answering her question, ¡°Balrik¡¯s leathers, crafted from despanthra hide, somehow react to him when he activates his camouflage. The solution is as genius as obvious.¡±

    Aon laughed and shook his head.

    ¡°Balrik could just camouflage himself and walk past us if he knew we were here,¡± Esmeralda said, feeling caught up in the moment. She immediately regretted the words as soon as they left her lips.

    ¡°Yes, I suppose you are right,¡± Aon said as his demeanor changed drastically.

    ¡°No. That wouldn¡¯t be Balrik''s style. He has a plan that needs individuals and equipment to work. He wouldn¡¯t abandon it just because there were two agents outside. No, it has to be something else.¡±

    Aon suddenly slapped the side of the cart, sending the horses into a nervous prance.

    ¡°Bloody hells. We have to go now,¡± Aon said, grabbing the reins. Before Esmeralda could ask, the cart lurched forward, heading back to Xandelfi.

    <hr>

    Esmeralda had never seen Aon so withdrawn. Their silences were usually a comfort, like a pair of well-worn shoes. But this time, Aon was cold and distant, from the ride through the city to their arrival at the windship docks.

    Esmeralda wondered if her cover was blown and briefly considered escaping before Aon finally spoke.

    ¡°Esmeralda, my mood isn¡¯t about you. Balrik duped me again, but this time I know where he¡¯s headed. I¡¯ll ask Agent Rowlin for the resources to finally bring him down.¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°If you know where he¡¯s headed, why are you so worried?¡± Esmeralda asked as they walked along the docks.

    ¡°Balrik always manages to make me look like a fool. I¡¯m angry I didn¡¯t catch the ruse sooner, and now I¡¯m dreading going to Rowlin with my hat in hand,¡± Aon said, pausing at the windskiff¡¯s gangplank to let Esmeralda board first.

    Aon spoke briefly with the captain, and moments later, the crew buzzed to prepare the ship for launch.

    ¡°Why worry? You¡¯ve got enough evidence to get your requests approved,¡± Esmeralda said, leaning on the railing as the windskiff ascended.

    Aon sighed and rubbed the bridge of his snout before answering.

    ¡°Balrik¡¯s bested me so many times, most agents think I¡¯m incompetent. And Rowlin hasn¡¯t been shy about sharing that opinion for years.¡±

    Esmeralda wanted to comfort him but found no words. Instead, she leaned against the railing, watching the landscape shift as they flew toward Xanth.

    <hr>

    Esmeralda was back in Agent Rowlin¡¯s spacious but economically furnished office. He sat across from them, fingers steepled, eyes locked on Aon.

    ¡°I understand, and even admire, your tenacity to bring Balrik to justice, Agent Aon, but I cannot in good conscience just allow to stage an operation of that magnitude in the presence of the type of individuals who will attend this Academy auction. This charitable event won¡¯t just benefit the Academy; it will serve all the Five Kingdoms. If we scare away tens of thousands of ducats on a hunch, we could be setting back academia for years. Think of what these ducats could do for the next generation of magikians,¡± Rowlin lectured with a slight shake of his head.

    ¡°Agent Rowlin, I assure you, this is far more than a hunch,¡± Aon retorted evenly.

    ¡°Yes, you mentioned that you acquired reliable information but refused to expand on how.¡±

    ¡°Only to protect all of the parties who are risking their lives for the sake of the Five Kingdoms.¡±

    ¡°That is very noble of you, but I am afraid¡­¡± Rowlin started before stopping mid-sentence and standing.

    ¡°I will take it from here, Agent Rowlin,¡± a nasal voice said behind them.

    Aon glanced over his shoulder, his expression shifting to surprise as he stood.

    Esmeralda mimicked the two senior agents and rose from her seat. She turned to see a dumpy Arzan walking into the office. The short, thick-bodied Arzan was light blue, with a pronounced belly and jowls that reminded Esmeralda of a hound. She almost couldn¡¯t believe her eyes when Agent Aon spoke.

    ¡°Head Agent Edgen.¡±

    Aon saluted in the Grang fashion of placing his right fist over his heart. The Head Agent waved towards the Grang agent as he ambled across the office.

    ¡°I was not aware that you would be in Xanth today, Head Agent,¡± Rowlin said as Edgen approached him.

    ¡°Yes, sorry for the sudden appearance. I traveled to Xandelfi to talk with Agent Aon and his young partner. I had just missed them and hurried here,¡± Edgen explained, and before anyone could reply, he continued.

    ¡°As I said, I will take it from here. If you do not mind, I would prefer to use your office for this meeting.¡±

    Rowlin''s lips tightened at the dismal, but he recovered quickly and said,

    ¡°Of course, Head Agent. Will there be anything else?¡±

    ¡°No, Agent Rowlin. I will find you when I finish here,¡± Edgen replied before sitting in Rowlin¡¯s chair behind his desk.

    Edgen settled into the chair, waiting until Agent Rowlin left before beginning.

    ¡°So it is true, you managed to get a mole inside Balrik¡¯s operation. I admit that is quite impressive.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Head Agent. However, if we do not act now, I believe it will be for naught,¡± Aon replied.

    ¡°I am inclined to agree with you. Balrik has outlived his usefulness and has taken advantage of our arrangement for the last time,¡± Edgen said after a moment, toying with the corner of his lip in thought.

    ¡°Arrangement?¡± Aon asked, not even attempting to hide the surprise in his voice.

    ¡°Yes, agent. I have been in contact with Balrik for years. He is careful and has avoided my efforts to pinpoint his location and exact operations, but what he provided at the time was worth the distasteful act of dealing with him,¡± Edgen answered.

    ¡°Years? Whatever do you mean, sir?¡± Aon asked.

    If Esmeralda correctly understood what Edgen was saying, she couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for Agent Aon.

    ¡°Indeed. Balrik negotiated certain liberties with me in exchange for valuable information. However, before I continue to explain, I assure you that I never impeded your investigation or work, and you have done the Vestigare proud.¡±

    Aon quivered, but to his credit, he kept his composure.

    ¡°Head Agent, this revelation is hard to wrap my mind around. I must insist that you expound on the subject more to make it easier for me,¡± Aon said tersely.

    Anger flashed across the Head Agent¡¯s features for a heartbeat before he smiled and spoke.

    ¡°I believe you have earned that much, but I want to make clear that I do not owe you anything, agent. I run the Vestigare to protect the Five Kingdoms, not to spare a Grang of his feelings. Do we understand one another?¡±

    Aon¡¯s body tensed, but he clenched his jaw and nodded for his response.

    ¡°Excellent. As I said, Balrik provided invaluable information from the independent City-States and the Wildlands. In particular, he found some disturbing trends that could greatly impact the Five Kingdoms and its interests in the Wildlands. However, lately, the rogue agent has presumed he is worth more than he is and has gone as far as to attempt to strong-arm me.¡±

    ¡°They say if you lay with the hounds, you will get ticks, sir,¡± Aon commented, and before Edgen could respond, Esmeralda spoke.

    ¡°What do you mean he attempted to strong-arm you, Head Agent Edgen?¡±

    ¡°Balrik wanted me to pull all resources from his case. When I informed him that it wasn¡¯t possible, he uncharacteristically became desperate, offering his network in the Wildlands and information about a double agent within the Vestigare in exchange for his freedom. Balrik said that if I did not accept the deal, he would release the information to my political enemies and claimed to have a fail-safe in place if I didn¡¯t honor our agreement. However, now that you two have zeroed in on him, I think it would be best to call his bluff and extract whatever information he has by other means. That includes his fail-safe,¡± Edgen replied.

    Esmeralda couldn¡¯t believe it¡ªBalrik had set her up to reveal her own identity as collateral if he failed.

    ¡°Balrik knows the window to get the dragon egg is now or never. Once it enters the Academy, even as skilled and as clever as he is, it will be impossible for him to steal,¡± Aon added, putting the final piece of the puzzle together for Esmeralda.

    The revelation hit Esmeralda harder than she expected. Balrik would trade her for the dragon egg. She had believed they would disappear together, as he promised, that somehow she mattered. But now, it was painfully clear¡ªshe had been a fool, and she had always been expendable.

    Her heart ached with the weight of betrayal, but there was no time to dwell on it. As horrible an individual as Balrik was, he had been a good teacher. If he had taught her one thing, it was how to survive. So, while Aon and Edgen discussed their plan, Esmeralda silently crafted her own.

 19-Eggs and Banes

    Varga wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his forearm before returning to basing the roasts in front of him. Of all the jobs he has done in life, including boot camp for the Vestigare, working in a kitchen might be the most grueling thing he has ever done.

    ¡°Get your head out of your arse, Varga,¡± Balrik barked, snapping Varga away from his thoughts.

    ¡°This food must be divine. If you stay focused, the fools will happily poison themselves and make us rich.¡±

    Varga nodded for his response, not daring to take his eyes off his task.

    After hours of tiresome, demanding work, Varga looked at the spread of food. It was gorgeous and, somehow, smelled even better than it looked. He had to stop himself several times from sneaking a bite despite watching Balrik meticulously poison the dishes.

    ¡°Good work, lads. I reserved some of the food for your efforts. It is always better to rob on a full stomach, even better if the food is this luxurious,¡± Balrik announced, gesturing to a table in the corner of the kitchen.

    The others rushed to the table and started gobbling up the succulent-looking food. The Tazens, almost simultaneously, let out sighs of euphoria from the food.

    Varga wiped his brow and hands clean, his mind drifting to the promises Balrik made to Varga and the Tazens if they pulled off this heist. Balrik had all but promised the crew the five moons and twin suns, but Varga knew he didn¡¯t plan to sell the egg. How could he pay them such a fortune? As he mulled the question, Varga noticed Balrik wasn¡¯t eating.

    ¡°Got to shed some weight first,¡± Varga quipped, rubbing his stomach in the universal gesture for using the restroom. ¡°Try not to eat it all, boys.¡±

    ¡°No promises,¡± Obi laughed around mouth full of food.

    ¡°If you do, drinks are on you guys after the job,¡± Varga shot back, heading out of the kitchen.

    Varga knew he¡¯d kick himself if his paranoia made him miss the most lavish meal he¡¯d ever seen. Still, ¡°better safe than dead¡± had been his motto ever since becoming a Vestigare asset.

    Varga stayed away until it was time to prepare. When he returned, the Tazens were already dressed in their serving uniforms. As Varga started changing, Balrik caught his eye.

    ¡°Remember what we discussed? Don¡¯t treat the Tazens as your equals. They work for you; you work for me. Nothing makes the rich more uncomfortable than the idea of equality.¡±

    ¡°I remember,¡± Varga said, pulling on his uniform.

    ¡°You know what¡¯s at stake. If Varga snaps at you like a spoiled child, you won¡¯t take it personally, right?¡± Balrik said, his voice smooth but sharp as he addressed the Tazens.

    ¡°Of course not. Varga¡¯s one of us,¡± Obi said with a chuckle, sparking laughter from the others.

    Varga suspected Obi¡¯s words were more a jape about his connection to Kokal, the mender, than any real camaraderie.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get into character,¡± Balrik said. On command, the Tazens shed their easy-going demeanor, transforming into broken men with downcast eyes.

    They wheeled the food carts into the mansion, down a long hallway, and into a grand room. The moment Varga stepped inside, his senses were hit by obscene displays of wealth. Chandeliers glittered with colored gemstones, and treasures from the Nawahl era and royal families across the Five Kingdoms filled the space.

    Guests lounged about, sipping wines and liquors. The oval-shaped room had tables, chairs, and cushions scattered throughout, but Varga¡¯s gaze soon locked on the large table beneath a stained-glass skylight. A rectangular shape sat in the center, draped in a plush green cover. The dragon egg, Varga assumed.

    ¡°Finally. My guests were growing so impatient I almost visited the kitchen myself.¡±

    Varga focused on the voice addressing Balrik.

    ¡°My apologies, Mistress Maya, for the delay, but I won¡¯t apologize for ensuring perfection for you and your esteemed guests,¡± Balrik said to the roundest Xandran woman Varga had ever seen. At first glance, he mistook her for a Ramon due to her size, but her tawny skin and familiar Xandran features told him she was a local.

    Maya wore a frilly pink, orange, and green dress¡ªsomething only a Xandran would dare. Her black hair was styled in large curls, and her dragon-shaped cane thumped rhythmically against the floor as she approached Balrik.

    ¡°My guests are so hungry that they would probably eat cooked water by now,¡± Maya said with a hearty chuckle, gesturing with her plump, jeweled hands toward the individuals socializing around the room. Varga suppressed a frown at Maya¡¯s mention of ¡°cooked water¡±¡ªa dish of stale bread soaked in broth, common among Xandra¡¯s lower class. Hardly fitting for pampered elites, though a familiar staple in most Xandran homes.

    Suddenly, Varga realized that even being late with the food was part of Balrik¡¯s plan. The elites of the Five Kingdoms were so accustomed to at least having finger foods when they socialized that the absence of them must have made them famished.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be damned to the seven hells than have my dishes mentioned alongside such peasant food, Mistress Maya. I promise tonight¡¯s dishes will be spoken of with the beauty of your home and your generosity for decades to come,¡± Balrik said with a flourish worthy of a Xandran orator.

    ¡°Bold words, Master Geoff. We shall see,¡± Maya said with a chuckle before turning away from Balrik to announce that the food had arrived.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    Varga busied himself with the spread, careful not to attract the ire of a hungry, stressed rich woman.

    Hours passed as the guests gorged themselves on food and drink. Varga watched the elites of the Five Kingdoms shovel poison into their mouths, never sparing him a word or second glance¡ªunless to complain.

    Varga clenched his jaw, barely containing his frustration as he served the thankless guests. He wasn¡¯t sure how much longer he could keep up the fa?ade, but when Maya headed toward the table, a hush of anticipation settled over the room.

    ¡°Esteemed guests. As much as I have enjoyed you drinking my wine and eating my food, I believe it is time to showcase why we have all gathered,¡± Maya paused for a round of polite laughter before continuing.

    ¡°My father was a dreamer. He believed that only the combined efforts of citizens of the Five Kingdoms could lift the Academy to the heavens and accomplish things of legends. For that reason, when my expedition to the Wildlands discovered this dragon egg.¡± She flung the green cover away with much fanfare.

    Under the cover was a clear glass case, and sitting within it was a large, pearl white egg. Varga noticed the egg¡¯s color changed from white to red as the light shifted in the room.

    ¡°I knew my father would have wanted it in the Academy. Tonight, we¡¯ll make his dream a reality and ensure the Academy is well-funded to pursue more discoveries like this, thanks to your generous donations.¡±

    The guests were captivated by the spectacle of the egg, and after a moment of stunned silence, they erupted into loud applause.

    ¡°I trust you¡¯ll do the right thing and open your purse strings. Excuse me¡ªwhat do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Completely caught up in the moment, Varga barely noticed Balrik step up beside Maya, peeling off his white chef¡¯s outfit to reveal his signature red leathers.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to say a few words, Mistress Maya, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Balrik said, his voice smooth but his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge as he drew a wicked-looking dagger.

    Before Maya could respond, Balrik seized her shoulders, stepping behind her as he pressed the dagger to her throat.

    ¡°Esteemed guests, if you value your lives, I suggest you listen carefully before doing anything rash¡ªespecially if you think magik can save you,¡± Balrik announced with calm authority.

    ¡°You there,¡± Balrik barked, gesturing with his dagger for the stragglers behind him to join the others. Once they obeyed, he scanned the room, satisfied none remained.

    ¡°I regret to inform you, you¡¯ve all been poisoned. But before you panic, there¡¯s good news¡ªthere¡¯s an antidote.¡±

    Balrik allowed the crowd to digest what he said.

    ¡°The poison you have ingested is called Magikis Pestius, otherwise known as¡­¡±

    ¡°Mage¡¯s Bane,¡± Maya said, finishing Balrik¡¯s sentence.

    ¡°Precisely! I do love an educated crowd,¡± Balrik replied with a grin.

    ¡°Nonsense! Mage¡¯s Bane is an old wives¡¯ tale to scare the Academy,¡± a man shouted from the crowd.

    ¡°It would be a shame to let ignorance be the cause of your demise. Fortunately, we can turn this into a teachable moment. Surrounded by prominent Academy members, surely someone with more expertise can enlighten you. Is there anyone with a background in alchemy who might save our friend¡¯s life from his own lack of knowledge?¡±

    It was surreal watching Balrik control a crowd of magikians with a threat that some didn¡¯t even believe was possible.

    After a moment, an Arzan man stepped forward. The Arzan looked to be middle-aged and wore elaborate yellow robes.

    ¡°I mastered in alchemy at the Academy,¡± the man said.

    ¡°Excellent. It is always a pleasure to meet a fellow man of the flask. Does Mage¡¯s Bane exist, good sir?¡±

    The Arzan bit his lip and looked down as if he did not like the taste of his answer, and after exhaling through his nose, he looked up again and spoke.

    ¡°Just so. However, I would like to state that its recipe has been buried in the forbidden archives for centuries.¡±

    ¡°You said you mastered in alchemy at the Academy, correct? Did you study under the great Archmage Munz?¡± Balrik asked, suddenly changing the topic.

    The Arzan looked as confused as Varga felt, but he nodded in confirmation.

    ¡°Does he still teach pupils how to deconstruct potions?¡±

    ¡°Yes, but,¡± the Arzan started but stopped mid-sentence as Balrik placed his dagger back against Maya¡¯s throat.

    ¡°Then I assume he still tells the story about who discovered the technique and taught him how to deconstruct?¡± Balrik asked, ignoring the whimpering from his hostage.

    ¡°Yes. Archmage Munz said the greatest alchemist in Cordizal¡¯s history was a Nawahl Vestigare agent named¡­ Balrik.¡± The Arzan¡¯s eyes widened as he finally realized who stood before him.

    ¡°You are Balrik?¡±

    ¡°Guilty of that and many other things. To help educate your fellow dying colleagues, could you explain some of the properties of Mage¡¯s Bane?¡±

    The blue of the Arzan¡¯s face drained, making him a shade of turquoise. He swallowed audibly and answered.

    ¡°Mage¡¯s Bane is a lethal poison that accelerates when the victim uses ley or exerts themselves physically. Using ley especially speeds up the process.¡±

    Standing near the front of the crowd, a young Xandran woman raised her arm, sending a burst of fire errantly in the air before she doubled over in pain. Balrik didn¡¯t flinch, watching calmly as she began convulsing.

    ¡°People always doubt how fast the poison acts when you use ley. Explain the stages of the poison,¡± Balrik said, returning his attention to the Arzan in the yellow robes.

    ¡°First, balance and coordination fail, followed by convulsions. Finally, internal organs begin shutting down at random.¡±

    ¡°Usually the kidneys go first, then the lungs, the heart¡ªbut it can vary,¡± Balrik corrected.

    Balrik snapped his finger, and Obi, Renzo, and Abdo carried three small, numbered, one through three, kegs to the table.

    ¡°I may be a thief, but I¡¯ve no intention of being a murderer tonight. The antidote is in these kegs, but it has to be mixed in the right order or it will be a worthless foul-tasting concoction. I¡¯ll give the instructions as I leave. I get what I want, and you all live.¡±

    Varga could see the crowd calculating the offer when, finally, Maya nodded.

    ¡°We agree to your terms.¡±

    ¡°Excellent. I¡¯ll walk Maya to the gates with the egg, and I¡¯ll share the order for the antidote along the way. If there are no distractions, there might just be enough time to save your would-be heroine,¡± Balrik said, gesturing to the Xandran woman whose convulsions had finally ceased.

    ¡°Well, without further ado,¡± he continued, bending to seize the egg, ¡°I¡¯ll claim my prize.¡±

    Suddenly, the stained glass skylight shattered. Two crossbow bolts struck Balrik¡ªone in the shoulder, the other in the thigh. The impact spun him around, his dagger clattering to the floor.

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne!¡± Balrik spat, vanishing from sight.

    Two figures descended from the broken skylight as the doors to the hall burst open.

    ¡°Vestigare! Lay down your weapons, and you will live!¡±

    Then, chaos erupted.

 20-Sins of the Father

    Esmeralda and Aon crept through the kitchen, staying alert for any guards or traps Balrik might have left behind.

    ¡°Clear,¡± an Arzan agent who had gone in ahead of them said.

    Esmeralda noticed Aon relax slightly before sheathing his longsword.

    ¡°Without a doubt, this is Balrik¡¯s handiwork,¡± Aon commented.

    Esmeralda followed the Grang agent¡¯s gaze to a large, pressurized vat, typically used for producing potions or poisons on a large scale.

    Esmeralda turned to see a tall pile of flour on the table. She walked over to it and ran her hand through it. Balrik must have made the meal for the party himself.

    She recalled the time he baked her an elaborate multilayered cake for her eleventh birthday. He always claimed that cooking was just alchemy with less risk.

    ¡°Bag some of that flour, and let¡¯s get going. The agents should be in position by now,¡± Aon said, snapping Esmeralda from her thoughts.

    She scooped some flour into a paper bag that the Vestigare used to collect evidence. Though she doubted it would prove useful, she figured Aon noticed her fixated on it and told her to grab it just to move things along.

    Esmeralda caught up with Aon as they approached the mansion, and before they entered, he turned to her and the other agents.

    ¡°There should be Balrik, five Tazens, and a Xandran disguised as caterers. The Xandran is our operative, and we must get him out safely. I cannot stress that enough. We have to get him out alive and unharmed. The Vestigare¡ªand the Five Kingdoms¡ªowe this man an incredible debt, and we start repaying that by getting him home. Is that understood?¡±

    Esmeralda and the agents nodded in understanding. Aon, seemingly satisfied with their response, added,

    ¡°Good. Balrik is our main target, but stay sharp¡ªwatch for the Tazens. I¡¯ve got agents on the roof. We move when they breach. Now follow, and stay quiet. We can¡¯t give Balrik time to prepare.¡±

    They made their way down the long hallway, and once at the door, Aon cracked it open just enough to see Balrik holding a dagger to the throat of a rotund Xandran woman, explaining something to the crowd that she couldn¡¯t hear at this distance.

    Despite everything Esmeralda had uncovered about Balrik over the past few weeks, she couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by how he commanded a room full of the Five Kingdoms¡¯ richest and most powerful. She caught herself praying for his success¡ªa dangerous reflex she had to break if she wanted to survive this encounter.

    A young Xandran woman near the front of the crowd raised her hand and unleashed a stream of fire. She doubled over in pain, causing the flame to miss its target.

    Esmeralda flinched to move, but Aon stopped her path with his arm without taking his eyes off Balrik.

    After the failed attack, Balrik appeared to strike an agreement with the crowd and bent to retrieve the dragon egg when, suddenly, the stained glass skylight shattered. Two crossbow bolts slammed into him¡ªone in the shoulder, the other in the thigh. The force of the bolts spun him around, causing him to drop his dagger.

    Without hesitation, Aon sprang from his crouching position, slamming the doors to the hall open.

    ¡°Vestigare! Lay down your weapons, and you will live,¡± Aon shouted, clearing his longsword from its sheath.

    Esmeralda followed the older agent¡¯s lead and ran into the hall, unsheathing her short sword.

    Two agents repelled from the broken stained glass skylight, and the agents behind Esmeralda fanned out behind Esmeralda and Aon.  Aon made hand gestures telling the two other agents to secure half of the room before signaling to Esmeralda, instructing her to follow him.

    They moved with the purpose of closing in on Balrik. As they approached where Balrik fell, a wiry Tazen with a short sword sprang over a long table, scattering food everywhere.

    Esmeralda noticed Balrik scrambling to his feet.

    ¡°Go!¡± Aon commanded, positioning himself between the Tazen and Esmeralda so she could chase after Balrik.

    As Esmeralda sprinted ahead, she glanced back to see Aon lose his footing on the scattered food, struggling under the Tazen¡¯s relentless blows. Her instinct urged her to help, but letting Balrik escape was not an option. Deep down, she knew redemption was out of reach, and any hope for a resolution where innocent people didn¡¯t get harmed had slipped away long ago. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°May the moon of fortune shine on your soul,¡± Esmeralda muttered, offering a Nawahl prayer Balrik taught her as a child before surging forward after Balrik.

    Esmeralda ventured further into the mansion, following a blood trail to a closed door. She sheathed her short sword and unhooked a dart thrower from her belt, already loaded with a pyromantic-tipped dart. She knew her chances against Balrik in close combat were slim, even with his injuries. Besides, the Vestigare alchemy in the dart thrower packed a far stronger punch, making it the obvious choice.

    With a quick check of the dart thrower, she opened the door, refusing to let her conflicting emotions crack her resolve.

    Balrik kneeled in the center of the room, bandaging his thigh, not even bothering to look up when he spoke.

    ¡°I was wondering when you¡¯d show up.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move, Balrik,¡± Esmeralda warned, aiming the dart thrower.

    This time, Balrik glanced up, a smile tugging at his lips, though Esmeralda could see the rage simmering in his mismatched eyes.

    ¡°Is this some kind of joke, Esmeralda?¡± Balrik asked as he gingerly stood, wincing in pain.

    ¡°I said don¡¯t move,¡± Esmeralda repeated, finger tightening on the trigger.

    ¡°What¡¯s this about, Esmeralda? Did Agent Aon cut you a deal? How much did it cost him to turn you against your family?¡±

    ¡°Funny, Balrik. I could ask you the same, but I already know how little it takes for you to sell out the people you claim to love.¡±

    ¡°Esmeralda, what are you talking about?¡±

    His sincerity gave her pause, and it took all her willpower to keep the weapon steady. She had to remind herself¡ªBalrik was a master of deception, the one who taught her that the best lies are the ones even the liar believes.

    ¡°I met the Head Agent, Balrik!¡± Esmeralda spat his name as if it were venomous.

    ¡°He told me how you tried to sell me out for immunity.¡±

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne, Lala. I was just buying time. Once I had the egg, I¡¯d have been unstoppable. The Vestigare wouldn¡¯t have been able to stop me from walking into their prison and pulling you out.¡±

    Esmeralda shook her head at his words. She wouldn¡¯t let him manipulate her any longer.

    ¡°Lies. You would¡¯ve left me to rot. I was never anything to you, just another live experiment,¡± Esmeralda began. Suddenly, the final pieces of her life¡¯s puzzle clicked into place.

    ¡°Just like my parents. That¡¯s how you found me¡ªcaptured them, experimented on them. Why would you spare me, only to make me suffer now?¡±

    Balrik¡¯s demeanor shifted as he dropped his apron and straightened, a calculated confidence replacing his earlier pretense.

    ¡°I suppose you had to learn the truth eventually. Yes, your father was one of the individuals who aided me in achieving alchemical greatness. I never lied to you. Your father was weak, surrendering himself and his family to a slaver rather than fighting for them, but I failed to mention that the slaver was me.¡±

    Esmeralda braced for some emotional reaction to Balrik¡¯s confession, yet found herself numb. She suspected her numbness stemmed from the realization that she had always known Balrik¡¯s tale was a fabrication, leaving her simply grateful to have escaped with her life.

    ¡°However, it was you, Lala, who turned out to be the biggest surprise of all. You were no older than seven when you saved me during that raid. From that point, I vowed to raise you as my own.¡±

    Balrik often recounted how she plunged a dagger into a raider''s back. At least that much was true. Before Balrik could continue, Esmeralda noticed his feet shimmering like a desert mirage. He was stalling, gathering his strength to vanish. She carefully inched her free hand toward her belt.

    ¡°I never imagined your father¡¯s weakness would taint you so many years later. Lala, I forgive you. Your weakness is not your fault. I will return to correct the mistake of allowing your feeble bloodline to survive this long,¡± Balrik said, shimmering like a heat haze before vanishing.

    Esmeralda hurled the bag of flour from the kitchen in a sweeping arc, covering Balrik to reveal him shimmying on his belly toward the door.

    Esmeralda aimed her dart thrower with precision before squeezing the trigger and unleashing the alchemically tipped dart. Time stretched, each moment dragging like molasses. It felt like an eternity for the dart to find its mark. When it finally did, fire erupted from the impact, engulfing Balrik within seconds.

    As Balrik flailed and screamed in agony, Esmeralda forced herself to watch him die¡ªnot out of twisted respect, but to confirm his death, ensuring her a chance to be free.

    Esmeralda couldn''t tell how long it took for Balrik to stop moving; it felt like minutes or even months.

    She unsheathed her short sword and plunged the blade into Balrik¡¯s charred neck. It was better to be safe than sorry with him.

    Esmeralda returned to the main hall, crafting a believable explanation for Balrik¡¯s demise, only to find that the Vestigare had already dealt with his cohorts.

    Esmeralda scanned the hall for Agent Aon, eventually spotting him surrounded by several agents, cradled by a Xandran she assumed was his undercover informant.

    She rushed to his side, her eyes drawn to a puddle of blood pooling beneath him.

    ¡°What are you waiting for? Get him a potion!¡± Esmeralda snapped.

    ¡°Agent Aon refused to take one until he knew where you were,¡± the Xandran replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough, Varga. You did well, lad,¡± Aon weakly began before a coughing fit interrupted him.

    ¡°Balrik?¡±

    ¡°Dead. I couldn¡¯t capture him, but he will haunt you no more, Agent Aon,¡± Esmeralda replied.

    ¡°Thank you, Agent Esmeralda. I don¡¯t know when I¡¯ll be back on my feet, so please look after Varga. The Vestigare and the Five Kingdoms can never repay what he sacrificed, but we owe it to him to do what we can swiftly,¡± Aon said, then turned his attention back to Varga.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda will restore your life. She¡¯s a bit inexperienced but highly competent.¡±

    Varga nodded and pressed a healing potion into Aon¡¯s hand. The stubborn Grang drank in ragged gulps, his throat working unevenly. A violent shudder rippled through him¡ªthen his body convulsed, and he slumped into unconsciousness.

 21-100-Ducat Decision

    Varga found it hard to believe he wasn¡¯t dreaming. The Vestigare had escorted him to Xanth, where they assigned him fine quarters with access to baths and amenities far beyond his usual comfort.

    On the fifth day, Varga wondered if Agent Esmeralda had forgotten about him. If he didn¡¯t hear from her by next week, he¡¯d seek an audience himself.

    Despite the baths, fine food, and drink¡ªcourtesy of the Vestigare¡¯s ducats¡ªVarga couldn¡¯t fully relax. Balrik¡¯s accomplice was still out there, lurking within the Vestigare ranks. Varga could only hope that the accomplice wanted to distance themselves from the case, and he could get processed and released without any blowback.

    A few days later, Varga returned from the baths to find Agent Esmeralda waiting outside his room.

    ¡°Master Varga, I am sorry to have kept you waiting so long. There was much to take care of before it was possible to proceed with your paperwork. However, I am ready to get the process started. If it please you, would you come with me?¡± Agent Esmeralda said as he approached.

    ¡°Thank you, Agent Esmeralda. If you would give me a moment to change, it would be most appreciated,¡± Varga said, and Agent Esmeralda nodded while gesturing toward the door to his room.

    Varga was grateful the agent wasn¡¯t the controlling type because he always felt more comfortable doing business in his boots rather than slippers and silk.

    It didn¡¯t take long for him to change, and within minutes, they walked the halls of the Vestigare office in Xanth. Agent Esmeralda made some small talk, inquiring about the quality of his amenities, but fortunately, she wasn¡¯t particularly chatty.

    Finally, they arrived at a modest-sized office with tall twin doors.

    ¡°This is what¡¯s consumed my time these past days. I almost prefer the dangers of the field to being hunched over a desk with endless paperwork,¡± Esmeralda remarked, swinging open one of the office doors.

    The office was furnished with an impressive desk, a large window overlooking a garden, shelves packed with books and parchments, and two chairs that looked far too comfortable for the business at hand.

    ¡°Please have a seat,¡± Agent Esmeralda said, walking to the business side of the desk.

    Varga sat in one of the plush chairs, waiting for Esmeralda to take her place before speaking.

    ¡°Agent Esmeralda, before we begin, I want to express my condolences for Agent Aon. I understand he was your mentor. We had a different relationship, but I, too, respected him greatly. No offense to you, but I wish I were speaking to him right now.¡±

    Agent Esmeralda smiled a sad smile.

    ¡°I wish you were speaking to him instead of me, too. There were so many needless deaths caused by Balrik. He poisoned the Tazens. I am unsure if he did it so they couldn¡¯t betray him in the future or if it was to just avoid paying them whatever he promised them. Most likely, it was for both reasons. However, I gain some solace, knowing  we stopped Balrik, and Aon¡¯s work didn¡¯t end in vain,¡± Esmeralda responded.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Varga nodded and thanked the gods he trusted his instincts and passed on eating the meal before the robbery. It made sense Balrik wanted them dead after he got the egg, but it was still terrifying to think how narrowly he escaped death before Agent Esmeralda spoke again.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see here. According to Aon¡¯s records, the Vestigare owe you a hefty sum of a hundred ducats.¡±

    Agent Esmeralda whistled at the amount.

    ¡°You can start a new life with this.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that is the plan,¡± Varga responded.

    ¡°Are you thinking about staying in Xandra?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve had enough of the Five Kingdoms for the time for now.¡±

    ¡°Well, wherever you end up, I wish you the best,¡± Agent Esmeralda said, handing Varga a parchment and a quill.

    ¡°Sign here, here, and here,¡± she explained, standing up and crouching behind the desk. Varga heard the sound of a safe door opening before scanning the document. After Varga reviewed the release conditions, he signed his name as instructed by Agent Esmeralda.

    ¡°Gott und seine unehelichen Sohne!¡± Agent Esmeralda cursed from behind the desk.

    ¡°God and his bastard sons?¡± Varga asked, feeling an icy chill run down his spine. It took all his willpower to keep his face from betraying his inner panic.

    ¡°Ah, yes. It¡¯s a saying I picked up from my father. He was a Nawahl era enthusiast,¡± Agent Esmeralda said, standing up from behind her desk and looking at Varga thoughtfully. ¡°I must admit that I¡¯m surprised you understood ancient Nawahl so well.¡±

    ¡°It was one of the areas I excelled in during my short time in basic,¡± Varga answered, praying to whatever gods would listen that his flimsy explanation would satisfy her. Esmeralda¡¯s eyes narrowed. Varga¡¯s heart was beating so violently, he was worried Agent Esmeralda could hear it. The silence lingered, threatening to be awkward. Varga began formulating an escape plan when, suddenly, Esmeralda spoke.

    ¡°I read through your files, and I have to say the Vestigare made a huge mistake passing you over because of circumstances you had no control over. You would have made a fantastic agent.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate the sentiment. I¡¯m glad I could at least be of some service to the Five Kingdoms,¡± Varga responded, running his hand over his hair, attempting to wipe away the sheen of sweat on his brow.

    ¡°You could still do some good. I could cut all of the red tape and have you instated as an agent before the end of the day. I need good people like you,¡± Agent Esmeralda said.

    ¡°I¡¯m honored by your offer, Agent Esmeralda. However, I need some time to become myself again. Before that happens, I don¡¯t see how I could be a fair and effective agent. There is still too much of the Varga who worked for Balrik inside me, and having that individual as a Vestigare agent would not be in the best interest of the Five Kingdoms. If the offer is still open after I come to terms with reality outside Balrik¡¯s gang, I might take you up on it.¡±

    Agent Esmeralda tilted her head in a way that eerily reminded Varga of Balrik before nodding and speaking again.

    ¡°Fair enough, the offer will be open once you get your life in order. I have been so busy closing the book on Balrik and his reign of terror that I forgot to get your payment from the treasury. That¡¯s why I was so upset earlier. Wait here, and I¡¯ll fetch the ducats owed to you,¡± Agent Esmeralda said, walking across her office.

    ¡°It will only be twenty minutes or so,¡± she explained as she walked out of the office, closing the door behind her.

    Varga counted to two hundred before getting up and heading to the door. He was sure Agent Esmeralda was Balrik¡¯s mole, and while the thought of staying and collecting his ducats crossed his mind, he decided to live by the model that saved his life from Balrik¡¯s treachery and be better safe than dead.

    Once outside, Varga took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He had survived all of this, and he would be damned if he lost now. Varga steeled himself for the future and began planning his next steps. As he moved further from the Vestigare building in Xanth, he felt the burden of his past begin to lift. He refused to look back, determined to leave the remnants of Balrik¡¯s world behind him for good.