As Wallace’s team started the distraction, Aden and Fabio arrived at the city’s port. Their experience of Portland was far different than that of Wallace’s team. Beggars lined the streets of rundown homes, filthy children scavenged around, and nobody even attempted a smile.

  As the duo approached the docks, Aden asked, “So what’s the plan here?”

  Fabio smirked, “According to my guy, there is a shipment of weapons coming in today. You and I will be commandeering the vessel and sailing a few miles south to pick up the rest of the group.”

  Aden shrugged, “Works for me. But I’m not much of a sailor”

  Fabio’s smirked formed into a wide, toothy smile. “In the years after my father’s death I sailed the world, recruiting allies to take back our kingdom.”

  Aden knew that smile, Fabio was always searching for trouble when they were kids. And now he did it for a living. It couldn’t be too bad he thought, just a merchant and his crew.

  Aden’s thoughts were quickly interrupted by Fabio, “I’m glad you showed up, the mercenaries that these guys hire are the real deal!”

  Aden’s palm met his face, “Of course they are.”

  “Oh c’mon, after our scuffle yesterday I know we won’t have an issue.” Fabio flung his arm over Aden’s shoulder

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  At that moment, a squadron of seven ironclad guards led by a massive man came barreling down the road. The unlucky civilians that couldn’t move quickly enough were trampled by the squad. The duo stepped aside before they could join the unlucky few. As they charged down the road, Aden caught a glance of their leader. He was about as tall as Sun Walker, but at least a hundred pounds heavier. His black hair receded far more than someone in their late twenties should. He also rocked a patchy neck beard, but his most noticeable trait was the greatsword-sized cleaver he carried.

  “Who is he?” Aden whispered to Fabio.

  Fabio’s smirk faded, “That’s the mayor’s son, Donny Jr., but the people around here call him the Butcher.”

  Aden raised an eyebrow, visibly intrigued by this mantle, “And why is that?”

  “He serves as his father’s head of security and his executioner. You have a problem with anything the mayor does? The Butcher will be paying you a visit.” Fabio explained. “He doesn’t just do it for work, it’s his life.”

  “Then let's take him out right here right now!” Aden prepared to unsheathe his blade.

  Fabio's hand pressed the blade’s pommel, “His time will come, but we can hurt them way more by taking out this shipment. Can you do this?”

  Aden loosened his grip, gritting his teeth at the frustration of letting such a fiend escape. “Yes.”

  Over at the mayor’s office Johnny, Talon, and Le’Hennessy found themselves preparing to scale the side of the building.

  “This is the best thing you could com-” Talon began to shout but Johnny’s hand quickly muffled his pleas.