The food tour continued, sponsored by Leifren. They were dining at a higher end restaurant. Food in that place had better presentation. Portions were a little disappointing, at least according to Avryn.

  Leifren’s squad, and Rinna were accustomed to this sort of thing. The music and atmosphere were more on the fancier side. A chorus of violins accompanied by a cello provided a classic feel, as the string music serenaded the restaurant. Scented candles, and freshly popped spirits provided a calming scent to those who pass by.

  “Thank you being such generous hosts,” Rinna offered her thanks.

  Leifren offered her a toast, and they clinked their glasses together.

  “It’s no problem really. We’re gonna be fighting in the expeditions in a few years time, might as well get to know each other while we can in less volatile situations,” he took a sip.

  “The true architect of this, however, is her,” he gestured to Jenilah. “Oh, and don’t worry about the money, I already have it covered,” he flashed his credit card.

  Harver was picking his teeth with a toothpick. He took a swig of his drink, burped, and then cleaned around his mouth with a napkin. Kiria was slightly disgusted at his act, despite being his squad mate for a few months now. She nudged him,

  “Thought you were a lord’s son,” she prodded him.

  Harver snickered,

  “Ah, it’s just a formality,” The alcohol seemed to be getting to him. “I’m a warrior first and foremost.”

  Avryn replaced Harver’s cup with a glass of water. He was amused by this development. Harver was usually more uptight. It seems being around his friends made him feel comfortable, perhaps safe to express himself. Avryn knew of his background, being the son of a noble house in Ordellia.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever like this style of cuisine,” Valoche eyed the food resting on his fork. “Too fancy for my liking.”

  Tvira was disinterested in the conversation. She eyed the other tables. It was a big culture shock to her. She remembered the old feasts in Veilund. It was livelier compared to this. People were gathered around a great fire, and celebrated together. The restaurant, however, was too quiet for her liking. Its music was more of a distraction to her.

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  Harver grabbed his glass of water and took another drink. He stopped halfway and looked at it. Bewilderment struck his face. Realization set in as he sighed.

  “Ahhh, too drunk,” he covered his face with one hand.

  “I could take you back to the hotel, if you’d like,” Avryn suggested.

  “Note to self: Harver can’t hold his liquor,” Kiria teased.

  Laughter sounded off at the table. Avryn helped Harver up and escorted him back to the hotel. Harver went to his bed and slept like a rock. His snore was muffled by him sleeping face down. Avryn sat on his own bed and did some self reflection. He would need to get stronger for the next round. The weight of being a squad leader was heavy, but he was confident on having to work with a higher standard.

  He leaned forward, rested his elbows on his lap. His mind began to wander. Iver’s life was still a mystery to him. His best bet was to check our Storia’s libraries. There should at least be some clues there. He confirmed his plans and made his way back out.

  Avryn picked up something specific with his hearing. He heard the sound of thrown punches and some threatening words. Trouble was brewing in the middle of the city. He looked around and saw an alley way within earshot. He went to investigate.

  He shuffled until he reached a blind corner and heard a few more punches thrown. The victim sounded like a young man.

  “The Boss won’t be happy if he hears you haven’t paid what you owe,” a rough voice lambasted the victim.

  “I really don’t have the money right now, I swear!” the man pleaded.

  “Don’t you know how much strings The Boss pulled to get ye into the Academy, dontcha?” a third voice sounded off.

  Loan sharks, and it appeared they were messing with a student from the Academy. Avryn’s instincts demanded he intervene, and he obliged. He jumped the loan sharks, kicking the first one in the back of the head. He blocked a strike from the second and delivered a swift counter, sending him to the ground. He got in front of the student.

  The second loan shark wiped off the blood from his mouth. A tooth fell loose.

  “You…! You don’t know who you’re messing with, kid!” he scowled.

  “Don’t know, don’t care. You threatened a student and I wanted to stop it, so I did,” Avryn barked back. “Now get outta here.”

  The loan shark grabbed his friend and retreated, while muttering profanities under his breath. Avryn turned to took a good look at a student. He was a freshman like him. He had some bruises, but otherwise he was mostly okay.

  “Thank you,” the man bowed.

  “You can thank me by telling me your name,” Avryn told him.

  “Jonah…my name’s Jonah,” worry was in his voice.

  Avryn had an inkling of a feeling,

  “I’m guessing they’re gonna go after your family next,” he scratched his head.

  He asked Jonah to come with him to meet his friends. He intended to help him. When asked why, Avryn simply said it was the right thing to do. They entered at the restaurant. Jonah was ushered to Harver’s seat. The rest of the gang was shocked to see a beat up student. Avryn helped explained the situation.

  Annoyed, but willing to help, Rinna suggested to tip off the police. They could handle it. Avryn argued that it won’t stop the loan sharks. They needed to cut off the head of the snake. He suggested he and Valoche would gather information, while the rest could do Rinna’s plan and get the police’s help.

  “Where are you gonna start getting info from?” Rinna asked.

  “At the very heart of any city: the slums,” Avryn smiled.

  Jonah spoke up for the first time,

  “I need to make sure my folks are safe, first.”

  Avryn pointed back at him,

  “Yes, that’s gonna be your job. You tell them to hunker down, then meet up with us afterwards,” He handed him his contact details.

  “What about Harver? He’d want to help,” Kiria suggested.

  “Not with a hangover, he’s not,” Avryn spoke from experience.

  Leifren finalized the plans: He and Rinna would contact the police, Valoche and Avryn’s job was to gather info in the slums, the rest help Jonah defend his family from possible attack.

  “If there’s nothing else,” Leifren raised his hand. “Check, please.”