We're led down a hall to a broad dining chamber. A long oak table at the center of the room, set for a meal. Roasted duck, buttered turnips, crusty brown bread, bowls of barley pottage, hard cheese, and a jug of watered wine, humble, but rich enough to mark the mayor's status and certainly better than what I'd normally eat.

  At the far end, Edwin rises from his chair, his presence as imposing as ever. He offers a solemn nod as we enter. "Welcome. Lady Luna." His voice carries a courtly cadence as he dips into a short, practiced bow.

  Then, straightening, his gaze shifts to Ren and me. His nod to us is equally respectful, though less formal. "Goodmen. I'm glad you could join me, your presence is most welcome. Please, sit."

  Luna and Ren move towards the table. Ren reaches the chairs first and, without hesitation, claims one for himself.

  Gandre hesitates as he notices Ren sitting before Luna. A flicker of surprise crosses his weathered face. He recovers quickly, stepping forward to pull out the next chair for her. She accepts it with an indifferent nod.

  Daniel seats himself with exaggerated poise across from his father. While I take the chair closest to me beside Luna, settling in with a glance toward the food already set before us.

  Edwin catches my lingering gaze and chuckles. "Eat your fill, lad. No need to sit starving just to be polite."

  I nod stiffly. "Didn’t expect to be invited to eat. It’s an honor."

  Edwin raises an eyebrow. "I told Zaenith I wanted to speak over a meal. Suppose I should count myself lucky she bothered to pass the message on at all." He lets out a sigh. "She’s a difficult woman."

  I ask, curious. "You’ve known Zaenith a while?"

  Edwin nods, spearing a slice of duck. "Long before I became mayor. I'll tell you of it some time."

  I turn to the food and pile my plate high, it’s not often I eat like this. Daniel gives me a derisive look, as he gathers a modest amount of food for his own plate.

  We're given time to enjoy the meal, Gandre being the only one not partaking. But as our plates at last seem to empty, Edwin sets his fork down and leans forward.

  "Let's get to why I called you here."

  Closing his eyes for a moment, Edwin exhales, steadying himself before he speaks. "You were there, all three of you, during the raid." His voice tightens slightly at the mention, but he reins it in as he continues. "You fought for us, bravely, and with several bodies to show for it. I'd like to express my gratitude."

  He gestures to Gandre, who steps forward and places down two neat stacks of silver. Seven coins beside me, ten beside Ren.

  I nod once, unsure of what else to do.

  Edwin continues, his voice heavy. "We suffered enormous losses... lives, food stores, vital supplies, silver. The blow was sharp and far-reaching."

  He pauses, letting the weight of his words settle.

  "By Lumina's will, my personal treasury remained untouched. But Ravencroft’s economy… it’s been gutted. We will not survive another attack of that magnitude."

  His tone hardens. "If it takes every last coin I possess, I will see this town protected. And those brigand scum brought to justice. The Bleeding Knives will die." Edwin pauses, his fist tightening with rage.

  "Fortunately, we managed to take several captives during the raid, men we've interrogated thoroughly, wringing out every scrap of information they had."

  Edwin's tone tightens. "One of them gave us the location of their den. We moved quickly, but not quickly enough. By the time our men arrived, it was already abandoned, emptied to the last sack and footprint."

  His lips press into a thin line, the muscle in his jaw twitching. "Naturally, that is not all we learned. We have details now. Useful ones. About their hierarchy, how they operate."

  He leans forward. "They use a three-tiered command structure. Small cells led by a 'boss'. Each of which answers to a captain, who answers to a single figure above them all. Edric the Butcher. Their 'chief'."

  Daniel leans in, listening intently.

  "Each cell consists of three to eight men." Edwin says. "There are thirty or so in total, with three captains to manage them all. Putting the brigand's forces at well over a hundred men. Minus the fifty or so we slew during the raid"

  Daniel drums his fingers on the table, biting his lip. "So potentially more than I have guardsmen."

  Luna snorts, crossing her arms. "They’re poorly armed beggars. One of your guards should be worth three of their kind."

  Daniel's fists clench, but before he can retort, Edwin speaks.

  "Our men are more than capable of handling that rabble in open battle," the mayor says calmly. "And if their numbers swell, we’ll raise the militia again to meet them. That isn’t the problem. Finding them is."

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  "They move often," Edwin says. "And have several dens unknown to us. Recruits are vetted through code phrases and marked copper coins."

  Ren raises an eyebrow, his tone curious. "Intriguing. A touch of cleverness I didn’t expect. Surprisingly sophisticated for lowborn vermin slinking through the shadows."

  Edwin nods. "Aye, they're well-organized. Edric the Butcher, their so-called chief, once wore the colors of Solstira's army. A captain, and a seasoned one at that. He and his three most trusted lieutenants turned their cloaks some years past, deserted into the wilds. We've known for a time now that they're the ones steering this rabble, wolves in the skin of beggars."

  Luna after having picked at her plate with growing impatience, finally throws her fork at the plate with a sharp clatter. "Get to the point, old man. Why are we here?"

  Gandre's brow twitches, a vein pulsing at his temple. Across the table, Daniel sneers, his desire for Luna apparently not enough to excuse the disrespect to his father.

  Before either can speak, Edwin raises a single hand, and the room stills.

  Tension lingers in the air, but slowly, Daniel exhales and relaxes back into his chair, teeth grinding.

  Edwin inclines his head slightly toward Luna. "As you say, let’s not waste time. I have a proposal. A plan, to strike at the heart of this problem. These brigands, the 'Bleeding Knives'."

  His tone darkens. "I intend to infiltrate them, to lure them into our jaws. But to do that, I require operatives with strength and cunning."

  He leans forward slightly, resting his arms on the table. "But, my town guard has been weakened severely by the raid. Our new recruits are green and requiring much training, I can’t risk using any of them. Nor can I spare my more experienced men."

  Edwin gestures to the three of us, his expression grave. "Which is where you three come in."

  Edwin's gaze lingers on each of us in turn.

  "Word of your deeds during the raid has reached me," he begins. "Ren, ten men fell to your blade alone. A feat few could match. As expected of Lady Luna's personal guard."

  Ren inclines his head slightly, though his expression is entirely blank.

  Edwin turns to me next. "And you, Seven, your defense of Osric and his daughter as well. Standing your ground against those animals... noble work. You have my respect."

  Ren smiles, muttering under his breath. "Personal guard, am I...?"

  While I shift in my seat, unsure how to respond, but nod in silent acknowledgment.

  Edwin folds his hands. "I want you both to infiltrate them. The Bleeding Knives. Get close. Learn their schedule, their hideouts. Identify their captains. Then, relay that information to us, so that we may strike."

  He looks between the two of us. "Succeed, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely."

  Luna raises an eyebrow, her arms still folded. "And what of me? Why am I here?"

  Edwin's gaze shifts to her. "Naturally, I would not make demands of a man in your service without consulting you first. And of course I will assign no less than three of my men, including my own son to protect you in his stead."

  Luna glares at him, voice sharp. "You don’t want me to join them?"

  Edwin blinks, taken aback. "Obviously not," he replies. "This is no task for a woman, especially not one of noble birth. These are cutthroats, killers. I won't even speak of what they'd do to you given the chance."

  Luna's expression darkens, her golden eyes blazing.

  She didn't like that.

  Luna scoffs, her voice edged with disdain. "And why, exactly, should we involve ourselves in your affairs? I have no need for your coin."

  Ren remains silent beside her, his face unreadable. I can't tell if he's indifferent, or simply letting Luna speak for them both.

  What exactly is their relationship? Is he really her personal guard?

  Edwin clasps his hands together, brow furrowing. "Then name your price, my lady. If not coin, what might you seek in exchange for your aid?"

  Luna lifts her chin slightly. "Unfettered access to your personal archives. Particularly any texts concerning the founding of Ravencroft, the old wards, and the histories predating the reclamation."

  Edwin blinks, clearly surprised by the request. "Very well. You shall have your access. But only under watch, and nothing leaves the manor."

  Luna nods. "That will suffice."

  The mayor turns his gaze to me. The offer sounds tempting, but before I commit, I need clarity.

  And then there's Two to think about as well…

  I lean forward slightly. "How much did you say the reward was, sir?"

  Daniel rolls his eyes while Edwin smiles, apparently entertained by my forwardness. "Payment depends on results."

  He sits back, steepling his fingers. "The objective is clear: infiltrate the Bleeding Knives, locate their hideout, and get that information to us before they relocate. If your intel leads to the capture or death of Edric the Butcher, you’ll be rewarded with three gold coins."

  He pauses for effect. "Each of his captains, should their heads roll, will earn you an additional gold coin. And as before, individual brigands are worth a silver each."

  My jaw drops at the potential reward. I don’t even have to kill them, just feed Edwin the information and let his men do the rest? Still, I quickly school my expression.

  "Generous, but... for risking my life infiltrating a gang of murderers? It should be at least double."

  Daniel's fists clench under the table, brow tight with barely restrained anger.

  Edwin laughs, shaking his head. "You've got spirit, I'll grant you that. But you're lowborn, boy. Your negotiating power is limited. I trust in your ability, but there are mercenaries I could hire for cheaper."

  He pauses, studying me for a beat longer, then sighs. "Still... if you bring me the Butcher’s head, I’ll make it five. No more."

  Five… imagine what I could do with five gold coins…

  But is it worth it, if it means facing Two?

  Then again, he said he wanted me to come meet him. Maybe if I take on this task… I’ll get that chance.

  Zaenith refused to help me against Vael. But if I could convince Two…

  I nod, decided. "Alright. I'll do it."

  Edwin smiles. "I thought you might."

  I clear my throat and lean forward. "There’s something else I’d ask, if I may. The two prisoners, those thieves I mentioned some time ago. Have you given more thought to conscripting them?"

  Edwin raises an eyebrow but doesn’t speak, clearly weighing the idea. I press on. "They’re rough, but good in a fight. They'll pass for brigands, I’m certain. If we're meant to blend in, having the two of them would help sell our presence."

  The mayor nods slowly, considering. "Hmm... yes. I had forgotten about those two."

  He leans back in his chair. "Very well, if you think they’re trustworthy. They’ll be released under your care, as conscripts. Succeed in your mission and they’ll be free men.”

  I nod, giving a slight bow. "Thank you."

  Edwin folds his arms, a smile playing at the edge of his lips. "Then with the four of you, we may yet form a convincing gang of cutthroats. Exactly the sort Edric likes to welcome."

  "When do we begin?" I ask, almost eager.

  "Three days," Edwin replies. "We'll make the necessary preparations and you’ll be given instruction before you depart."

  Three days... I better sort out my affairs before then.

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