It’s a Good Idea to Break into a Crime Family’s Secret Hideout
Both Finnan and I eventually drifted into a restless sleep, but only after a long while of talking about the pirate raid on Hill Hollow Shire. The dark rental room of the Ale and Hay Tavern was quiet, except for my voice and the soft creaks of the old tavern cots. Finn had not interrupted once, only gasped now and then when I described another horror — the screams, the fire, the blood soaked into the dirt roads.
The next morning, sunlight crept in through the warped shutters and cast a scattered, pale gold glow across the wooden floor. I was unpacking my bag while Finn sat on the edge of my bed, watching without a word.
My hands moved with purpose, but my chest was tight. I couldn’t be sure what trouble we were about to get into, but if we were caught… or worse… I couldn’t risk carrying anything that might trace back to Hill Hollow. I couldn’t send them any more trouble than what was already coming for them.
That meant leaving behind my sketchbook and paints here in the tavern. I swirled the small jar of bright blue ink my family had gotten me for my birthday wistfully. I’d not even dared to crack the seal on the bottle yet.
“Kit,” Finn said gently. “I’m sorry I stopped you from going after Hellbringer on the ship. Or that I was at least part of the reason why you didn’t go after him when he was right there.”
I froze, hands stopped at the bottom of my emptied out bag.
“If I’d known that you’d seen all of that during the raid… I would have helped you.” He reached out and placed a warm hand on my arm.
My throat ached. I’d hidden the worst of it from him — afraid, maybe, that he’d look at me differently if he knew just how broken I was. But he didn’t. He just sat there, eyes soft with guilt he didn’t deserve.
“No,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “We would have condemned the whole ship to fighting and probably death. You were right, even if you didn’t have the full story.”
He gave a small, pained nod, then slid off my bed and reached for his pack. I could tell he was trying to find the right words for whatever he was about to say — lips pressed tight, his brow in that furrowed “thinking face” of his.
“I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave to find the Dragon’s Head Warrior today, you know,” he said finally. He didn’t look at me when he said it — maybe out of respect. Or maybe so I wouldn’t see whatever emotion was there.
I stared at the ink jar again. Who knew how long it would take to find my warrior? Weeks? Months? We didn’t even know exactly where he was yet — only that Aramedia in Skai City might help us pin down the coordinates. And even if I found him, even if he trained me… I wasn’t battle-ready. I wasn’t even really fight-ready. Leaving now would be the smart thing to do.
But I kept seeing Winona’s pained face after Emilee died. The grief in her eyes. The set of her jaw as she fought back emotions.
“It wouldn’t feel good or right to leave Winona to face this Reanault clan on her own,” I said. “Even though I do want to leave now.”
Finn let out a held breath with a loud sigh. “I think that’s right, too. But this was your quest first,” he said.
I slung the pack over my shoulders and clipped my sword into place. His words echoed in my head.
My quest.
My quest? Sure, the thing I’d wanted more than anything in the world was what we were seeking. But that shouldn’t make it just my quest. “I don’t want you to feel like this journey isn’t yours, too,” I said.
I never wanted Finn to feel like my sidekick or hired help. I’d asked him along because he was my most trusted friend. “I want you to feel like you have just as much say in what’s going on as I do… Toni, too. That’s what friendship is supposed to be about.”
Finn gave a sheepish smile, but then something lit behind his eyes — a spark of mischief. “Speaking of Toni — we better get downstairs and order some breakfast hash, so we only have to deal with the hangry version of Toni for a few minutes this morning.”
I laughed as he led the way downstairs. Toni before food was a grump and a half. No doubt he’d stomp in like a storm cloud. We definitely couldn’t mention the seafood feast we’d had last night — not after he volunteered to go to the alchemists alone.
Ten minutes later, three steaming bowls landed on the table in front of us. The scent of crispy potato slivers and seared onions curling up into the air, sharp and savory. Eggs glistened with buttery edges, and fat slices of tomato bled red juice into the mix
Toni trudged through the tavern door right after the food arrived. He walked over with all the enthusiasm of a caterlump— one of those sluggish, shaggy beasties said to nap twenty hours a day and sulk through the other four — but he perked up when he saw breakfast was waiting for him.
He dropped into the booth and immediately started shoveling hash into his mouth like he’d not eaten in days. Finn shot me a grin and held up a finger, telling me to wait before I asked any questions. I nodded — Toni probably wouldn’t even hear us until several mountains of hash had disappeared into his belly.
A few minutes later, Finn asked, “So, did the antidote-making go well?”
“And have you heard anything more from Winona?” I added. “Or learned more about this Reanault clan that attacked Emilee?”
“I asked a couple of Guilstad’s family members about them,” Finn said casually, “and they were a little cagey about the subject.”
I blinked. He hadn’t mentioned that to me last night. Interesting.
Toni paused mid-chew, his eyes hopping between the two of us. “Who’s Guilstad?”
“He runs the maritime museum,” I said, and flicked Finn under the table — partly for not telling me, partly for bringing up our dinner out in front of Toni. “We went there yesterday for some studying. There’s an enchanted map that could help us track Hellbringer once I’ve trained with the Dragon’s Head. And there was a fake talisman too. Supposedly, the real one can control the tides.”
Toni raised an eyebrow and stuffed another mouthful of potatoes and eggs into his cheek. He might’ve looked thoughtful if he didn’t have a potato mustache clinging to his upper lip.
“Fake? Weird,” Toni said through his mouthful of food. “You know what? In all my visits to Shallow Tides, I never thought of visiting a museum.”
I shrugged. “Why learn about history when you’re the ones making it? Captain Serpentis was the one who donated the biggest exhibit at the museum.”
Toni swallowed what he was chewing and shook his head. “He was always going on about how defeating that stupid sea snake won him his title.”
“That monster’s teeth were the size of Kit. I think he gets bragging rights,” Finn said.
Toni rolled and stretched his neck, letting out a long sigh. “Okay, sure. At least I don’t have to hear the story for the millionth time. And yes, I successfully figured out the antidote to the poison, Finn.”
Oh, yes. This Reanault clan would have one less advantage over us. Good.
“What about Winona? Do you think she’ll come back?” I asked.
“I’ve been here. Just waiting for you to finish your breakfast.”
The voice came from the booth behind us — low, gravelly, unmistakable.
We all jolted. My heart jerked into my ribs. That booth had been empty when we sat down. Hadn’t it?
Winona swung around the divider wall and dropped into the booth beside Toni, mug of ale already in hand. She looked like she hadn’t slept but was running entirely on stubborn willpower and spite.
“The Reanault clan’s holed up in an abandoned manor up in the hills,” she said. “Best bet of finding them right now is there. They’ll be laying low after what happened to Emilee.”
“Why was Emilee following them in the first place?” I asked.
Winona went still. Then stiff. Her jaw locked.
“That’s none of your business,” she said, voice low and hard. “Don’t ask again.”
She took a long, rough gulp from her mug — the kind of drink that says end of discussion.
Right. Guild business. Off-limits.
But then why weren’t any of the other members of her guild helping her?
The question burned on my tongue. I swallowed it. If I asked, I might scare her off, push her away. And if she went after them alone… She would die.
I’d never be able to forgive myself if that happened. So, I’d keep my curiosity to myself.
After finishing breakfast, Winona ferried us around town.
I was given a chainmail shirt and a new shield to use. The sword-smith who sharpened my blade gave me a dirty look and commented on the poor state of it. It wasn’t my fault that the only practice I got was with tree stumps and buying sword cleaning supplies in Hill Hollow would have raised suspicion.
Toni bought some heavier armor than what he had aboard the Onyx Glory since now he wasn’t in danger of being drug to the bottom of the sea if he fell overboard.
And while Finn couldn’t handle heavier armor, we did find a leather vest as well as leather gauntlets and greaves for him to wear. It would take a couple of whacks for him to really feel anything now. Not that I would let him take any hits if I could help it.
We left town for the hills behind Shallow Tides, walking slowly to not alert any lookouts that could be hidden among the trees. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the forest terrain as we approached the old ruins of the abandoned manor Winona said was the base of the family’s operations.
My heart pounded in my chest as I crouched behind a large boulder, peering out at the crumbling estate. Vines choked the once-grand pillars, and the windows were nothing but hollow sockets. It wasn’t what I’d imagine being the most comfortable living quarters, but I suppose that made it the perfect place to hide out since no one would think that people would live here.
“Are you sure about this?” Finn whispered, his voice trembling slightly. His fingers nervously played with the hem of his tunic that was sticking out under his new leathers.
“Too scared to jump off a lily pad, you little frog?” Winona whispered from behind a wall ahead of us.
Finn frowned at her rude jab. She was wrong to say it. This wasn’t something we were supposed to be doing. It wasn’t in our blood to fight. Hill Hollow Shire was a peaceful village with no need for fighting beyond sibling squabbles.
“We’re not frogs,” I whispered to Finn, low enough that Winona couldn’t hear. “If you want to turn around, I’ll go with you.”
Finnan shook his head and snuck around the boulder to join Winona ahead. I motioned for Toni to follow them and checked once more for any scouts before sneaking forward too.
We moved silently, slipping through the overgrown grass and shrubbery surrounding the manor. My senses were keen on any movement, even to a little bunny family we accidentally disturbed.
I stayed on high alert as we approached the massive iron gate that hung askew on rusted hinges, pressing my back against the stone wall like Winona did ahead of me.
“There’s bound to be a secret entrance,” she whispered, scanning the area for any clues.
After a few minutes of searching, I caught sight of a narrow, trodden path leading around the side of the manor. I gestured toward it, and Winona took off, darting to the side of the manor next to the trail. She moved like a shadow, and it was hard to fully follow her with my eyes despite her size and knowing where she was going. It was like she blinked out of existence and ended up where she wanted to be.
We joined her one by one and crept along the hidden trail until we reached a small, inconspicuous door set into the foundation of the building. The door was almost invisible, blending seamlessly with the stone.
Winona knelt to inspect the door, her fingers brushing over the surface until she found a concealed latch. With a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a dimly lit tunnel that sloped downward into the earth. So, the clan stayed underground instead of in the broken-down manor. That made much more sense.
“How did you know to do that?” Toni whispered to her. She cocked an eyebrow at him and shrugged. Had her guild taught her how to find hidden doors?
Winona went first, and I followed, with Finn behind me, and Toni taking up the rear of the group. “Stay close,” I murmured to Finnan, drawing my scimitar from its sheath and my new shield on my arm. Finnan nodded, swallowing hard as he pulled out a dagger that Winona lent him. Then, we descended into the depths.
At the bottom of the stairs was a tunnel. Lanterns flickered on the wall every sixty feet, providing just enough light to barely see what was ahead.
The tunnel was narrow and damp, the air thick with the smell of mold and decay. Maybe they didn’t hide out down here… I could already feel my allergies acting up. This damp air would make for a very sick crew.
Our footsteps echoed softly against the stone walls, and I kept my weapon at the ready, my gaze set on Winona ahead of me for any cues.
After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel opened up into a wide chamber, and the air became clearer. We halted at the entrance, and Toni let out a small gasp of surprise.
The chamber was filled with crates, barrels, and sacks — undoubtedly stolen items from around town. Weapons and contraband were stacked high against the walls, and in the center of the room, a large table was strewn with maps, ledgers, and gold. “Where is everyone?” I asked under my breath. There wasn’t a single sign of anyone being here.
“There’s likely more rooms hidden somewhere. I don’t think they’d leave the real valuables they’ve collected sitting unguarded,” Winona whispered back, pointing to a curtain on the wall. “Notice how that one isn’t pinned to the wall like the others?”
“Again, how are you noticing these things?” Toni whispered, his jaw hanging a little as he watched Winona set off to work.
Behind the curtain was a door reinforced with iron and marked with strange runes. I examined the door carefully, noting the intricate locking mechanism. Whatever was behind this door was clearly meant to be kept hidden.
“I can pick the lock, but these runes… I can read them but I’m unsure of what to do with them,” Winona said.
I couldn’t even read the runes. It looked like Finnan couldn’t either, and he knew more languages than anyone I knew. “What does it say?” I asked.
“You who wish to gain entry to this room, announce yourself without disturbing the face of the door.” She pointed to the runes as she spoke.
“They put a riddle on the door,” Toni said in disbelief.
Winona put her hands on her hips and faced Toni with a scowl. “They put a riddle on their door that could only be read by those who are part of their organization or incredibly well-studied like I am,” she said. “It’s like they’re daring us to go inside.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t go in then,” Toni replied.
Winona growled at him. Literally growled. “We have to,” she spat, flexing her tattooed hand and then curling it into a fist.
“Do you think any of them know magic?” Finn asked, stepping between them, fiddling with his tunic again.
“I don’t know, I’ve never seen any of them exhibit magical craftsmanship before,” Winona responded.
I pointed to the doorknob. Underneath it was a keyhole. “Most of them probably have keys,” I said. “But why are you asking about magic?”
“Well, I know this spell–” Finn trailed off when Winona grunted and rolled her eyes. She turned her back to us and continued studying the door.
I reached out and squeezed his arm. “Ignore her. I think you should try it,” I said, pulling him closer to the door
Finn nodded and focused his gaze on the door, whispering quietly to himself.
“What did you do?” Winona asked, and I looked over to see the runes glowing on the door.
Then there was a soft click of the lock turning. I smiled at my friend, who’s dark eyes shone with pride. He really was getting a hang of this magic stuff.
Winona pushed the door wide, revealing another dark, narrow passageway that led deeper into the earth.
“After you,” I said to Winona, and she huffed and shot an annoyed look at me, but started walking down the passage. We moved forward cautiously, the tunnel winding and descending even further. The air grew colder, and the walls seemed to close in around us.
Finally, we reached another door, this one made of thick, black wood and adorned with silver accents. Laughter and chatter was muffled by the thick wood.
There were people behind this door, likely part of the Reanault clan. They seemed oblivious to the fact that we were just outside of the door, preparing to fight.
“What do we do now?” Toni whispered as quietly as a mouse to not alert anyone on the other side. He sounded a little scared. I was scared too, if I was honest with myself. I didn’t dare to look at Finn — seeing any fear on his face would send me rushing back up the tunnel with him thrown over my shoulder.
Winona looked between the three of us as though she was regretting her decisions from the last twenty-four hours.
“We go in and take them out,” she finally whispered back. “But Jace Reanault is mine if he’s in there.”
“Who?” I whispered. This was the first I’d heard of him.
She scratched at her hand with the four-pointed star-shaped tattoo. “He’s the patriarch of the family, and he’s my target, so don’t get in the way,” she said.
Target. Like as in someone she was sent to kill? Was that a part of her guild, too?
The three of us looked between ourselves but all nodded in unwitting agreement. There was no going back now at this point.
She motioned for us to move back a step and then kicked the black wood door off its hinges. Light flooded into the tunnel, and conversation in the large, warm room in front of us halted.
“Who’s there?” a man’s voice called from somewhere in the room.
Winona stalked in, and I followed suit behind her, getting a good look around the red-walled parlor. Five bulky, tall-folk stood up around the room, three men and two women, and grabbed weapons from nearby tables. One man remained seated in a large, comfortable chair by the fireplace. He looked unenthused, with bored, dark eyes and slicked-back blond hair that formed a neat widow’s peak on his forehead.
“Oh, you. Sorry about your friend,” he commented, his voice smooth and cruel, sharp face completely unemotional, “She was starting to get in the way of business.”
Winona bared her tusks and teeth at the man. “Jace Reanault, you and your thugs are going to pay for what you did to Emilee Tread,” she threatened, holding up her fingers, which crackled with sparking electricity and shooting a bolt of lightning at him. He snapped and it was like the bolt fizzled out as it got close to him.
“We’ll see about that,” he said, finally standing up to his full height and smiling wickedly at the four of us.
I had a feeling deep in my gut that they’d actually been prepared for us to show up, and we were about to have to fight for our lives.
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