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 \u2014 the screams, the fire, the blood soaked into the dirt roads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My hands moved with purpose, but my chest was tight. I couldn\u2019t be sure what trouble we were about to get into, but if we were caught\u2026 or worse\u2026 I couldn\u2019t risk carrying anything that might trace back to Hill Hollow. I couldn\u2019t send them any more trouble than what was already coming for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019d not even dared to crack the seal on the bottle yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00a0\u201cKit,\u201d Finn said gently. \u201cI\u2019m sorry I stopped you from going after Hellbringer on the ship. Or that I was at least part of the reason why you didn\u2019t go after him when he was right there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I froze, hands stopped at the bottom of my emptied out bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf I\u2019d known that you\u2019d seen all of that during the raid\u2026 I would have helped you.\u201d He reached out and placed a warm hand on my arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My throat ached. I\u2019d hidden the worst of it from him \u2014 afraid, maybe, that he\u2019d look at me differently if he knew just how broken I was. But he didn\u2019t. He just sat there, eyes soft with guilt he didn\u2019t deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo,\u201d I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. \u201cWe would have condemned the whole ship to fighting and probably death. You were right, even if you didn\u2019t have the full story.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 \u2014 lips pressed tight, his brow in that furrowed \u201cthinking face\u201d of his.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t blame you if you wanted to leave to find the Dragon\u2019s Head Warrior today, you know,\u201d\u00a0he said finally. He didn\u2019t look at me when he said it \u2014 maybe out of respect. Or maybe so I wouldn\u2019t see whatever emotion was there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I stared at the ink jar again. Who knew how long it would take to find my warrior? Weeks? Months? We didn\u2019t even know exactly where he was yet \u2014 only that Aramedia in Skai City might help us pin down the coordinates. And even if I found him, even if he trained me\u2026 I wasn\u2019t battle-ready. I wasn\u2019t even really fight-ready. Leaving now would be the smart thing to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I kept seeing Winona\u2019s pained face after Emilee died.\u00a0The grief in her eyes. The set of her jaw as she fought back emotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t feel good or right to leave Winona to face this Reanault clan on her own,\u201d\u00a0I said.\u00a0\u201cEven though I do want to leave now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finn let out a held breath with a loud sigh.\u00a0\u201cI think that\u2019s right, too. But this was your quest first,\u201d\u00a0he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I slung the pack over my shoulders and clipped my sword into place. His words echoed in my head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My quest.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n My quest? Sure, the thing I\u2019d wanted more than anything in the world was what we were seeking. But that shouldn\u2019t make it just my quest. \u201cI don\u2019t want you to feel like this journey isn\u2019t yours, too,\u201d\u00a0I said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I never wanted Finn to feel like my sidekick or hired help. I\u2019d asked him along because he was my most trusted friend.\u00a0\u201cI want you to feel like you have just as much say in what\u2019s going on as I do\u2026 Toni, too. That\u2019s what friendship is supposed to be about.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finn gave a sheepish smile, but then something lit behind his eyes \u2014 a spark of mischief. \u201cSpeaking of Toni \u2014 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n I laughed as he led the way downstairs. Toni before food was a grump and a half. No doubt he\u2019d stomp in like a storm cloud. We definitely<\/em> couldn\u2019t mention the seafood feast we\u2019d had last night \u2014 not after he volunteered to go to the alchemists alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni trudged through the tavern door right after the food arrived. He walked over with all the enthusiasm of a caterlump\u2014 one of those sluggish, shaggy beasties said to nap twenty hours a day and sulk through the other four \u2014 but he perked up when he saw breakfast was waiting for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He dropped into the booth and immediately started shoveling hash into his mouth like he\u2019d 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 \u2014 Toni probably wouldn\u2019t even hear us until several mountains of hash had disappeared into his belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few minutes later, Finn asked, \u201cSo, did the antidote-making go well?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd have you heard anything more from Winona?\u201d I added. \u201cOr learned more about this Reanault clan that attacked Emilee?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI asked a couple of Guilstad\u2019s family members about them,\u201d Finn said casually, \u201cand they were a little cagey about the subject.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n I blinked. He hadn\u2019t mentioned that to me last night. Interesting.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni paused mid-chew, his eyes hopping between the two of us. \u201cWho\u2019s Guilstad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe runs the maritime museum,\u201d\u00a0I said, and flicked Finn under the table \u2014 partly for not telling me, partly for bringing up our dinner out in front of Toni. \u201cWe went there yesterday for some studying. There\u2019s an enchanted map that could help us track Hellbringer once I\u2019ve trained with the Dragon\u2019s Head. And there was a fake talisman too. Supposedly, the real one can control the tides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni raised an eyebrow and stuffed another mouthful of potatoes and eggs into his cheek. He might\u2019ve looked thoughtful if he didn\u2019t have a potato mustache clinging to his upper lip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFake? Weird,\u201d\u00a0Toni said through his mouthful of food.\u00a0\u201cYou know what? In all my visits to Shallow Tides, I never thought of visiting a museum.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n I shrugged. \u201cWhy learn about history when you\u2019re the ones making it? Captain Serpentis was the one who donated the biggest exhibit at the museum.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni swallowed what he was chewing and shook his head. \u201cHe was always going on about how defeating that stupid sea snake won him his title.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat monster\u2019s teeth were the size of Kit. I think he gets bragging rights,\u201d Finn said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni rolled and stretched his neck, letting out a long sigh. \u201cOkay, sure. At least I don\u2019t have to hear the story for the millionth time. And yes, I successfully figured out the antidote to the poison, Finn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh, yes<\/em>. This Reanault clan would have one less advantage over us. Good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat about Winona? Do you think she\u2019ll come back?\u201d\u00a0I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve been here. Just waiting for you to finish your breakfast.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n The voice came from the booth behind us \u2014 low, gravelly, unmistakable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We all jolted. My heart jerked into my ribs. That booth had been empty when we sat down. Hadn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona swung around the divider wall and dropped into the booth beside Toni, mug of ale already in hand.\u00a0She looked like she hadn\u2019t slept but was running entirely on stubborn willpower and spite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Reanault clan\u2019s holed up in an abandoned manor up in the hills,\u201d she said. \u201cBest bet of finding them right now is there. They\u2019ll be laying low after what happened to Emilee.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy was Emilee following them in the first place?\u201d\u00a0I asked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona went still. Then stiff. Her jaw locked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat\u2019s none of your business,\u201d she said, voice low and hard. \u201cDon\u2019t ask again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She took a long, rough gulp from her mug \u2014 the kind of drink that says end of discussion<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Right. Guild business. Off-limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But then why weren\u2019t any of the other members of her guild helping her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2026 She would die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019d never be able to forgive myself if that happened. So, I\u2019d keep my curiosity to myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After finishing breakfast, Winona ferried us around town.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t my fault that the only practice I got was with tree stumps and buying sword cleaning supplies in Hill Hollow would have raised suspicion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Toni bought some heavier armor than what he had aboard the Onyx Glory since now he wasn\u2019t in danger of being drug to the bottom of the sea if he fell overboard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And while Finn couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019t what I\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you sure about this?\u201d\u00a0Finn whispered, his voice trembling slightly. His fingers nervously played with the hem of his tunic that was sticking out under his new leathers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cToo scared to jump off a lily pad, you little frog?\u201d\u00a0Winona whispered from behind a wall ahead of us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finn frowned at her rude jab. She was wrong to say it. This wasn\u2019t something we were supposed to be doing. It wasn\u2019t in our blood to fight. Hill Hollow Shire was a peaceful village with no need for fighting beyond sibling squabbles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re not frogs,\u201d\u00a0I whispered to Finn, low enough that Winona couldn\u2019t hear.\u00a0\u201cIf you want to turn around, I\u2019ll go with you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0Finnan 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s bound to be a secret entrance,\u201d\u00a0she whispered, scanning the area for any clues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow did you know to do that?\u201d\u00a0Toni whispered to her. She cocked an eyebrow at him and shrugged. Had her guild taught her how to find hidden doors?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona went first, and I followed, with Finn behind me, and Toni taking up the rear of the group.\u00a0\u201cStay close,\u201d\u00a0I 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tunnel was narrow and damp, the air thick with the smell of mold and decay. Maybe they didn\u2019t hide out down here\u2026 I could already feel my allergies acting up. This damp air would make for a very sick crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The chamber was filled with crates, barrels, and sacks \u2014 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.\u00a0\u201cWhere is everyone?\u201d\u00a0I asked under my breath. There wasn\u2019t a single sign of anyone being here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere\u2019s likely more rooms hidden somewhere. I don\u2019t think they\u2019d leave the real valuables they\u2019ve collected sitting unguarded,\u201d\u00a0Winona whispered back, pointing to a curtain on the wall.\u00a0\u201cNotice how that one isn\u2019t pinned to the wall like the others?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAgain, how are you noticing these things?\u201d\u00a0Toni whispered, his jaw hanging a little as he watched Winona set off to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI can pick the lock, but these runes\u2026 I can read them but I\u2019m unsure of what to do with them,\u201d\u00a0Winona said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I couldn\u2019t even read the runes. It looked like Finnan couldn\u2019t either, and he knew more languages than anyone I knew.\u00a0\u201cWhat does it say?\u201d\u00a0I asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou who wish to gain entry to this room, announce yourself without disturbing the face of the door.\u201d\u00a0She pointed to the runes as she spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey put a riddle on the door,\u201d\u00a0Toni said in disbelief.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona put her hands on her hips and faced Toni with a scowl.\u00a0\u201cThey 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,\u201d\u00a0she said. \u201cIt\u2019s like they\u2019re daring us to go inside.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMaybe we shouldn\u2019t go in then,\u201d Toni replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona growled at him. Literally growled. \u201cWe have to,\u201d she spat, flexing her tattooed hand and then curling it into a fist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDo you think any of them know magic?\u201d\u00a0Finn asked, stepping between them, fiddling with his tunic again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, I\u2019ve never seen any of them exhibit magical craftsmanship before,\u201d\u00a0Winona responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I pointed to the doorknob. Underneath it was a keyhole. \u201cMost of them probably have keys,\u201d I said. \u201cBut why are you asking about magic?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, I know this spell\u2013\u201d\u00a0Finn trailed off when Winona grunted and rolled her eyes. She turned her back to us and continued studying the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I reached out and squeezed his arm.\u00a0\u201cIgnore her. I think you should try it,\u201d\u00a0I said, pulling him closer to the door<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finn nodded and focused his gaze on the door, whispering quietly to himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d\u00a0Winona asked, and I looked over to see the runes glowing on the door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there was a soft click of the lock turning. I smiled at my friend, who\u2019s dark eyes shone with pride. He really was getting a hang of this magic stuff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona pushed the door wide, revealing another dark, narrow passageway that led deeper into the earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfter you,\u201d\u00a0I 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat do we do now?\u201d\u00a0Toni 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\u2019t dare to look at Finn \u2014 seeing any fear on his face would send me rushing back up the tunnel with him thrown over my shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona looked between the three of us as though she was regretting her decisions from the last twenty-four hours.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe go in and take them out,\u201d\u00a0she finally whispered back.\u00a0\u201cBut Jace Reanault is mine if he\u2019s in there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho?\u201d\u00a0I whispered. This was the first I\u2019d heard of him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She scratched at her hand with the four-pointed star-shaped tattoo.\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s the patriarch of the family, and he\u2019s\u00a0my<\/bdo>\u00a0target<\/em>, so don\u2019t get in the way,\u201d\u00a0she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Target. Like as in someone she was sent to kill? Was that a part of her guild, too?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The three of us looked between ourselves but all nodded in unwitting agreement. There was no going back now at this point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d\u00a0a man\u2019s voice called from somewhere in the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s peak on his forehead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, you<\/em>. Sorry about your friend,\u201d\u00a0he commented, his voice smooth and cruel, sharp face completely unemotional,\u00a0\u201cShe was starting to get in the way of business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winona bared her tusks and teeth at the man.\u00a0\u201cJace Reanault, you and your thugs are going to pay for what you did to Emilee Tread,\u201d\u00a0she 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ll see about that,\u201d\u00a0he said, finally standing up to his full height and smiling wickedly at the four of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I had a feeling deep in my gut that they\u2019d actually been prepared for us to show up, and we were about to have to fight for our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Continue the adventure into chapter ten here.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n