Spending hours riding Zarts was second nature to Enyah. The dense undergrowth of Soreado, the whistling wind, and the steady beat of Zarts’ claws brought her a sense of comfort. They were her constant companions on her journeys.

  Behind her, Rinne was long asleep, leaning on the rhythmic up and down of Zarts’ body as he sprinted. His quiet snoring couldn’t be heard, melting into the wind surrounding them.

  The sense of nostalgia brought a small smile to her face. It was serene. Peaceful. A rarity in the coming days, best to enjoy it now while it lasted. She leaned forward, resting her weight on the neck of the lizard. His scales, cool and smooth, pressed under her like a blanket.

  “It’s going to be rough, bud.” Enyah spoke softly, almost drunkenly to the lizard. His head turned, looking at her with one of his large, amber eyes. An eye full of trust, of care and love. Full of many different emotions that she couldn’t comprehend. She raised him from an egg, Drantei’s gift for her birthday. The only remnant of those days long gone.

  A high pitched chirp erupted from Zarts’ mouth, interrupting her musings of the past. He moved his head as gently as a giant lizard could and rubbed her with his snout. His version of comfort.

  “We’ll make it alive. I promise.” Enyah whispered gently to the lizard, and gave his snout a soft kiss. She rested her forehead against his for a brief moment, feeling his warm breath on her face and his quiet company. With a sigh, she leaned back, staring up at the thick canopy.

  Yet the jungle didn’t let her relax. Far in the distance, the undergrowth thinned, indicating the presence of the second checkpoint. Though it was minutes away, Enyah’s mind snapped back into focus.

  She turned back and leaned over to brush Rinne’s shoulder with a gloved hand. He shuddered and let out a soft groan, blinking up at her with bleary eyes.

  “Are we there yet?” He spoke drowsily, almost slurred with his words. His hair fell messily around his body in snake-like tendrils while his arms were hugging his blanket as if it were a child.

  “Not so good at waking up, huh.” Enyah noted, a glint in her eye. “We’ll be there in a few moments. We don’t know what we’ll find there, so stay sharp.”

  As if doused by water, Rinne suddenly woke and straightened instantly, his mind influenced by wariness as he wiped at his sleepy eyes with his hands. He searched around him, glaring at the trees as if they were his natural enemy.

  “I’ll be ready!” Rinne barked with determination and gave her a childlike salute.

  “Good lad.” Enyah responded, turning back forward. A hand tightened around her cutlass’ hilt and her eyes narrowed, scanning the area ahead. Zarts needed his rest. Otherwise, they would have continued their journey. With a gentle brush against his smooth, scaled body, the lizard slowed to a trot, thumping through the dirt as they arrived through the entrance of the second checkpoint.

  The checkpoint surrounding them was surreal. A grassy circle where time seemed to stand still. The air itself seemed to freeze, as if holding its breath. If it weren't for the flickering flames of the braziers lining the paths, the checkpoint would’ve looked frozen, like a painting come to life.

  A handful of buildings lined the dirt paths, their craftsmanship far surpassing the crumbling buildings of the port. They stood tall in the night, framed by a massive expanse of stars. With the dense canopy of the jungle no longer covering their eyes, the boundless sky stretched overhead, each light a sign of a world beyond the skies. Closer than the distant stars, a white moon hovered, shining its radiant light upon the world.

  For mercenaries, weary in body and soul, this place was a sanctuary. A haven blessed with rest, warmth and ale. The checkpoint’s survival relied solely on the mercenaries who had chosen to settle down here, their contributions earning the highest respect from all who passed through their area.

  Zarts ambled forward, knowing where to go like second nature. His powerful claws pushed towards the stable opposing the inn, his movements slow and weary.

  “Evenin’ Enyuh.” A slurred voice greeting her, heavy with intoxication.

  Enyah’s gaze fell onto a man, leaning slovenly on one of the stable’s pillars. His clothes were wrinkled and unkept, and his long brown hair was just as messy. His eyes were reddened and his smell was full of the stench of alcohol. That didn’t stop Enyah from looking fondly at the man.

  “Randall. One of the only trustworthy mercs here.” Enyah mused, her eyes scanning the man. Despite his… disheveled appearance, which to her, always looked like he lived as a reputable smuggler, (not that she'd say that to his face) he was a surprisingly well mannered man.

  “Randall.” Enyah greeted him with a nod, sliding off Zarts with ease. She helped Rinne off, catching him as he clumsily slid, still a bit zoned from waking up. She steadied him and gently placed him on the ground.

  “Hello, sir.” Rinne bowed with eased grace, practically second nature. Clearly, he must have taken his share of etiquette lessons. “Classic nobles,” Enyah snorted with amusement.

  “Whoosat there? Yoo got a son now, Enyuh?” Randall garbled out, his voice drenched with the smell of ale. Randall put an empty glass down beside him and stood up from his wooden counter. Though he looked slovenly, Enyah could see his eyes focused, attentive. It betrayed his act. She knew his tricks.

  “Under my charge.” Enyah corrected, her gaze sweeping over the timeless night for any signs of movement. “Has anyone asked about someone like him?” Enyah lowered her voice, barely a whisper while she narrowed her eyes with caution.

  The locals who lived here were trustworthy, Enyah would admit that, but the mercenaries who'd only stay till they get their fill extorting passing merchants? Why she'd love nothing less than to slit their throats. They ruined the port’s reputation and livelihood. If only Gurlin didn't hold her back every time.

  “Aye, think Kathy might knoo somethin’,” Randall lowered his voice, whispering back with conspiracy.

  “You know you don't have to act in whispers, right?” Enyah mumbled, rolling her eyes at the man’s theatrics.

  He ignored her with a toothy grin and a wink, instead electing to turn his attention to Rinne, who was awkwardly standing beside them and listening to their conversations and fiddling with his fingers out of worry. “Yoo want some candy? Pretty good.” Randall offered, rummaging through the pockets of his coat.

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  Rinne's eyes widened, but hesitated. He turned and glanced at Enyah with an indescribable look in his eyes. Full of caution and curiosity. Was he asking her permission? Or was he wondering if the candy, maybe even Randall himself, was safe?

  Enyah gave him a small nod. Rinne’s face lit up and he turned back with a wide, childlike grin. “Sure!” He blurted out, before shaking his head in worry and correcting himself.” Ah. I mean, yes please!”

  “Polite kid.” Randall remarkled, handing the boy some hard candy with a chuckle. The mercenary always had a soft spot for making children smile. He turned towards Enyah with a widened grin. “Not yours, then.”

  “Shut up.” Enyah snapped, moving her eyes away and her cheeks reddening. It reminded her of her conversation with Liam. She clicked her tongue in irritation. “Tsk. Let’s go, kid.”

  “Yes, Miss Enyah!” Rinne chirped, his cheeks puffed with hard candy. He grasped her waiting hand lightly with his steps turning to a skip as he kept up with her pace.

  “Pfffft. Miss Enyah.” Randall’s voice echoed behind them, on the cusp of breaking down in laughter.

  Enyah cast a glare behind her, but she only saw Randall’s back. His shoulders were shaking slightly as he led Zarts inside the stable. She didn’t need to see his face to know he was grinning.

  “Whatever.” Enyah muttered under her breath, quickening her steps towards the inn with Rinne scurrying to keep pace, his hand still intertwined with hers.

  She looked up at the pristine tavern. It stood out, a monolith among the buildings of the checkpoint. Its spotless walls and clean wood indicated the care and love that went into the building. A rare sight among mercenary stations. “Yeah, good people.” She thought with a drop of pride, as if they were her own kin.

  Enyah pushed the door open, pleased by the lack of creaking. Inside, the patrons didn't even notice her presence. They were too absorbed with playing their dice games and regaling others with their drunken tales like usual. “Perfect. The less folk that see us, the better.”

  She held Rinne closely, hiding him against her shadow as they skirted the edge of the room. Though she saw no prying eyes, it didn’t hurt to be cautious. They reached a counter situated near a sturdy staircase. Manning the counter was an older woman with only a few wrinkles marring her face. She wore a simple dress with an apron, but her clothing couldn’t hide her muscles built from years of fighting and killing, each hidden scar a story of long gone days.

  “Matron!” Enyah greeted the woman with warmth oozing from her voice. Another familiar face, always manning the counter.

  The woman looked up, her face morphing into a large grin, “Enyah! Good to see you!” She leaned over the counter, giving Enyah a firm hug.

  As she leaned back, she noticed Rinne huddled at Enyah’s side. “Room for two, hon?” Her voice softened to a gentle, yet knowing tone.

  “Yes. Two beds.” Enyah confirmed, keeping her tone casual as though everything were normal.

  The matron stared at her with a glint in her eye for a moment before she nodded, having finished their unspoken conversation. “Alright, Enyah.” Her warm tone changed, cooling down to a professional tone. It was her way of keeping secrets, even within a busy tavern such as this. “Want food delivered to your room?”

  “Delivered.” Enyah said, her eyes taking a quick peek at the menu scrawled above the counter. “Let the kid try the local specialties. Maybe he'll like it enough to come back.” Enyah snorted quietly at her own thoughts.

  “Two prowler thighs to the room. A hookfruit for me, and…” Enyah paused, glancing down at Rinne, who looked content being as hidden as possible, curling into her side. “What’d you want to drink, kid?”

  “Umm…” Rinne’s eyes darted towards the menu, considering before speaking in a soft voice, “I’ll have a primfr-” He froze mid word, his eyes widening as if recalling something traumatic. His voice softened. “I’m good with water…”

  “Two thighs, hookfruit ale, and some water for the little man, then.” The matron listed, writing their order on a small scrap of paper. She slipped it through a hole behind the counter before handing Enyah a small, nondescript key. “It’ll be room 2D, on your left up the stairs.”

  Enyah leaned in to take the key from her hands, her voice whispering as she went, “Send Kathy up with the food.”

  The matron gave her a knowing nod “Will do, young one.” she said softly, using a term she used to call her years ago. Enyah chuckled quietly to herself, the words stirring childhood memories. Rinne looked curiously at her, his eyes pleading to know the story. She responded by ruffling his head, messing with his hair purposely.

  “We’re almost out of the jungles, kid. One more day.” Enyah lowered her voice, talking as they began their climb up the stairs.

  “Yay!” Rinne cheered, though matching her quiet tone. After a moment, he tilted his head, curiosity once again sprouting. “What's a prowler?”

  “Hmm…” Enyah considered as they reached the top of the stairs. “It's like a panther. Do you know what a panther is?”

  “Yeah! A big cat.” Rinne responded eagerly, as if proud of his knowledge. They walked down a dimly lit hallway, only one torch lighting up the whole second floor. They soon reached a nondescript door that blocked their way.

  “Think that, but bigger. Claws longer than your arm.” Enyah continued, placing the key into the lock. A soft click echoed in the corridor. “Spikes all along their body. Teeth so large they jut out of their mouth.” She pushed the door open, revealing a cozy room. A simple rug covered the floor and two beds lined the wall, opposing a table. A miniature balcony peeked from the far end of the wall, exposing the pitch black expanse and beyond. “But they taste pretty good. That's what matters. You'll enjoy it.”

  “Hehe, I can't wait.” Rinne smiled, turning his attention towards the beds. “I'm taking the bed near the window!”

  “No you aren't.” Enyah said, grabbing his shoulders before he could bounce over. She pointed firmly to the bed closer to the door. “This one’s safer. You're sleeping here.”

  “Oh… Okay!” Rinne deflated for only a moment before his exuberance bounced back with an innocent smile. He jumped onto the bed, indulging in the soft sheets. “It’s comfy either way.” He sunk into the sheets with a satisfied sigh.

  Enyah shook her head silently, closing the door behind her. Locking the door, she let her tension ease, embracing the comfort of the familiar room. She dropped onto her bed with a long, deep sigh. The mattress cradled her sore muscles, offering her much needed relief.

  It was only the first day of the trip and it was already this eventful. It felt like weeks had gone by in the chaos. As much as she hated to admit it, Zarts wasn’t the most comfortable of mounts. Quick, certainly, but also a rough ride.

  Enyah let her head sink into the pillow, closed her eyes for what felt like a blink before she was interrupted by a hard Knock Knock.

  “Got an order for an Ennie here!” A young, cheerful voice called from behind the door. Enyah, recognizing the voice, reluctantly left the warm embrace of the mattress and moved towards the door in a groggy trot.

  Her eyes darted towards Rinne, who was rolling around on the bed without care. She tilted her head, wondering if he even perceived the door knock.

  Knock Knock. The sound of the door being hit echoed louder, making Rinne jump up in surprise, his widened eyes searching for Enyah in alarm. Noticing her relaxed demeanor he quickly settled down, though his curious eyes drilled into the door, ready to inspect their visitor.

  She unlocked the door and opened it, revealing a young girl who instantly waltzed past Enyah and into the room, as if dancing.

  “Kathy.” Enya thought endearingly, shutting and locking the door as the girl placed their food onto the table with a thunk.

  The moment the lock clicked the girl perked up, all professionalism forgotten.

  “Enyah!!!!” Kathy squealed, dashing towards Enyah and wrapping her from behind in a bear hug. She rubbed her face against her back, infectious excitement radiating out of her. “It's so good to see you! I waited so long, you know!”

  “Hey, Kathy.” Enyah greeted gently, her voice indulging, but strained as she struggled to turn around, “Alright, alright, let me get to the table.”

  She pouted, but let go. Instead, she grabbed hold of Enyah’s cloak, like a child afraid of losing their parents.

  Enyah turned to take in Kathy’s familiar appearance.. The teenager’s blonde hair was tied back in a messy ponytail, her youthful face lightly touched by makeup. What stood out most about her, however, was her blood red eyes, glowing faintly in the dimmed room. A gift from the Mist though why it also changed her eye color was beyond Enyah’s understanding. She wasn’t a scientist.

  Kathy wore a simple black dress, covered by a white apron, perfect for her waitress duties. Though, If Enyah knew Kathy, there’d be countless knives hidden all over her clothes and boots. The girl’s got an obsession with them, and there’s no doubt in Enyah’s mind that there were plenty hidden all over her body.

  Before, her crimson eyes were fixed solely on Enyah, so when she noticed the small child sitting on the bed, staring at her with widened eyes, she stared back in shock.

  “Enyah…” Kathy turned to her, her voice wavering. She tugged softly on her cloak, on the verge of tears. “Did you replace me...? Am I… not enough for you anymore?”

  “What?” Enya asked, caught off guard.

  “As your one and only apprentice!” Kathy proclaimed proudly, puffing her chest in pride.

  “You're not my…” Enyah started, but quickly backed down. Technically, Kathy was her apprentice… in a sense.

  “Well she's MY friend, so that makes me YOUR uncle!” Rinne interjected, announcing whatever twisted logic appeared in his head and pointing at Kathy.

  “How can that be!? You brat!” Kathy shrieked, her eyes burning with fury as she glared at Rinne. He glared right back, fists clenched, ready to defend his… friendship? Enyah felt a headache coming.

  “Rinne's under my protection, don't worry.” Enyah pacified her, cutting off their argument. She sank into one of the chairs, leaning back. “We’re headed to the capital.”

  “Ooh, the capital! Haven’t been there before.” Kathy exclaimed, plopping down on the other chair, much to Rinne’s chagrin. “How about some extra protection? Let your little apprentice explore the wide open world too.” Kathy added wistfully, exaggerating her emotions.

  “No!” Rinne grumbled, turning his head in a pout. “I don’t want her!”

  “You don’t know what's good for you, kid!” She growled at him, changing her face to be as sweet as honey and turning to Enyah. “Though I do know why you called for me, besides your unending love and affection for me, of course.”

  Enyah’s dull, unamused eyes bore into her, but she ignored it, unfazed. “Some folks have been coming in, asking around about a little silver haired boy. They’re still here too, lurking in the tavern.”

  “Silver hair… right.” Enyah pondered. It’d be best to change his hair color, or at least hide it if they wanted to continue unhindered.

  “Don't think they’ve seen you go up the stairs.” Kathy added, tapping her chin in thought, “But they might have. You want me to have a little chat with them?” Her lips curved into a sharp grin, “Or better yet, I could kill them in their sleep. No more trouble.”

  Enyah shook her head, a grin matching Kathy’s slowly forming on her face. “I’ve got a better idea. First, though, we eat.”