She cursed underneath her face mask.
" Henry, fall back, we cannot hold them off any longer!"
The figure she was addressing stiffened and turned to face her.
"There are still civilians down there, Lady De Rivera!"
The voice shouted back, the man behind her pointing at the streets below.
" I know, but we have saved as many as we could if we won't fall back now we will die and the survivors along us. Fall back to the mansion. Now."
The figure hesitated for a while before scoffing and retreating. She gave the mayhem below a short glance before following Henry's suit. They jumped from rooftop to rooftop with Henry running slightly ahead.He gave her a brief glance before shouting.
" Watch out!"
She glanced back and saw a reptile shaped creature made solely of black smoke. She couldn't even be sure if the creature was what she saw as its body seemed to shape shift all the time but there was one part of its "body" that didn't change - the bloody red eyes.
" Ana, for The Four's sake, run! Just fuckin' run!"

Henry's voice snapped her from her trance. Why did she stop running? The creature's eyes stared at her, she could swear there was a glint of cruel amusement.
" Henry, forget about me! Run to the mansion, I'll hold it off."
The man looked between her and the not- so- distant mansion and reluctantly started to run towards their haven.
She heaved a sigh and thanked The Four for the fact that at least this time he did listen to the voice of reason.
~ So you stayed behind... Interesting. I'd say you are brave but the truth is you are cruel, you are only prolonging their suffering~
She heard a faint voice brushing against her mind. Her head back snapped back to the creature, now it seemed more human in looks. Wait?! That thing can talk?! Well, shit this is bad. She then heard a laughter but she couldn't place it. It felt like it was both inside her head and articulated normally. She drew her bow and the creature hissed. It charged at her the moment she released the first arrow. It reached its target and... went right through it and hit the tiles behind it. Her heart sank. How were they supposed to survive if nothing could kill those creatures? She started to back away until she reached the edge of the roof. She looked down, she was in luck. The house was located near River Lorana. She looked at the creature again and to her horror it was about ten meters away from her. Ignoring her instincts she jumped down.
The cold waters engulfed her and she struggled to keep her head above the water level. The quiver started to taking water and was dragging her under. She held her breath and hurriedly started to unfasten the belt.
She finally managed to get free of the quiver and just in time as her lungs started to burn. She started to swim up and, after a few agonizing seconds finally, made it to the surface. Coughing she looked up to see the creature hissing and clawing the roof in irritation. Fortunately, Lorana's current wasn't strong and making it to the bridge wouldn't be hard, the hard part was to find a way to exit the icy water as soon as possible.
" Ana!"

She heard the familiar voice and saw the man cloaked in black, hooded, cloak standing on the opposite river bank. She started to swim in his direction immediately and when she was near the river bank a strong arm helped her out. When she was out of the water she was bitterly reminded how harsh the Autumn could be. Shivering, she managed to breath out a few words.
" T-thank y-you, Henry."
She couldn't see his face but his voice was concerned.
" We have to get you to the mansion as fast as possible."
Then she felt something wrapping around her and for the first time she saw Henry without anything masking his face... Except she knew this man, he was the High Captain of the City Watch who supposedly escaped the city along the other nobles, including the Earl.
He had to see recognition in her eyes because he ushered her to go, reassuring he'd explain everything once they are safe. Soon they reached massive iron gates of the mansion.
" Open up, it's us!"
He shouted while she tried to wrap the cloak even tighter but to no avail. After a few agonizing seconds, the massive gates opened, giving out a mournful groan. They opened just slightly but the space was enough for them to squeeze through. As soon as they were on the other side the gates closed loudly. Ana noticed a tall and slightly slouched over figure standing on the porch, there was no mistake- it was that of a man. As he approached them hurriedly she could see he wore Court Mages' robes, embroidered with silver thread and a two-headed raven which clutched a snake in its claws. The man himself was in his late 40's or early 50's, the black hair and stubble dotted with grey streaks. His eyes were icy blue and his features were pleasant to the eye, despite his age.
" Ana, for The Four's sake, what happened to you?!"
The mages eyes were filled with worry. He knew her name but she didn't know him. She was of nobility but she always was the black sheep in her family, preferring to spend her free time in the wilds or hunting with the Court Huntsman- Aron. And so, as a result, she wasn't even familiar with the man before him, even if she was supposed to.
Her family left her mostly on her own, taking little interest in her whereabouts. Well, they did care once but that was when she was of the age and her father decided to marry her to one of the nobles. Needless to say, she was less than thrilled by the idea and rejected all advances. It wasn't until one of them became so persistent that she ended up breaking his arm. Since then she was never acknowledged by her family.

"I-I'm s-sorry but I d-don't know you..."
She managed but before the mage could respond the High Captain interrupted
" Ashtard, for divines' sake, she's freezing!"
The mage looked over the man and his eyes widened.
" You! I thought that you and all the upper class..."
But the man only waved his hand in irritation.
" Yes, yes, I know! I'll explain everything after we've made sure she won't die on us."
She wanted to protest, reassure she's just cold but her mind started to drift as she struggled to keep her focus.
" This way, hurry."
When they were half way to her chambers she collapsed. She heard some shouts before everything went black.

---

" Will she be okay?"
The captain asked.
" She should be, I did all I could to keep her alive, everything's now in the Greth's hands."
The Court Mage gave him a long look before asking,
" Why the charade, Garen? Why pretending to be someone else? Also, I saw you leaving the city, so why did you come back."
Garen heaved a tired sigh.
" Because people would think I have returned because I was wracked with guilt and the truth is far from it."
Asthard raised an eyebrow.
" And what is the truth?"
" The truth is that I left the city with a post crow to ask for help from one of my most trusted friends."
" Couldn't you send it without exiting the city?"
Garen smiled ironically.
" You saw those things, they corrupt everything they touch and I had to make sure the bird would reach its destination. But I have a bad feeling, the bird should have returned with the response three weeks ago."
Asthard crossed his arms.
" The King was always slow to respond ..."
He was interrupted by bitter laughter.
" Do you honestly believe the king gives a crap about us? Tevirien isn't the most important city in the kingdom, hell it isn't even the part of Merchant's Trail. So make a guess: will His Highness help us? Because I wouldn't count on it."
The mage knew that the High Captain was right. Tevirien, despite being marked on Caureus' maps wasn't well known among traders or even kingdom citizens. But if Garen didn't send the message to King Aran III then...
" Please tell me you didn't send a word to the Grey Wolves."
A sly smile confirmed mage's suspicions.
" You can't be serious! They won't even heed our plea for help."
Garen's eyes flickered with a strange sparkles... Hope perhaps.
" Oh, but they will, or should I say he will. I don't remember a day in our friendship when he wouldn't heed my plea for help. And before you ask I know of the location of their hideout because I was a fence to their guild. Fortunately, one of its elites can be counted as my friend."
Then his face fell.
" You're not part of the guild but if my suspicions are correct it won't matter if I tell you or not. So here's the thing; As you may know, Grey Wolves are known for their excellent organization, with their fence always elusive. "
The mage rolled his eyes at noting the prideful tone in guard's voice but Garen ignored him and continued.
" Now, about a month ago it started to be hectic as the instructions from headquarters suddenly stopped coming and contracts started to be left unfulfilled. At the time I didn't pay it much mind but the timing is interesting, the day that things went downhill here was the day we got cut off from headquarters. Before you ask, I have contacted some fences from all around the kingdom before the quarantine was issued and it was the same situation everywhere."
The mage frowned.
" But wouldn't it be hard for anyone to totally annihilate you? I mean surely the members were scattered all over the Albeastria doing... whatever the job they were issued."
He chuckled.
" Well, yes I agree with you. I can't imagine the power and reach of whatever has set its mind on destroying us. And if you wish to know the exact workings of the guild then I'm afraid I cannot tell as my friend was careful with the information he had given me. "
Asthard had to ask him this questions, his mind still trying to process the information he had been given.
" He had to fill you in? Aren't the fences part of the guild? And who's your mysterious friend?"
The captain laughed.
" That's a lot of questions. Well, you have to understand that we are not the fences in the traditional sense we don't buy and sell stolen or illegal goods, we don't give information on the targets. Think of us as a separate, smaller and independent organization, working under the bigger one for mutual benefits. So technically we've never been part of the guild and they didn't consider necessary for us to know anything beyond the basics. "
The Court Wizard looked at him with his piercing icy look.
" You dodged my question, who is your friend?"
The guard looked at him nervously.
" You most likely not like it but he's known as Lone Wolf."
Lone Wolf? The ever elusive infamous assassin? He heard the name before but it was always equal to an urban legend, a boogeyman to scare the children. But even in his wildest dreams, he wouldn't consider the man real. The look on his face must've been priceless because Garen hardly held off his laughter.
" Lone Wolf? That's not even his name..."
Asthard stated.
" No, it isn't. Even I do not know his real name, I doubt any members of the guild, except the inner circle perhaps, knew his real name. But when..if he arrives never ask him about his real name. He can be unpleasant but for some reason, he gets really pissed off when you ask him about it."
The wizard rubbed his temples.
" Well, it is too late to object now but how is this assassin supposed to help us solve our... infestation problem?"
" Why, he is the best. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he'd be able to tell you what King Aran had on the breakfast this morning. And trust me, none of us are good enough to scout ahead and possibly kill the source of infestation."
Asthard heaved a sigh.
" If he's as good as you say then I should trust you on this because right now we are deep in horse dung. I may not like the idea but I don't have any better ideas... However, she won't be pleased when she wakes up."
He gestured towards the unconscious girl. Garen's gaze drifted towards her face. Well, when she wakes up it'll be a true hell on earth. I can only hope Lone Wolf will arrive before she wakes.

2: Lone Wolf

 

" Many heroes walked the lands of Albeastria and the images of many more were idolized over the time. And yet it's not them I admire the most but the reluctant heroes  who saved us all and yet preferred to stay in shadows to be forgotten by ages.  "- An excerpt from anonymous work ”Forgotten Heroes of Albeastria"

 

The travel was surprisingly peaceful, although tiresome. He could use some rest just as his horse. He had dismounted half way just to make the travel for the tired animal easier. The last assignment was... interesting one. Just when he thought life couldn't surprise him anymore it threw someone like Lady van Thasslehoff of  into the mix. He was surprised when she managed to stab him. He was so used to his skills being superior compared to even the most skilled masters of current age that he allowed himself to become sloppy. And being sloppy meant certain death in his profession.  He was kind of glad that fate has made him cross paths with someone like her as it reminded him not to gloat in his superiority if he wished to stay alive.

He looked up from underneath his hood. He was nearing home. Well, it was as any home as all the cities, towns and villages he has been living at over the course of years. Atereat- The capital of the Kingdom of Caureus, the biggest  one of all Northern countries and one of the most powerful in all of Albeastria. He looked at the walls that grew bigger with every second. " Walls as tall as a mountain" as one of the visitors had described the Outer Wall. The wall was old and yet looked imposing, made of the yellow brick that was imported from the far west if you believed such stories.  Few people realized that the material used to build the wall was a rare crystal called Veridium. The crystal was the hardest mineral known to him  but it was blue in nature and nearly pristine. He always wondered what did the Atereatans use to make it of yellow hue. 

" Halt, traveler! State your business."  A harsh voice interrupted his thoughts. He lazily shifted his gaze from the wall to the owner of the voice. A guard of middle height held his had up. He took the note of his yellow-grey  tunic  with the coat of arms embedded on his chest.

" I am but the traveler heading home after the long journey." He stated simply and waited for the reaction. At the same time silently wrapping himself in a magical illusion. He doubted the man would notice, few of commoners did.

" A traveler, eh?" The guard asked, looking him up and down. It was a half-lie but this time, his garment and a tired, dirty animal behind him backed up his story. " Well then, traveler, state your name and precise the reason of your stay." 

" Garrett Arel, merchant.  I left this city a month ago on the purpose of   securing a deal with a merchant from Sirens Call. Alas, nothing good came of it and I had to return home empty-handed."

The guard has quirked a brow as if not believing him. " Must've been rough travel judging by 'er  state. Alright, take off 'er hood, stand aside and wait 'till my colleague won't be done with the personal inspection. If everything's in order then you're clear to pass."  The guard motioned for him to stand aside and he obeyed.                                                                                         There was no point of raising suspicion, he made sure that all suspicious vials were gone along with the contract shortly after he has killed the noble. While he was taking the hood down he noticed the stare of the guard.

" Is there some problem, sir?" He asked. But the guard shook his head.

" Yer just made me wonder, ye seem to be quite..."

" Old?" He offered but the guard only shrugged his arms slightly.

" I guess my point is that for an elderly man and a merchant it is strange to travel alone. Don't you agree, sir?" The man looked at him suspiciously.

" I may be of ... Respectable age, true but I had my share of adventures before I settled to a quieter life. I may not look like it but I still know how to wield a blade. Besides, my business wasn't doing well as of late and I couldn't afford to hire men for an escort. "

He didn't know if the  man bought his story but the second guard who was checking his backpack and saddlebags signaled that everything was in order .

" Well, everything seems in order. Welcome to the Capital, sir." The guard he talked to  gave him a curt nod while his companion handed him over the reins. He took them from him and started to slowly walk towards the gate.

When he was far enough he pulled his hood on and dropped the illusion. He looked around. The city's structure was unusual, instead of the popular one wall surrounding the city there were actually three, each separating every district. He was certain that the original thought was to make city hard to conquer in a case of the breach of The Outer Wall the remaining two would allow the city's forces to retreat, regroup and continue the defense. But present Atereat has rarely known war and so the purpose of the walls has changed, while the Outer Wall's purpose stood the same, the remaining two separated city into districts.  He looked across the wide street and in the far end another yellow wall towered over the street- The Inner Wall that separated the commoners' district from the houses of the merchant class. It was also the district that housed the Great Bazaar and the docks. Beyond that was what was called the Dragon Wall. Fancy name for a wall that was built around the district housing the rich and the royal family.  He started to walk  again, pulling the tired animal along and it reluctantly followed. He looked over his shoulder at his black stallion.

" It's okay, friend. You will rest soon. We're going home." He murmured.

The animal twitched its ears and raised its head slightly as if mentioning home gave it additional strength it needed. His focus was back to the main street. He passed through the local small market and headed south. Most people ignored him but some gaped at him in disbelief once they realized his purpose. He was heading south, to the part of the city that was dubbed The Gallows. The place where no law applied, a place where the worst murders took place, a place where all  low-lives dwelled. He found it amusing how the rich detested this part of town, thinking of those who lived there to be no better than barbarians. Funny, if you lacked money or influence you were detested  but all it took was wealth and a title to suddenly make the political murder something socially acceptable.

      In his lifetime he was hired by wealthy of this world and all of them made sure that their connections to him remained secret. He chuckled, he pitied the idiots who thought that only he was to blame. His blade would cut through flesh, take the life away but it was them who gave it the purpose. He was fine with taking lives, he was taking them for so long that it became the same routine it was for the baker to bake the bread every morning.  He could live with his deeds but he wondered if those who hired him could.

He shook his head. His mind has been wondering again and that was bad, even if The Gallows were practically owned by those he was recruited by. He entered the area carefully, sight and hearing sharpened and muscles tensed.  He frowned. The area was hardly ever the beauty with deteriorating timber buildings but now it looked like there was a small war going on when he was away.  He looked around, houses were burned down and corpses were everywhere. Some mutilated, some burned and some just laying face down the mud. Just as he neared the stench hit him. It was the smell of rotting meat and the fact that today was warm made it ten times worse. His stomach rebelled and he had to fight for his breakfast to stay inside. 

 

He pulled his half-mask over his face. It made it a bit easier to breath but the choking stench was still unbearable. He looked back at his horse. He pressed his ears to his skull and his nostrils flared. The animal was clearly scared and uncomfortable but too tired to complain further. He stopped and let go of the reins. He then turned to pet his mount's snout.

" I know you don't like it here, Shaar'Thaal  but you have to bear for a little longer. I'm going to have a look." Shaar'Thaal's big brown eyes focused on him but the stallion did little to protest.

He gave  the horse a reassuring pat on the snout and focused on inspecting the corpses. The nearer he got the more his nausea bothered him.  He looked around and focused on the corpses that seemed to be preserved. He started from the corpse that was nearest to him. The body was clad in tattered cotton shirt and trousers. He took a note of the ax that was still clutched in its right hand. He took the closer look and saw the carvings of an eagle etched into the steel. The carvings were unknown to him and the deceased before him either was someone who has lost everything or acquired the weapon through the means many would frown upon.

He decided to turn the dead onto his back, he grabbed the body and turned it. He grimaced when the mud it was lying in made the sickening sucking sound. When the body was on its back he stared at it in disbelief. There were maggots crawling all over it and it looked like they started their feast from the face. They were like some twisted hive that moved around the body frantically, racing for every piece of decaying flesh.

The presence of maggots could help him conclude how long the people around him were dead.  He searched his mind for useful knowledge. He wasn't an etymologist but he knew the useful basics.

" All right... If I recall correctly the eggs , depending on the conditions, are being laid within twenty-four hours since death.  But when I arrived the city was calm, surely the news of the massacre would spread like a wildfire..." He looked at the feasting white larvas " Which means you, buddies, have to be older than a day."   He placed his chin between his thumb and index finger.                                                                 They were older than a day, that was for certain. It was all down to what kind of  battle was it. It surely wasn't the rebellion, otherwise, the city would be still affected even if it would be quelled with a day.  No, he was missing some vital information... And then it hit him, true the man was clutching his ax but there was no blood on it. He looked around almost all corpses were burned down.  Most of them frozen in the defensive or begging position.  Those poor bastards didn't even try to fight. Very uncharacteristic of those blokes... Unless... Unless someone who caused the slaughter released from the leash the hounds everyone in The Gallows resented.

He started to walk among the corpses, looking frantically around. He had a suspicion but he needed the confirmation. It was partially confirmed when he saw a few bodies of city guards. But he still failed to find what he wanted. There was no body to confirm it. Then something glistened in the mud. He crouched and saw a badge with the carving he knew all too well.  A dragon in a flight, spitting fire at their enemies below. He clenched his jaw. Royal Battle-Mages.

It was no wonder they gave up without a fight. They wouldn't stand a chance against them even if they did fight. He had to know. He had to know if the whole district has been made a hell upon Earth.  He whistled at his mount. It wasn't loud but the stillness of the air made it sound like a thunder. The horse moved towards him and he petted his giant head.

" Okay boy, let's go." He whispered.

The travel seemed to go on forever. He noticed that only the outer part of the district suffered the terrible fate. As he went deeper into it he noticed that the buildings were unharmed and people were walking down the streets.  But he could see the slouched postures and quickened the pace. The massacre could be over but the people still mourned their dead. 

After the long walk, he had finally reached the half-timbered building with a sign stylized to be the gilded head of a gryphon. " The Golden Gryphon" was possibly the closest thing to a tavern in a whole poor district.  He noticed that the place was more lively than normally. No wonder. Any higher end tavern had a stable and   Dravin in his attempt to emulate such taverns ordered to build one as well. Many looked at him like he had lost his mind after all very few kept any horses here. And due to their rarity horse theft was greatly frowned upon. He walked over to the stable boy. The kid couldn't be older than ten.

" I would like to stable my horse, it needs a good rest." He started as he approached the thinned out, filthy and clad in ragged garments child. The boy leaped forth eagerly, taking the reins from him.  Pausing only for a brief moment to look at the animal.

" Don't worry , sir! He will be nursed back to his full health I assure you!" He chirped cheerfully. He wondered whether the boy was oblivious or just attempted only to divert his thoughts from what happened in the outer part. He noticed the child looking nervously.   

" What is it, boy?"

" The care is... Not free." He stated weakly.

He raised an eyebrow.

" Last time I was here there was no charge..."

The boy gave him troubled smile.

" It was changed recently, orders of the master of this establishment."

He sighed, he knew that Dravin valued coin but now he was pushing it.

" All right, kid. How much?"

"...Three gold pieces"

" Three gold pieces for...this?" He asked in disbelief. It was the only tavern around, true but charging the three bloody gold pieces for what was nothing more than shabby, leaking structure was a stupid idea, even for Dravin. He sighed and reached for his pouch.

" Alright, here you go."    

He handled coins to the boy. The child's eyes widened at the amount.

" Sir, it's only three gold pieces, not ten! " Then his face slowly fell. " Well, I guess I'll have to hand them over to him."

He chuckled and placed a gloved hand on boys' shoulder.

" Well, Dravin charged three gold pieces. He doesn't have to know about the rest."

He  winked at the boy and left the stables. The corner of his mouth quirked slightly upwards at the sound of the child's delighted squeal. Those seven gold pieces would last for quite a while.

He pushed the heavy oak door and entered the inn. The interior was dim lit and it seemed to be quite lively compared to the usual half-empty state. He had the hard time pushing through those people but he finally has made it to the bar.  He found himself a free spot  placed his left arm on the counter.

He noticed Dravin cleaning one of the mugs all the while his two assistants made sure everyone had received their orders. One of them approached him.

" Would you like something to drink or a meal, sir?" He asked.

He eyed the assistant. It was the boy that looked to be in his early twenties. He had blonde hair and green eyes. Well, it was back to the old dance again.

" I heard this inn had the best Summer Ale in the whole district. I would like to try some."

 Truth be told despite its fancy name the ale was of low quality and tasted like piss. No, scratch that its taste was an insult to the good old  "piss". Whoever has come up with this month's password definitely had a thing for beverages of any kind. No sane person would ever  order Summer Ale.   He stared at the boy, waiting. He was certain he saw the look of surprise. Quite a strange reaction as the inn has been frequently visited by him and his brotherhood.

" I... am sorry but the Summer Ale isn't sold in these parts. Would you like to try Thaar-Dir instead? "

Thaar-Dir was one of the inns' specials, an ale imported from the south. It was bloody expensive black market good. It was a wonder Dravin was able to find any buyers.

" You sell Thaar-Dir here? My! I haven't drunk one in Southern Marches for ages. It's a shame the selling of this fine ale got abolished, truly. If you sell it then I would like a mug." 

He was pretty certain that was the correct response. Ugh, I really should pay more attention to passwords next time.

" It would be four gold coins, sir."

He rested the coins on the counter. The boy scooped them out and left, he noticed he went to talk straight to the innkeeper. A gruff voice caught his attention.

" Quite a taste for an ale we have, aren't we?"

He eyed the man sitting next to him. He looked like he had one fight too many. Some of his teeth were missing and scars were adorning his face. With gray stubble making him looking like a common drunkard.

" You can say that."

He replied in a calm tone. The man arched an eyebrow at him.

" 'Er not afraid of the ole' Big Tim?"

He had to stifle a chuckle. Big Tim? How... original. A name that brought respect, surely. Still he didn't want to draw attention so he would pass on starting a scene. Besides Draven would charge him for damages, no doubt.

" It's not my first visit to your district. I know the rules: Respect others and you will be respected in turn."

Well, it was a tad more complicated than that but he played the role of  a newcomer so simplified rules were the best bet. The man laughed heartily at this remark.

" I see yer grasped on basic rules. But basic rules can still get you killed, ye better learn fast our lifestyle or ye may end up with a dagger at yer back... or worse."

" I am certain I would deal with those ' daggers at my back'."

" A tough one, eh? Just wait, pretty boy 'till 'tis district  chew on you and spit you back."

The man laughed. Big Tim had no idea what happened to the people who crossed him.

"Well, since you seem to be in a good mood then perhaps...  "

The man never got to finish as Dravin has approached the counter.

" Tim stop pestering newcomers." He growled.

" I ain't pesterin' I merely had a chat with our dear friend 'ere."

" Uh-huh. Like you pester anyone rich enough to buy Thaar-Dir? Go pester someone else or do I have to remind you of your debt consisting of the five gold coins and forty silver pieces?"

Big Tim narrowed his eyes.

" I haven't forgotten, innkeeper.  And how do you intend on forcing me to leave, boy?"

"  Everyone here knows you're all talk... boy. So unless you wish to face my bodyguards I advise you to leave. Now."

The man looked like wanted to give his piece of mind  but when he noticed two heavy armed men approaching him he raised his hands in surrender and turned to leave. Dravin waited until Tim was gone. Then he shifted his gaze toward his guest.

" As for you... Follow me."  As he was leaving he grabbed  one of the assistants and said. " If anyone asks I am busy with a business meeting. You are in charge until I return."

The boy nodded and the innkeeper let go of him and motioned towards his guest to follow.  He followed the innkeeper to his office. When he entered Dravin closed the door behind them and started to lock it up.

" Charging three gold pieces for that deteriorating shack, Dravin. You really are pushing it."

" That voice... I could've recognized it anywhere.  Welcome home, Lone Wolf or rather what was left of it."

" What do you mean what's left of it?"

The innkeeper stared at the oak door in front of him numbly before replying. And his voice was so quiet Lone Wolf had a hard time understanding him.

" Grey Wolves...Our brotherhood is gone. I know it's hard to believe  but that's the truth."

Lone Wolf stood there, his mind slowly analyzing the  realization. 

"... How do you know? You're an agent... An outsider, no offense."

The man put a hand on the door and looked at Lone Wolf over his shoulder.

" None taken... That is simple, really. Tell me, were you part of the Inner Circle?"

Lone Wolf shook his head.

" No, I held the high rank, true. But I never was a part of the Inner Circle, despite rumors. Had something to do with my solitary nature." He ended the sentence in a humorless joke.

" Then they held you in a dark as well. You know, I've never trusted such paranoid secrecy. Secrets get people killed. And now hundreds of men and women has paid the highest price for it...About a year ago my friend got himself a seat at Inner Circle, it took me a while but I managed to convince him to give me some information if something shady has been going on. I haven't heard from him since I last saw him. He appeared on my doorstep about... A month ago? I barley recognized the man, I tell you! He looked like shit. And, well, frankly speaking, the news weren't any better."

The man paused and when he didn't continue Lone Wolf asked.

" When did he visit? What did he say?"

" Twentieth of the Frozen Star... He said that the inner circle was facing some sort of crisis. He didn't go into details, I think he was scared of being discovered. He said that for three months our outposts, one by one went silent. He mentioned  something about a pattern and warned me that it may not be long now and I should be on the move. Back then I didn't understand what he was talkin' 'bout... I ... I think he wanted to tell me to stay away from the guild for the time being."

" Twentieth of the Frozen Star? That was a day before my departure from the city!"

He couldn't believe it, he has missed the obvious signs! He wasn't the part of the circle but he still held a high position. He was high enough to receive updates on concerning matters but now that he thought about it in the recent months the high command has been awfully isolated. Dravin's voice made him snap back to reality. 

" What of it?"

" What of what?"

" The fact that they sent you a day after?"

Instead of giving him a straight answer he asked him, a smirk forming underneath his half-mask.

" Has it ever occurred to you that your friend has never come on his own? I am almost certain that the Inner Circle has known of your little deal with him and decided to use it."

" What?!" The man shook his head." Lone Wolf, that is impossible! If they knew they would've acted on it!"

Lone Wolf only shrugged.

" I can't say for certain but I think by the time you made a deal with your friend we were deep in the horse shit already. That could be the reason for them not acting upon this. Your deal ... Was a backup plan  for them."

" What? I don't follow your reasoning."

Lone Wolf gave an exasperated sigh. Sometimes this man could be as thick as two planks.

" They used your friend to sent a warning to you, genius. They knew you would've spread the word around or rather some disturbing rumors. They hoped that guild members who would visit the city would get the warning and stay clear of headquarters and lay low. "

Dravin frowned.

" You know... That would be a plausible theory. It would explain his behavior. He didn't say anything  specific ..."

" ...To keep you safe but he also gave you enough information to form a rumor and make an indirect warning."  The assassin finished for him. " Still, that doesn't explain what makes you so certain no  one else is alive." He folded arms over his chest and leaned against the wooden wall, awaiting the answer.

" My guts tell me we're the last ones and my guts are rarely wrong. But I know that is not enough to convince you. Let me tell you that your theory, now that I think about it, may explain the things that happened lately. We both know that despite outposts in other countries the members would still turn up either from time to time or on a frequent basis here, in Capital. I used to have up to three, sometimes even more, visits from our brothers. You know, information, black market goods, contracts...That sort of thing. But three months ago it... almost stopped. Just like that, at first just less and less people turned up at my doorstep until the moment when they stopped visiting at all. Now, I mean those outside the city, the locals would still turn up... Well until last week."

" What do you mean by 'until last week'?" The man just looked at him sadly.

" ... You are the first member of our guild that has turned up on my doorstep since a week."

" That doesn't mean they're dead. They could've just lay low for now."

" Those that were posted outside the capital? There's a possibility, although I doubt it. Those stationed here? Do you really believe Aran would send his pet Battle-Mages  to The Gallows if he wasn't certain we were gone or at least too weak to intervene?"

He raised a brow.

" You think Aran  knows something?"

The innkeeper shrugged.

" I am certain you passed by the massacre sight, right?"

" Kind of hard to miss, found Battle-Mages' badge... and a few bodies of city guards."

The man sighed.

" Poor sods, we thought at least they got away... Never was a fan of city guards but those sods tried to help. Can you imagine their surprise when they saw a group of royal mages dragging people out of their homes? By their reaction, I think they were kept in the dark. The captain demanded answers and that damned ... thing has laughed in his face, stating that if he wishes to live he should stay away from  the royal business."

" Alright, so the Aran definitely has something to do with it. How do you know what exactly transpired?"

"  I was there m'self. I tell ya I felt the breath of the Lord of the Dead upon my neck at that moment. Was a close call and I'd rather forget those events. It's enough that people are on the edge since then."

" I think I'll pass on the details besides, the scenery told quite the tale. Anyway, any idea what he wanted with The Gallows?"

" You tell me. I have no idea. But if the King sends his hounds then the matter must be important to him."

Lone Wolf cursed. They were moving in the dark. Whatever the reason he was certain the part of the answers  laid in the Royal Castle. Whoever was behind this plot he was certain it wasn't Aran. He got this twisting feeling in his guts that it was bigger than Aran, even bigger than Grey Wolves' disappearance . All of sudden the agent has spoken.

" You still didn't tell me how you fit in all of this?"

" What?..."

" You mentioned being sent outside the city? Why?"

" I was to fulfill a contract on a noble from Sirens Call."

" Sirens Call? But that's nearly at the border with Dragontooth Province! It would take you weeks to travel there and be back. Not to mention getting to your target!"

" Yes... I believe that was intentional. I was their next backup plan in case the plan involving rumors has failed, at least that's my theory. Still, the timing is ... interesting. You get a warning a day before and I get an assignment a day later. It looks like they wanted to kill two birds with one stone."

" Well, they sent you. Why didn't they sent more?"

" Their goal was to ensure I would be alive, in their eyes, it was better if only one man was left standing than none at all. It makes me wonder why me, though. I wasn't known as the person who would jump into hellfire after their comrades."

" True, you would watch them most likely saying something along the lines 'Idiots, idiots everywhere!' "

Lone Wolf chuckled. He then pushed himself off the wall and headed towards the door. He was tired and his reason screamed at him to ask for temporary shelter while his rash side was yelling at him to take action, now.

" Well then, I wish you best luck. And thanks for the information."

He was about to unlock the door when the man behind him asked.

" What are you doing?"

" Leaving? Saying here endangers the safety of us both."

" I am pretty certain it is less endangering than you leaving with whatever plan you have devised. " He said, growling. " You are the only old face that has shown up here. You're tired from your journey and yet you are going to leave without the rest. Listen, I know we weren't always at best terms but I ask you to stay and rest here, at my expense. I ask you as a man who respects you and your skills. Getting yourself killed will get you nowhere."

He looked at the innkeeper over his shoulder. His original plan was to infiltrate the castle, despite his tiredness.

" ...What about your customers?"

" I will tell 'em you and I are old friends. And if anyone asks I will tell them you are of Golden Gryphons."

" You're making a smuggler out of me, really? Anyway even if I stay for a night my horse will need at least three full days of rest and I rather wouldn't go off on foot."

" Well then, it gives you three days to improve that suicidal plan of yours. Trust me, staying here is less hazardous than whatever you have in mind. Give it a thought before making your leave."

Dravin then walked up and unlocked the door. Before he left he turned to him one last time.

" Oh, and you can stay in my office. I rarely use it anymore."

And with that he was gone, leaving the assassin wondering. Maybe resting wasn't such a bad idea. He was restless to infiltrate the castle but Dravin was right,  getting there while not in top shape was a stupid plan. And as he has stated, getting himself killed wasn't the best course of action. He let out a frustrated growl. He didn't like to be stranded in moments like this but despite his skills, he was still just a man.

He looked around the room. It was based on a small square.  There was an old desk in the middle with some papers scattered around. A  bookshelf in one of the corners and a bed right under the window. Besides that, there was nothing more to this room. He kept staring at the bed. Right now it looked very inviting.

After making sure the room door has been locked up he turned towards the bed and threw himself on it, not bothering to take his clothes off first. He fell asleep sooner than he had anticipated. His dream was filled with the uneasy mirage of his past.