Logiticus walked up to Maggie who was helping Yordan put on his vest.

  " Mag' I'm good, you don't need to be my personal aid. "

  " I'm your best friend and it's because you pushed me out of the way in the mine that I'm still alive now. "

  " It's ok Mag, I swear." Yordan saw the old bearded man approach and turned to him. " Good morning Logiticus, how are you? "

  " I'm good, how do you feel my friend ? "

  " I ... I don't really know yet. I guess it's going to take me some time getting used to. "

  Logiticus gave a tap on Yordan's shoulder.

  " In due time my friend, you fell for a short period but soon you will rise and eventually reach a higher purpose. If the Creator took this from you, it's because he has plans for you. "

  " Well I hope he tells me fast, we better get going now. "

  The three of them walked over to Mika and Cynrik who kicked some dirt into the fire to extinguish it. Cynrik slightly dusted off his pants and open his arms wide while taking a deep breath.

  " Everyone ready ? We have a whole day of travel, let's go! "

  They followed Cynrik into the forest and began their journey. At some point, Mika was looking around, worried. Noticing it, Maggie caught up to her and placed her hand on her shoulder.

  " Hey, everything alright? "

  " We have been walking for an hour and I still don't see Kyllian. "

  " He does that often when we travel, he will catch up to us or he is walking alongside us without us noticing. "

  " I'm still worried about h- "

  Hearing her, Cynrik looked at her while he kept walking, he did not say anything, his eyes were saying enough, she did not finish her sentence and kept on walking. " I need to stop giving him my attention .. ". After two hours of walking they finally reached the end of the forest and discovered plains covered in different types of blooming flowers and grass. Spring had begun while they were still in Euhya. Fardug's landscape felt different, more alive, even though the country was at war, this sight was the most peaceful thing they ever laid their eyes upon. Walking on a dirt path, Mika breathed in the air of the morning, letting the wind flow through her hair. From the corner of her eyes she noticed a dark shape coming out of the forest at the same moment as they did. She turned her head and saw Kyllian walking in the fields, he was keeping his distance from the group but going in the same direction as them. He looked in her direction and the moment their eyes met, she wanted to run up to him, she wanted him close, annoyed by her feelings she walked faster and took the lead of the group. Kyllian shook his head and kept on walking straight forward. His hands were touching the high grass, all around him he could hear crickets and different insects. '' I never thought the outside could smell this good. " he thought. He closed his eyes and sniffed the air, he focused on what scents he could pick up, dandelions, marguerites, fresh dirt dug up by something, a mole? He focused on the vibrations in the grounds and what he felt confirmed it. He opened his eyes and kept walking. In the distance he could only see plains, a few crop fields and some farms, for a few seconds, he felt at peace, he then remembered how he saw Cynrik and Mika and how close they were in front of the fire earlier. " Is she doing this just to annoy me? ". He pondered on it for a while as he was walking in the fields and settled on simply focusing on the task ahead.

  The sun was high in the sky when they did their first break. Kyllian managed to find a tree to sit under and waited for the rest of the group to be done with their break. He looked at them as they all sat down in the grass. Yordan was rubbing his missing arm, looking at where it used to be. He was still feeling a sharp pain in it. He didn't want to alarm the others and make them worry but he could still feel his fingers clenching on Maggie's weapon which was crushed along with his arm back in the mine, he could still feel the sweat running along his forearm to his knuckles. The memories came flooding back as clear as day. His legs moving, his breath short, his chest feeling like it was on fire. Following Cynrik who was supporting Maggie when suddenly a piece of the ceiling, bigger than any other so far, detached itself and began to fall. He remembered leaping straight ahead, pushing her out of the way, the next second, his arm was crushed past his elbow, unable to move but still able to feel.

  " Yordan ? "

  Maggie's voice took him out of his daydreaming, he blinked a few times and looked at her.

  " Wh-what ? "

  " You were shaking .. are you ok ? "

  " Yeah yeah I'm good, I'm just tired. "

  " We can take a longer break if you need. "

  He stood up and jumped in place a few times.

  " No I'm good. We can continue. "

  Worried, she looked at him and then at Mika who shook her head. She sighed, stood up and dusted herself off.

  " Well, if you are ready, I'm ready. Logi ? "

  " My old bones are still creaking but I can walk. "

  " Guess we are going then. "

  They resumed their travel, Kyllian stood up from under his tree and resumed walking alongside the group.

  The day went by with no trouble, the sun was setting when they finally managed to lay their eyes on the city. They were seeing a multitude of houses scattered along the shore and the city was expanding into the waters. Barracks and houses were built on stilts alongside small and medium sized boats. The air of the sea was being brought to them by a strong wind. From where they stood they could see many lights coming from the town, chants and music were rising from within the city. Cynrik smiled and turned to his friends.

  " So? Not bad huh? Welcome to Belrou, I've done lots of deals here and the tavern owner owes me a favor, he will give us a place to rest but he will probably only give us one common room for all of us, aight?" Hearing footsteps getting closer he smiled and kept on talking. " Is that ok with you blondie ? "

  Kyllian stopped right next to Cynrik and looked at the city.

  " Hmm. "

  " I take that for a yes, let's go people! "

  The group took only a few minutes to arrive to the entrance of the city, the ground here was mostly sand, they walked among the houses and around them were many people just partying, either drinking or fucking, sometime both at the same time. The reason the city seemed so bright from afar was because all the houses were connected by ropes, which were covered in lanterns lighting all of the streets. The deeper they were getting in the city, the louder the music was getting. The group followed Cynrik as he walked on a wooden ramp up to a gigantic platform adjacent to a building. Once they arrived at the top of the ramp, they saw that the platform was actually a big terrace for the customers of the tavern. Some were sat down drinking in peace, some were measuring their strength in some light arm wrestling contests while others were straight up fist fighting in the middle of a circle made by others. Cynrik stood there, absorbing the scenery.

  " Ahhh, the 'Drowning Rat', a refuge for all the rascals, lowlife and terrible people of this world, we are right at home here ahah! ".

  He made his way to the bar, zig zagging around the customers, the rest of the group was following him as best as they could but the dense crowd was making it difficult for them. Mika slightly bumped into a large man, apologized and kept moving on before he could get mad. Slightly intoxicated, he looked at her walking away, he took a step to go after her only to be held by a strong grip on his shoulder. He looked over his shoulder and saw a young blonde man. He blinked a few times to clear his vision as he could swear he had just seen fire in the young man's eyes.

  " Keep drinking and don't look at her. Or she will be the last thing you will ever see, get it ? "

  " Ye-yeah .. "

  Kyllian let go of the man and kept walking. Cynrik reached the bar and waited for the barmaid to come for him, she noticed him once she was done pouring a drink.

  " Evening sir, what can I get you ? "

  " Hey, you could get me your boss, need to have words with him aight? "

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  " Hmm, he is busy right now. "

  " Busy doing what ? "

  Cynrik heard a massive crashing sound followed by cheers and applause, he turned around to look at what the fuss was about. The cheering was coming from the circle where people were fighting. The circle was more open so Cynrik could see what had happened, one of the two men fighting had been thrown into a table and was covered in sweat and blood. The other, the obvious winner of the fight, was standing in the middle of the circle, smiling and panting. He was a tall and large man, his hair was held by a bun. When he let his hair down it was long enough that it reached his shoulders. He had a few scars on his hairy torso and arms. Cynrik recognised his friend, the tavern owner and walked up to him. "

  " Jonah ! My friend, how are y- "

  Jonah did not let him finish his sentence, instead he delivered a strong punch in Cynrik's guts, causing him to bend in half and cough. Kyllian smiled at the situation. " I like this guy.". Once he was done coughing, Cynrik look at Jonah with a smile and instantly punched him back, Jonah backed away for a second and stood up straight, he stared at Cynrik for a few seconds and then the two men laughed. Jonah opened his arms to hug his friend.

  " Senso you twat, glad to see you still breathing. "

  " Same to you friend, I have a favor to ask. "

  " Well, come ask it around a drink.

  " Wait, before we do that. " Cynrik pointed at the group. " These are my traveling companions, Mika, Logi, Maggie, Yordan and the one who seems like he hates everything in the world here is Kyllian. "

  " Hmm. " Jonah looked at the group in detail then leaned to whisper at Cynrik. " I thought you had stopped this type of " business ". "

  " You know me friend, I'm a man of ambition, so, about that drink ?

  The group sat around a table, their stomachs growling like never before. Multiple waitresses came to them at Jonah's commands with plates of freshly cooked fishes that were caught the very same day accompanied by some bread and ale along with it. Jonah took a sip of his drink, looked at Mika and pointed at Cynrik.

  " So, explain to me how a group of seemingly well adjusted individuals would put this degenerate in charge of your expedition? "

  " Well, he is sometimes annoying, loud, rude among other things but.. " She looked at Cynrik and smiled at him. " .. he is sometimes useful so we trust him. "

  Kyllian chuckled and put his boots on the table.

  " I don't. "

  Mika looked at him with anger in her eyes "Why does he have to make everything complicated? ". Before she could reprimand him, Jonah laughed out loud.

  " AHAH! I didn't like him at all at first but your friend here is right, the cunt is useful. So, from what I understand YOU need HIS boat to get you to the other continent? "

  " Yes ! "

  " Hmm, and he accepted to take you there for free ? "

  " Well we did a little job for him. "

  " What kind of job ? "

  Cynrik slammed his drink back on the table and laughed.

  " Ahah! Nothing big, the blondie here helped me for a deal. Why do you ask so many questions ? "

  " Because with you, there is never only one simple answer, this is why I don't make deals with you anymore. There is always seven fucking layers to your plans, I don't even know how you can remember every steps. "

  Cynrik leaned on the table and tapped his forehead.

  " Maybe I'm just that smart my friend! But long story short, they helped me, now I help them and yeah maybe their help isn't worth me risking the trip on the sea but .. " He looked at Mika and sipped his drink " .. the destination is not what matters here, it's the travel and who you are with. "

  Mika blushed and looked away from him. Kyllian who was watching the two of them with attention was starting to get annoyed.

  " Cynrik told us you owed him a favor, was it true or did he bullshit again? "

  " Nahh it's true, I can get you a room but it's one room for all of you, no bed but at least it's under a roof. The first few days are free but you will have to pay me at some point. "

  Kyllian sighed in annoyance and looked at Cynrik.

  " So what do we do now genius? "

  " Easy, we get money, new equipment and since this town has a stable, we get a wagon and resume our trip. "

  Kyllian rolled his eyes.

  " Oh yeah that sounds so easy .. "

  " Because it is blondie, trust me aight? "

  " I don't. "

  " Well that's a you problem! This place always has work as long as you wish to sweat for some gold. "

  " Hmm. "

  " Stop acting like a princess, your colors are showing you precious little thing. "

  Kyllian was ticked off by this last comment. He suddenly got up, making his chair fall to the ground in the process.

  " Get up. "

  Cynrik had a grin and drank a sip of his beer.

  " And what if I don't? "

  Kyllian began walking around the table to get to him.

  " Then you'll be an easier target for me to kick. "

  Mika stood up and planted herself in front of Kyllian, her hand firmly on his chest. He was enraged but she stood her ground, she was almost as tall as him which was making the air even more tense, he was looking straight at Cynrik and finally switched to her. The look on her face did not convey anger but disappointment. Giving up, Kyllian groaned in annoyance and walked away from the group.

  " Whatever. "

  Mika only sat down once she was sure he had walked away. Cynrik was still grinning, Jonah was surprised by this scene.

  " Daaaaaang that boy is angry. Cynrik, I may have an idea of a job for him. The rest of you, once you tell me more about yourselves I can recommend you to some friends, many ships need workers these days. "

  The rest of the night went by with no more incidents. The group ate and was given the opportunity to wash themselves at the common bath of the town. While all the men were in their own space, Maggie and Mika had an entire pond for them. The bathhouse was using heated rock to keep the water warm and create steam in little rooms. The two women were relaxing in the water and Maggie let out a heavy sigh. "

  " Why are all of our companions so complicated to work with? "

  " I don't know, I wish they could get along. "

  " Yeah, I guess you and Kyllian are still in a complicated phase? "

  " I think it's the only phase we are ever going to get. He is stubborn, selfish and inconsiderate. Every time I tried opening up, he shut me down so I'm following Cynrik's advice and I will no longer let him walk over me. "

  " You go girl! Hey humm, have you noticed something strange about Yordan? "

  " Yeah .. "

  " He is not doing well .. "

  " Yeah. "

  " I don't know what to do. "

  " Nothing, just be there and be supportive, it's a big change to lose a limb. "

  " It feels terrible to think that it's because he saved me that it happened. If only I had not panicked in the mine, Logiticus would not have chased me and hurt my ankle and I wouldn't have needed rescuing.

  Mika swam over to Maggie and sat next to her.

  " Listen, I have seen so many guards come back from a mission or from patrol, having lost a partner or not being able to save a life. The survivor's guilt they experienced was their downfall because they would always do too much, so much that their body and mind could not handle it. Do not feel bad for something you cannot change anymore. What happened, happened alright ? Now focus on the present day, all you can do now is just be a good friend and be there all the way with him. "

  Maggie looked at the ceiling and placed a hand on her forehead.

  " Yeah .. I guess you are right, thanks Mika. "

  " Don't mention it. "

  " On another topic, are you getting closer to Cynrik then? "

  " He is not as bad as what I thought he was at first but I still don't trust him completely, the way his friend Jonah was talking about him using favors and shit, he seems like the kind to get you to sign a silent contract that only he knows the terms of. So we need to remain vigilant. In the following days I'll investigate him further and to do that I need to spend time with him on a job. "

  " Humm that's why you insisted on going with him when Jonah gave us jobs. "

  " Exactly. "

  " Are you going to be alright? Alone with him? "

  " I can defend myself, it's just a few days away, we apparently have to collect letters that will be sent from refugees to their families over in Euhya. "

  " And what do you think Kyllian will think? "

  " Hmm... well I'm gonna do it like him, I'm not gonna care about his feelings until he considers mine. "

  " Let's hope it doesn't backfire. "

  " Yeah, should we go? My fingers are getting very wrinkly. "

  " Right after you miss. "

  They exited the bath and went back to their room, the men were already settled, the room was a large square with two windows on the wall across from the door. At first glance it looked more like a big closet than a room for people to sleep in but they could not be picky, the girls took the furthest corner away from the windows, diagonally opposed to them was an empty spot, probably for Kyllian. On the right side of the door was Cynrik, his small chest next to him, and opposed to him was the spot for Logiticus and Yordan. Jonah had given each of them a job , Mika and Cynrik were to travel to the next town, Yordan and Logiticus would serve as workers in the shipyard, thanks to her engineering expertise, Maggie was selected naval engineer for some of the ongoing work on brandly new vessels. Only Kyllian was left without a task and only because Jonah had not seen him since he stormed out during the meeting. When everyone was already in bed, Kyllian came back at the tavern, most of the people had dispersed and only a group of late night drinkers and Jonah were left, as he saw Kyllian approach he smiled. He leaned and whispered something to the man next to him. Kyllian sat at a table and a waitress came to him, his stomach was still growling.

  " Hmm, I'm sorry sir but we don't serve anymore at this time of day. "

  " Just some bread and water and I'll be satisfied. "

  " Humm.. ok .. "

  She went in the direction of the kitchen and came out a few minutes later with a glass of water and a piece of bread barely bigger than a fist. The bread was old, moldy in some places and the water had a strange color but he could not be picky, as he was about to bite in his instinct told him to stop, he felt like something was coming for him. He heard a slight grunt behind him and jumped to the side just in time to evade a chair thrown at him from behind. He stood back up and looked at the person who threw it, three men were standing there, laughing at him, the one in the middle was the one who Jonah was whispering to. Kyllian sighed and cracked his own neck to warm up.

  " You guys are out of luck, I don't feel like being nice. "

  The man in the middle laughed and spoke with his very low voice.

  " We are three on one little man. It's not a fair fight "

  Kyllian smiled, he then punched straight through the table next to him, shattering it in the process, he then picked up two small wooden spikes that he planned to use like daggers.

  " Not fair for you. "

  He rushed towards the three of them. The first man who spoke swung at him, Kyllian ducked under it and stabbed the man under his armpit. Once it was in, he yanked his wrist to turn the spike and push it in deeper, causing the man to scream loudly. He kicked the second man in the torso, sending him down a set of stairs. He evaded a hit from the third and used the remaining piece of wood he had and planted it straight in the man's groin. In a matter of seconds he had incapacitated his three opponents. He heard the sound of slow claps and saw Jonah walking up to him while clapping with a smile on his face.

  " Good fight boy, you pass the test. "

  " What test ? "

  " You are not a common thug, you aren't a soldier either, nahh, I wouldn't even call you a simple fighter, you are a warrior and you deserve a place to show the world your talent. I organize fights here and throughout the city. "

  " And what if I didn't pass the test ? "

  " Then we wouldn't be having this conversation. "

  Kyllian looked at the two men on the ground, still bleeding and moaning in pain.

  " What about them ? "

  Jonah pulled a small knife and walked up to them.

  " It was their tests .. " In a swift movement he slit both of their throats " .. and they failed. So, are you in, boy? Will you be my new warrior? This anger of yours is magnificient, it would be a waste to not use it, plus It pays very well. "

  Jonah held out his hand, Kyllian pondered on it for a few seconds, he then shook Jonah's hand.

  " I'm in. "