It was still another hour before they reached the outskirts of Avalon. Small metal houses were the first signs of the city. Walking through the grass between the swamp and city in the sunlight had caused their clothes to mostly dry. The road beneath their feet had once been admirable, the hexagonal solar cells providing a reliable source of power. Now, the different sections were crumbling and cracking from lack of maintenance. Some people watched from windows and doors as the group passed. Others simply went about their daily business. They weren’t used to people coming through this way. When they built the hyperlanes, the city center became more of a stopover for rest or food than somewhere people actually wanted to go. Eventually, the outskirts were forgotten and neglected. Their mere presence was conspicuous. They drew more attention with each step they took.

As they walked, Xaleyp noticed a lack of soldiers. With the years he spent at Vertyn, he was used to a strong military presence around him. The absence left him both uncomfortable but at the same time at ease. He had gotten used to the reassurance that someone else could protect him. Here, he would have to protect himself. But that also meant that it would make it easier for them. If there were no guards, there wouldn’t be much resistance from Arcadia.

The sky above was turning different shades of purples and oranges as the sun began to set. Vortau. That was the name they gave the star when it was discovered. Long and narrow clouds streaked through the upper atmosphere. It would’ve been a beautiful sight if they weren’t in danger. Lina would’ve loved it here. So many sights to see, things to draw. She would never get the chance. Xaleyp took deep, calming breaths as he thought of her. This wasn’t the time to breakdown. He needed to keep a clear head.

“Where are we even going?” Mian asked of Seth. Her voice cut through the stillness of the air, bringing Xaleyp back to reality. “We’ve been walking forever.”

“Near city center. A bar by the name of The Snow Raven. An old friend of mine runs it and owes me a favor.”

“Are you sure we can trust this friend? He could be working with the Arcadians.”

“I trust him with my life. If you won’t, then I suggest you find your own way home, wherever that is for you.”

The finality in Seth’s voice suggested that was the end of the conversation. Mian looked at Xaleyp and rolled her eyes. She was right, after all. They had no idea what was going after spending almost four days in hyperspace. There could be danger lurking in any corner.

They continued walking, and the road and surroundings slowly became cleaner and more well kept. The solar panels underfoot were new and functioning. Lines of lights lit up to direct whatever traffic may still go through. Ivy and moss were cleared away. The people they passed looked slightly friendlier, and there did not appear to be any that stopped to gawk at them. Buildings began to grow taller and closer together. City block after city block passed, and the sun set completely. Streetlights lit up around them, and the road even started glowing. Soon, The Snow Raven came into view. It was sitting in the center of the far side of the intersection. A parking tower for flying cars and other vehicles sat in either corner of the T.

It was a relatively small place crammed between six-story buildings. A neon sign hung outside of a white raven. Parts of the metal wall were tarnishing and showing signs of age, while others were brand new and patched on. The second story had several blacked-out windows at different intervals along the length of it. A third story was present but devoid of any openings. There was a single guard standing outside the door. At his hip was a standard pistol.

Seth led the way down the mostly empty street. With the sun under the horizon, most people either returned home or went to their favorite hangouts. As the group approached the door, the guard tensed and instinctively reached towards his side. He was about ten years older than Xaleyp. His hair was cut thin to his head and styled into short spikes. A slight beard covered his chin and cheeks with a connecting mustache. A tattoo of a series of small gears went down the side of his neck and disappeared beneath his shirt, the ink changing colors and spinning with each of his movements.

“How can I help you this evening, gentlemen?” His voice was deep and slow. Calming almost. But the way his eyes narrowed reminded Xaleyp of a snake rearing back to strike. They lingered for a moment on Redman’s arm wound. “And I’d suggest you think twice about how you answer.”

“We’re here to talk to the Margrave.” Seth glanced around before leaning close. “Tell him his Ruby Hawk would like a word.”

The guard raised a single eyebrow at the words. He hesitated for a moment before his eye started twitching to access his CAM. A few seconds later, he looked back at Seth. With a sigh, he stepped aside and pushed open the door. As soon as it opened, a wall of sound and light hit them. The thumping bass of the music pulsed through their bodies.

“Straight to the back, up the stairs, third door on your left.” They could barely hear the man over the noise. He leaned closer to them and shouted, “And no funny business.”

Seth nodded and turned to Yeter, muttering a few words Xaleyp couldn’t hear. The pilot listened carefully before running across the street and disappearing into one of the parking garages. The rest of them started to move towards the door when the guard held a hand out to stop them.

“No weapons inside the Raven.” He pointed at a locked cabinet to the side of the door. “Even if you are friends with the Margrave. You’re going to have to leave them there.”

Seth looked at the three of them before agreeing and handing over his rifle. However, he did not reveal the pistol underneath the Fabric at his side. Xaleyp gave him a curious look and received the slightest head shake, telling him to not mention it. The guard unlocked the chest and put the rifle inside next to an assortment of other guns. Redman followed suit, somewhat begrudgingly. Xaleyp and Mian gave theirs to the man. He placed all three of them in and tied a thin, twine-like material around them to keep them together.

“The sword, too.” He pointed at Redman’s back. “Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen one of those.”

“I’m afraid that’s where I draw the line.” Seth shook his head. “It’s an old, fragile antique. We’re not here to cause any trouble, and the Margrave knows I won’t do anything I shouldn’t with it. There’ll also be a bonus for you if you let it pass.”

“Fine.” The guard looked back at Redman. “Just tuck it inside your clothes or something. I don’t want you frightening any of the patrons in there.”

“Thank you.” Seth’s eye twitched as he accessed his CAM. “Next time you check your FinMod account, there’ll be a little surprise waiting for you. Just make sure you keep our interaction here a secret.”

“No idea what you’re talking about.” He winked before bowing and stepping aside, letting them enter. “You can have the other weapons on your way out. Enjoy the club.”

Seth muttered his thanks to the guard before stepping in. The other three quickly followed behind him. The interior of the Snow Raven was larger than the outside made it look. In the center was a large open space where people of all ages danced, drinks in their hands. A few of the patrons weren’t human, making Xaleyp slightly uneasy. He had only been around other humans and robots his whole life. The blues and greens of their bodies were strange and foreign to him. Tables were scattered around the walls. Some were booths pushed up against the walls and into the corners with plush fabric benches. Others were freestanding and surrounded by tall chairs.

At the far side was a long bar taking up the majority of the wall. Glasses and mugs hung from hooks hanging above and behind the counter. Two bartenders, both large squids with small tanks of water attached to their backs, were wildly flailing their four tentacles about as they made various drinks, sometimes three or four at a time. The movements seemed erratic and dangerous but also precise and measured. Lights hung from a balcony around the edges of the room and spun in dazzling circles, sending spots of different colors throughout the room. The pulsing beat of the music was a constant presence. It was unlike anything Xaleyp had ever seen.

The group of four walked across the room, heading for the stairs. A few people looked at them as they walked by, but most paid them no attention. Some were on too many drugs to notice anything but what was immediately in front of them. As they got close, the bartenders’ eyes followed them, thinking they might be coming for a drink, but went back to what they were doing when the four of them began to climb the steps. The second floor of the club was open to the first. An ornate metal railing ran around the exterior of the opening. Another flight led up to the third floor, which was blocked at the top by a closed to. Two doors were in front of the stairs, both rather plain and gray. Further down was the third door. Seth led the way, rapping twice on the imported wood. After a few seconds, the door opened.