The sky was overcast, and a misty rain fell over the city of Morris Port. The boards of the gangplank groaned beneath Royce’s boots as he departed the ship. The Falcon’s Feather was a merchant vessel out of the island of Queensland, and it reminded him of the many vessels his own family once owned. At the peak of their power, his mother commanded nearly two dozen ships. They were the source of his family’s wealth before Rancine commandeered them.

The sailors and workers ignored him as he stepped onto the dock. They shouted orders over one another, and it seemed like chaos, yet the work was getting done. Royce looked on as men splashed through muddy puddles, haggling and negotiating with one another, using terms he had never heard before. He honed in on two fat men discussing business.

“How much stink you hauling?” One tanned skinned man said. He had a balding head and a few missing teeth.

“I gots a Queens worth,” The second man replied, an ugly fellow of black skin with a pimpled face. He was biting down on a small wooden pipe, shuffling through a stack of notes.

“I’ll give you one fist, nothing more,” The first man replied defiantly.

“Go off yourself; we hauled Long Bone in there. Two fists.”

“You old bastard, may the goblins take your mother. It’s a deal.” The men shook hands and began exchanging papers. Royce laughed as the scene played out before him, wondering what his life would have been like if he ignored his mother and never entered the army. It was likely he would have seen more of the world traveling to distant lands seeking new trade routes. He always thought himself to be a fair dealer, though his mother swore that would only make him a poor trader.

“Well, what a shit excuse for a city,” Juvey said as he came up behind Royce. He was tall with a light brown complexion, short black hair, and a square-cut beard that made him look much older than he was. Juvey was a trusted friend, a man who had saved Royce on more than one occasion. Royce did not think he would have lived through the war without him.

Royce shook out his long black hair and pulled up his hood. “Reminds me of Gabini. The only difference is Gabini mostly traded in fish. They are loading lumber in that yard, and barrels of beer or wine are going on that ship over there. There are many trade opportunities in this city, my mother would be interested in this port.”

“That can wait, my lord,” Duboi said as he came off the ship behind Juvey. He was Royce’s most seasoned soldier. He was slightly shorter than Juvey, with dirty blonde hair and tanned skin, same complexion as Royce. He was older than both men, and a lifelong warrior who served under too many captains to count.

His low social status restricted him from becoming anything higher than a squad leader, but it was the only position he aspired too. He was the type of man that liked to be among the men in the thick of battle. Royce depended on him for his level-headedness and experience. He was a needed balanced to all the young, hot-headed soldiers within their War-band.

Besides Juvey and Duboi, Royce brought along three other trusted men with him to Hattan. Rudan, a beast of a man, was more bear than human, standing at an imposing six-six, with a head of long salt and pepper dreadlocks. He was black of skin with bloodshot eyes always in a scowl; no one but Juvey could make him smile. Lebber was the youngest of the group. He was tall with light skin, a lithe figure, and always in good spirits. He kept his black hair cropped short, and he was incapable of growing a beard. Lastly was Tamin, a handsome man with brown skin who was the son of Valentino the All-Father, a notorious pirate and raider. Tamin kept his black beard cut short and neat, and his head was clean shaved.

“It looks like everyone is here,” Juvey said. “We should ask around for some lodgings; we need food and rest. Once we regain our strength, it will be time to inquire about our little lady friend.” He was referring to Denali’s woman. When Royce planned the ambush, he hoped he would have captured them both, but she had escaped his net. When the warlocks questioned Denali, he denied that Nisila knew anything about the Prince’s whereabouts. Royce would not accept that answer, but the warlocks were convinced. He expected they would be, anything less would call their power into question. He would have to find the woman on his own, and he did not need advice from Warlock’s to do his work.

After three days of torture, Denali died, leaving them with one clue. The country of Hattan. Hattan was a mystery to most people of the world. It was a newly discovered land, and no map existed outside of its borders. Royce knew that tracking Nisila was vital because she was close to Denali, and she would know all his secrets. So far he was right, as the woman wasted little time fleeing the Middle Islands. They lost her on the island of Queensland, but by then it was apparent to him that her destination was Hattan.

“Let us head along this main street,” Royce said. “We are sure to find an inn within sight of the docks. Who knows, maybe we might find the woman having a drink with the boy on her lap.”

“No one is that lucky,” Tamin said. “Knowing our luck, the witch will likely lead us on another sea voyage.”

“Let’s hope not,” Rudan said in a deep voice like thunder. “The quicker we get this over with, the faster we can get home. I do not like this city. It is cold, and I hate the cold. All these people make me uncomfortable. The herd needs thinning in these parts.”

Juvey laughed, tossing his bag over his shoulder. “There are many folks here, that’s for damn sure. That’s the way it’s going to be for the next few months, boys. The world is a lot smaller than we thought.” The group of six men walked along a cobblestone street, parting the crowd before them. They made for a strange sight carrying their gear and weapons. Most people in Morris Port seemed to be dockworkers and merchants from what Royce could see. He did not like standing out so much. If by some miracle the woman was here, she would spot them coming from a mile away.

A light mist sat above the buildings, obscuring the evening sky. The buildings, constructed of wood and stone, were built tightly together. Firelight danced in many windows and voices could be heard blaring out of most buildings along the street.

Tall men in gray uniforms, holding long spears eyed Royce and his men as they passed by. These soldiers wore mail and high leather boots, with white tabards emblazoned with a red symbol he had never seen before. As they continued on their way, he saw more of the uniformed men patrolling the streets in groups of two. They had olive skin, long raven black hair, and dark eyes.

“Curious who these bastards are,” Royce said. “They seem to take a fancy to us.” Royce placed his hand on the hilt of the sword strapped to his belt.

“Those are Minican soldiers,” Duboi replied. “They shared a border with the Deode Empire on Daymo. If not for the Paladins they would have fallen under Deode rule. They were the first to settle in Hattan, and if I remember correctly established this city of Morris Port, though the warrior Princes of Arlem brought its prosperity.”

Lebber walked backward as he addressed Duboi. “I heard that Arlem is a free-for-all, where any man with gold and capable warriors could carve out a piece of land for himself. Is there any truth to that?”

“You have designs of building yourself a small kingdom, Leb?” Royce asked, smiling at the youth.

“I can hardly get myself up in the morning,” Lebber said. “I don’t think I will find much success in running a kingdom.”

Tamin grabbed Lebber by the shoulder, turning him around. “Very true, you should be a squire cleaning my boots, and fetching my meals.” Both men jostled with each other playfully. Royce was glad to see them in good spirits; the voyage healed some of their old hurts. They lost much when Rancine took power, and darkness overshadowed them for a time. They saw several men of their War-band hung, and they were only moments from meeting the same fate. Despite the defeat they were dealt, Royce knew his men would make it through. He was their leader, but it was an easy task leading loyal and disciplined soldiers. Embarking on this quest returned them to a life they knew well. The mission was everything; the last few years did not matter now.

“There is some truth to those stories,” Duboi said. “There is no king in this land and no common law. Powerful guilds take what they can. The New Brotherhood is the most powerful of them all, but they occupy the northern region of Arlem. I believe the better lands are near the southern border. It is a wild country, but crops grow plentiful, and the weather is mild. It would not be easy claiming land, you will have to fight for every inch, and there are many formidable factions in Hattan. Most of these Princes are well dug in with established forts and men-at-arms.

“Our best course of action would be entering the service of one or more of these Princes. It would give us the chance to learn their weaknesses. Once we know that, I would approach the southern tribes and offer an alliance. They hate the Princes and would jump at any opportunity to root them out. Once we secure a foothold, it would be a matter of claiming our stake—“

“Settle down, Duboi,” Royce interrupted him laughing. “I think the boy was only curious. I have no plans of venturing into Hattan and battling foreign hordes for land. We have fertile land back home waiting for us. Draft me a plan to take back my family estate, that would be of greater use to me.”

“That’s why we are here,” Duboi said soberly. “We will find the boy, and we will return him to Rancine.” Duboi nodded to Royce, knowing well what was at stake for all of them. The men knew his family plight; they stood with him when King Bohemond died. If not for Royce’s sacrifices, they would all be dead, and the men knew that. They respected and loved him for what he did. For Royce, they were the brothers he never had, his second family. He vowed to do right by them.

Royce lingered behind as they continued up the street. It was dark and more lights appeared in the row of buildings before him. They were dim, as if a pale sheet lay before his vision, an effect of the mist that lingered in the air. The streets were still lively with people. It was a city filled with folk from near and distant lands. There were languages he had never heard before. It all reminded him of how young he was and how little of the world he had seen. War in the Middle Islands had taken up the early years of his life. He vowed to spend his final days in peace. Finding the Prince was the first step in that direction.

“Hello, traveler.” Royce slowed down and looked around to find the owner of the hoarse voice. Sitting in the mud on the side of the street was an old hag. Her skin was deathly pale, and her hair was thinning so much that her scalp showed in many places. She had a bulbous nose, and a wart scared face. She stared at him with a gap-tooth smile, and her round eyes gleamed by some hidden light.

“I said hello, traveler,” The old woman repeated smiling.

Royce looked back to find his men and saw they had stopped to speak with a group of sailors, likely inquiring about an inn. He turned to the older woman. “What do you want, ancient one?”

“So warm and handsome,” The old woman said. “Help an old girl fetch a meal this fall night. A small token is all I ask, little lord.”

“Little lord, eh?” Royce said as he retrieved a gold coin from his purse. “You are a perceptive woman. What gave me away, was it my disdainful swagger, or my well-kept threads?”

“I smelt it in your blood, I did,” The old woman said as she reached out with her thin claw-like fingers for the coin. She brushed his hand upon taking the gold and Royce recoiled at her cold touch.

“A gold coin,” The woman said. “You are too kind, too kind. I feel obligated to repay you for your kindness, maybe you wish to learn what the future may hold for you.”

Royce smiled and shook his head. “A fortune teller, of course, what else would you be. Then tell me what you see, woman, I am curious.” The woman licked her dry lips and stuck the gold coin into her sleeve, beneath a thick layer of dark rags. She looked at Royce for a moment before she began.

“Honor bound and vengeful,” The old woman said. “That is your heart. So young, yet you carry the burdens of an older man. There is no happy ending to your tale, little lord. A black tomb awaits you, and that is truly a waste of a beautiful life.”

He had sacrificed much; the hag was right. Unconsciously Royce raised his hand to his cheek, just beneath the patch covering his right eye. When it came to it, sacrificing himself was the only choice. He would do anything for his mother and four older sisters. Though he was the youngest, he was the only one capable of protecting them from Rancine’s wrath. His oldest sister Henna had lost three fingers on her right hand after being tortured by Rancine’s warlocks.

His poor mother Sheena, nearly sixty years of age, had to watch as they mutilated her daughter. Henna was beautiful but unmarried, and Rancine had ensured that no man of any worth would have her. As for his men, Rancine wanted to hang all of them. It was more than Royce could endure, and he bent the knee, begging for mercy. His plea did not sway Rancine, so he looked to the warlocks, and they would only accept sacrificial mutilation. So with help from Duboi and Juvey, Royce cut out his eye and placed it at the new king’s feet. Blood was the only thing Rancine understood; it was the only way Royce could save everyone he loved.

His mother and sisters cried for many days afterward. His family lost all of their lands and ships. Rancine had their cottage burnt to the ground, and a barracks now stood in its place. Their beautiful property with its spacious green lawn and fruit trees was cleared to make a military training yard, and finally, he ordered his family to the palace, but at least they were alive. In his heart, Royce knew he would see them free once again.

The thought of Rancine holding them made his heart ache with sorrow. However, he had found a way to win them back. In exchange for their lives, he would find the young prince in Hattan and return him to Rancine. It was difficult leaving his family again, especially the youngest of his sisters Renna, who was with child. She would not say who the father was, and Royce feared for her and the baby. Renna claimed it was not an evil deed, but one of love. It broke his mother’s heart, but Royce trusted his sister and let the matter be.

“Royce, we found a place,” Juvey shouted. Royce waved at him and turned back to the old hag, but she was gone. He searched the crowd, but he saw no sign of her, so he returned to his men.

“I have excellent news, brother,” Juvey said. “We spoke to some sailors, and they said continuing this way is our best hope for good food and clean beds.” Juvey jabbed Royce playfully and turned to walk away.

“Did you see where that old woman went off too?” Royce asked.

“The woman you were speaking with?” Juvey said. “I don’t know. Did she swipe you?”

“No, nothing like that,” Royce said as he quickly felt for his purse. “It’s just that she was there one moment and then gone the next. She said something interesting…” Royce trailed off, and he saw Juvey looking at him, expecting him to go on.

“Nevermind, just lead the way, I am weary of walking in the cold, I could use a strong drink,” Royce said.

Juvey laughed out loud and clapped him on his shoulder. “Happy to hear it, I feared you would be gloomy this entire journey. I have hope; luck goes with us. I know you worry about your mother and sisters, especially Renna. I assure you they will be safe, we need only do this thing, and we can be on our way home.”

“Yes home, I miss it dearly,” Royce said with a sigh. “I would like to get back home before Renna has the child. Maybe the devil who gave her the baby will show himself. If he is a man of any worth.”

“Do you not trust that your sister would choose a good man?” Juvey asked.

“I trust her completely; I only question what kind of man would abandon her in her time of need.”

“It could be all sorts of reasons. Maybe this man was away at war, or maybe he feared what her brother would do if he met him.” Juvey said, smiling.

“I would likely have him killed,” Royce said. “If he has nothing to offer. I won’t have my family be taken advantage of.”

Juvey laughed, running his hands over his head. “You are too serious sometimes. I am sure whomever she chose is a good man. Just have an open heart.” Juvey walked off to catch up with Duboi and the others. Royce followed closely behind, observing the dirty city around him. He compared Morris Port to the various port cities of the Middle Islands. In the Middle Islands, they used white sandstone to construct all of the buildings. They made sturdy structures, decorated with intricate carvings, usually to mimic the waves of the sea.

The walls had mosaics of soft blue hues, all in the glory of the ocean, and the beautiful fish and coral beneath the waves. The streets were lined with palm trees and swept clean daily. As he walked in the cold northern night of this country, he appreciated the loveliness of his home so much more. The street he was on was filthy with mud and trash, but the people around him were not bothered by it, as they went about splashing through the brown water.

Morris Port was a working town. People only passed through on business, and the buildings were all built to that standard. Warm enough with a roof to block the rain and snow, and some windows to let you know a new day had come, and it was time to return to work.

As they came around a corner, Royce spotted an Inn called the Dirty Dancer. There was a large pole with a lowered flag, and a wooden sign hung stiffly in front of the building. It depicted a woman in a twirl, her dress floating behind her, with three little piglets dancing about her feet, and the tavern name in bold red lettering.

Several people were gathered in the front, smoking, drinking, and carrying on; likely more trade talk. The Inn was taller than all the other surrounding establishments, and the front was swept clean. A black iron gate separated the main entrance from the street, and two burly gentlemen stood guard. They both wore red coats, black trousers, brown boots, and white cloaks.

“Look at that place,” Tamin called back to them. “Best looking in the whole place so far.”

“Maybe they have good wine and beer as well,” Lebber added as they all jogged across the street toward the Inn.

Juvey approached one of the guards, a tall man with olive skin and long raven black hair. “Evening, we seek accommodations for the night, do you have any rooms?”

The guard looked him over dismissively. “This is not a rogue establishment. You might have better luck down the street at Pravis or further up at the Golden Cups.”

Royce realized the man was judging them by their gear. He glanced at the other men and women who stood nearby and realized they were finely dressed and clean. He stepped forward and touched Juvey lightly on his shoulder.

“Evening, I believe my man asked if you had any rooms available,” Royce said with a bright smile. “We will need six beds, also a hot meal and drinks for the night as well.”

The second guard addressed Royce this time, a light skin man with brown hair and blue eyes. “You seem like a good lad, but I doubt you could afford an evening here. Are you sailors just arrived? If so, we offered accommodations that would better suit you. Now be on your way and clear my gate. Good luck to you.”

“You are mistaken, guardsman,” Royce replied, his voice light and pleasant. “We have traveled long from the Middle Islands. If our look is off-putting, that is why. I am the son of a merchant and captain in my king’s army. If it’s gold you require, we can pay ten times over.”

The olive-skinned guard sighed and unfolded his arms stepping forward. “Now we have already told you, you have no business being here. Now shove off before I have to do it for you.” The guard raised his hand to push Royce back, but before he could touch him, Duboi and Juvey leaped to action. Duboi twisted the man’s wrist, and Juvey chopped him in the throat, causing the guard to choke and go down to his knee. The second guard was too surprised to react. Tamin put a boot to the man’s groin, and Lebber pushed him to the ground.

Rudan stood with is large boot on the guards chest, as the small crowd near the gate stood aghast. Royce laughed and addressed the two fallen men. “I will give you a moment to rethink your actions, or you can retrieve the owner of this establishment, whom I hope will be more reasonable.” At that moment a light-skinned man, with long hair tied into a ponytail came from behind the gate. He wore an elegant white gambeson that came down just below the knees. It had five buckles across the front, and a silver sword belt was fastened tightly around his small waist. He wore fitted black trousers tucked neatly into his black leather boots.

He stepped forward with his palms up, showing he was no threat. “Greetings, Sir. I see you have a little misunderstanding with these guards of this fine establishment. Forgive them. They have to deal with all sorts of riffraff in this city. Please let them up. You can enter as my guest. I am Samus of the New Brotherhood.” The man offered Royce a hand in greeting.

Royce removed his glove and shook Samus’s hand. “My name is Royce. As I was trying to tell these fine men, my fellows and I have traveled long. We only need one night to eat and rest; then we shall be on our way.”

“That seems more than reasonable to me,” Samus said. “Come in, follow me. I will buy you all a round of some fine wine. Being a busy port, we get some of the finest from around the world. I believe you mentioned you are traveling from the Middle Islands? We have wines from your country as well. Come in and warm yourselves at the hearth.” Royce allowed Samus to lead the way as he filed past the gate with his men.

Duboi touched Royce on his elbow. “Be careful with this one, captain. He is of the New Brotherhood. They were allied with the Paladins of old and they might be partial to the woman’s cause.” Royce nodded as they entered the Inn. Duboi was right as usual. It was something they discussed at length during the journey. He decided that it was best to be careful around the New Brotherhood until they could figure out who they were loyal too. On the other hand, they were a powerful guild with many connections, and Royce suspected he would need allies if he wanted to find the Prince.

The Dirty Dancer was a clean and upscale establishment. The customers drank and laughed gaily as string and wind instruments played upbeat music in the background. They walked through a vast hall that led toward two doors depicting women covering themselves in red scarfs and flowers. Golden sconces lined the wall and held red candles that burnt with a soft light. The walls were made of smooth gray stone, and looked almost soft to the touch. As they reached the doors, the music and laughter became louder. Samus stomped his feet upon a black rug before opening the doors.

Immediately to their left was a small wooden stage where several men played music. The crowd before them was a mix of men and women in a swirl of red, yellow, white, pink, and blue colored clothing. Most were standing together, though there were also many tables set up with wine and beer to drink. The smell of food permeated the room, making Royce’s mouth water. The room had a slightly smoky air to it, and it felt overly warm.

Samus lead them to an alcove where he had two large tables and some empty seats. “This area is for me and my guest only, you are welcome to use it.” Royce nodded to his men to step in. They removed their things and sat down, observing the room. Within a few moments, several men and women approached to greet Samus and engage Royce and his men in conversation.

As promised, Samus bought them all wine and beer, adding a large plate of food to share as well. Samus was a gracious host and seemed to be popular among the other wealthy folk in the Inn. Royce sat aside by himself, sipping a cup of red wine as he watched his men interact with the guest of the Inn. Royce noticed a group of men huddled with Samus in a distant corner, just out of sight. They seemed to be listening intently to something Samus was saying.

After a short time the men left, and Samus turned back to the alcove, walking directly toward Royce. He had a bright smile, and his face was slightly red from his drinking. He made a short greeting to Royce’s men before sitting down.

“Is that the same glass you started with?” Samus asked. “Your men are easily on cup number three. The big one might be up to ten, I think. That son of an ogre can drink.”

“Look at him,” Royce replied as he set his cup down. “He is built like a Barbarian. You might have made a mistake offering him free drinks.”

Samus laughed, finishing the rest of his wine. “I suppose you are right; I will be smarter next time. Though I doubt I will ever see another man as big as that again.” The air between them became awkward, but Royce would not break the silence first. He felt Samus had something he wanted to say, and he decided to wait.

“Tell me, Royce,” Samus said. “What brings you and your men to Morris Port?”

“The same thing that attracts everyone else,” Royce said. “My family has a successful trading business back in the Middle Islands. We are interested in new ports, and we are hoping to find allies interested in our goods. You seem to be very popular among these folk. I am sure you could connect me with just the type of person I am seeking.”

Samus smiled, but Royce could sense the man was not fooled by his answer. “Makes sense, venturing out looking for new ports. It is what a smart trader would do. As far as an introduction, I suppose I might know some people who would be interested. They will have concerns, as all prudent merchants do. For starters, I have heard there is unrest in the Middle Islands. That could make trade difficult.”

“And where did you hear that?” Royce replied.

“I recently met another from the Middle Islands,” Samus said, and Royce felt a jolt of excitement shoot through his body. He did not alter his expression as Samus looked at him intently.

“This person you met,” Royce said. “Was he also a merchant?”

“No, not a merchant,” Samus said. “And not a man. It was a woman traveling on her own.” Samus looked directly at Royce, and he knew the game was up. Royce breathed in slowly and leaned forward. Juvey must have noticed the change in his mood because he slowly got up and walked toward them. Royce waved him away, and Juvey reluctantly returned to his chair.

“Well, what is your intent?” Royce asked as he remembered the group of men Samus was speaking with earlier. Royce assumed he and his men were about to be ambushed. It would happen within the Inn, or as soon as they stepped outside. He thought they would have a better chance within the Inn, where they could use the tight quarters to even the odds. Samus leaned back casually and crossed his arms across his breast.

“I would learn what you are doing here,” Samus said. “What is the woman to you? Why did you follow her here?”

“And why would you assume that?” Royce replied. “What reason do I have to lie? Besides, even if she was an interest of mine, why would I share any of that with you? We only just met; a handful of drinks does not make us friends.”

“A handful of drinks? I see you waste no time in trying to cheat me.” Samus said, smiling. “I will have to be careful with you. Regarding the woman, I might be able to help you.” Royce did not count on that particular outcome. He looked over at Juvey and Duboi, and they looked concerned. Smiling seemed to put them at ease for the moment. He was exceedingly curious to find out more about this man of the New Brotherhood.

“You would help me?” Royce asked. “Even after meeting this woman? What did she tell you? Did she mention me?”

“I know that she seeks a young Prince,” Samus said. “And that she is in great haste to find him and return to the Middle Islands. She did not mention you or any other names, but she feared someone was following her. Whom do you serve?”

“I serve my king and my country,” Royce replied. “Who do you serve?”

Samus unfolded his arms and moved to sit right next to Royce. “I serve myself. It is true, I am a man of the New Brotherhood, but I did not fight in the great war, I joined them after that. Our leader Eric has this notion that he can use the Prince to strike a bargain between your king and the rebels.”

Royce could not allow that to happen. If another were to present the prince to Rancine his deal with the king would be forfeit. He had to get to the boy first, no matter the cost. He forced a laugh. “If your guild leader thinks Rancine would make such a deal he is surely mistaken.” A troubled look came upon Samus’s face.

“I knew it,” Samus said softly. “I knew his plan was folly.”

Royce moved quickly to solidify the notion. “Rancine would, of course, grant him the highest price he wanted, but he would then murder your guild leader and anyone else who was involved. That I can assure you.” Samus looked even more troubled at that.

“Forget Eric then,” Samus said. “What if you and I were to strike a deal, here and now. What could you do for me?”

“Why should I trust you?” Royce replied, he did not want to seem desperate, but he did need the man’s help. Working with Samus could be his best chance of finding Nisila and the prince.

“You would be making a grave mistake not trusting me,” Samus said. “I was with the woman only a day ago, and I sent her on her way right here from Morris Port. I know where she is going, and I know the men that accompany her.”

“A day ago, you say?” Royce replied. “How many men did she take with her and where are they going?”

“That is enough,” Samus said. “I can lead you to her. Now, what can you do for me?”

“What is it that you want?” Royce replied.

Samus thought for a moment before answering. “I want safe passage out of Hattan. I want to return to the Middle Islands with you and your men. You said your family is in trade? Then I want two ships of my own.” Royce eyed the man for a moment, wondering if he could ever learn the truth of his situation back in the Middle Islands. Royce was in no position to offer any reward. He would make the deal, and with the help of his men, they would figure out a way to rid themselves of Samus after the prince was secure.

“That is a tall order,” Royce said, fainting reluctance. “Our ships are currently commissioned by the throne to deal with the rebel threat within the islands.”

“I won’t help you for anything less, Royce,” Samus said intently. “If Eric was to find out I betrayed him, there will be no life for me here any longer.”

“You are a military man,” Royce said as if an idea came to him. “I could have you placed with my family and gift you a farmstead.”

“Do I look like a bloody farmer to you?” Samus said, frustrated. Royce realized that Samus had put himself in a vulnerable situation. If they did not strike a deal, Samus already played his hand and Royce would then have considerable leverage over him. Fear was an emotion he could control.

“You did not let me finish,” Royce said. “You would be a Lord and have a military title. Essentially you would have a fief. I can give you men for protection and slaves to work your lands. You would be untouchable, and Eric would never reach you in the Middle Islands. He is the one that you fear, is he not?”

“I do not fear him or any man,” Samus snapped. “But this arrangement sounds promising. How would I acquire the land and title?”

“It is an easy thing,” Royce lied. “I have four eligible sisters, all in marrying age, all great beauties of my homeland.”

“If Nisila is any indication of the beauty of your homeland, I am not so sure this arrangement can happen,” Samus said. “I prefer my women more…womanly if you get my meaning.”

Royce felt a sudden flash of anger and hoped he did not show it. He ignored the quip, but he would remember the slight and deal with him when the time was right. “You marry one of them, and I shall grant you a plot for yourself out of our holdings. You see, King Rancine has trusted this most important task to me. I am his most trustworthy warrior. If you marry into my family, you will live out the rest of your days like a fat lord.” Samus nodded and leaned back, but he did not look satisfied. Royce offered his hand to conclude their arrangement but Samus was still reluctant. Royce feared the man would not take the offer, but suddenly he smiled and took his arm. Samus had a flair for dramatics, and Royce knew that he would never grow fond of the man.

Royce nodded to Duboi and Juvey, and they joined him at his table. “Now tell me everything you know about the woman and what her plans are. Spare no details.” Samus looked at Juvey and Duboi, nodding nervously at the two men. They did not respond; they only looked at him, waiting for him to begin.

“Well, as I said before,” Samus began slowly. “She left Morris Port only a day ago. She travels with five men of the New Brotherhood, and they are heading to Mount Hope. She claims the prince is there, and that her people are protecting him.”

“Did she mention how many people?” Duboi asked. Samus shook his head.

Duboi sighed and addressed Royce and Juvey. “In any case, Royce, we will need more men. That I am sure of.”

“Good thing you met me then,” Samus said. “I can help with that as well.”

“I am not sure how I feel about getting even more men of the New Brotherhood involved in our plans,” Royce replied.

“I agree,” Samus said. “That is why I will be looking at other sources. I know a group of trustworthy sell-swords. They go for cheap, and I can get you twenty men.”

“You get what you pay for,” Duboi said to Royce.

Royce rubbed his chin thoughtfully. More men could complicate things. He was confident he had enough to purchase the men and even horses if need be but getting rid of them later on could be difficult. They would be loyal to Samus and defend him at the first sign of a double-cross. He would discuss it further with Duboi and Juvey, but for now, it seemed this was the best opportunity they would get to complete their quest.

“I believe we have an agreement,” Royce said finally. “Hire the men and whatever else you need. I want to leave first thing in the morning.” Samus nodded and left to begin preparations for their journey.

“Do you really think we can trust that bastard?” Juvey asked.

“Of course not,” Royce sighed. “I do not plan on keeping him around long. We will find the prince and deal with him and his men after. This is our chance, boys, we might be heading home a lot sooner than we thought.” The three men had a good laugh and ordered another round of drinks on Samus’s tab.