“I’d like all this in cubes.” Dallion placed the container with what was left of the chips on the sky silver platter.

“Naturally,” the crimson fury replied, barely looking at him. “I hope you enjoyed the experience.”

Dallion didn’t reply. Instead, he took off his bracelet and placed it on the side of the tray. Beside him, the golden flutterblade flicked its wings, moving from Falkner’s shoulder onto the hilt of Dallion’s whip blade.

“Now that you’ve seen the items offered at the Night Auction, should you find anything of the same caliber, you’re more than welcome to have it sold here,” the fury continued while using air strands to move away the tray. “The commission is thirty percent, but you can get a far better price than selling it to a client directly. Just something to consider.”

The offer was tempting. Maybe one day Dallion was going to take advantage. From the moment he just stood, patiently waiting for his aether cubes.

Nil, I thought you told me there was no such thing as a phoenix in this world, Dallion said.

Did I? The echo feigned ignorance. Maybe I misunderstood you. Or maybe you have. I see you got the general his gift, as well as the empress’s necklace. I didn’t think I’d see it change owners. The family that held it is rather protective of their possessions, even when they can’t use them.

“Here you are.” The crimson fury pulled the pouch through the corridor, then calmly emptied its contents into the air itself. “If you ‘d like to, count it.”

“I trust you,” Dallion lied. He didn’t trust any noble, let alone someone here.

“In that case, our business is concluded.” The fury returned the cubes to the pouch, then left it hanging there for Dallion to claim. “Enjoy the rest of the night, and I hope to see you again.”

On cue, the flutterblade moved away from Dallion, though didn’t return to Falkner’s shoulder. The noble was wise enough not to inquire.

Shardflies, the golden creature said in disgust. At least you have the decency to have a spectral one.

She needed help, Dallion said firmly.

Many need help. Few deserve it, the flutterblade snapped back. And still, you look so much like her. Better stay out of trouble.

What? Dallion asked, but the flutterblade had already returned to Falkner’s shoulder, where it had frozen up. Looking at now, one might say that the noble was carrying a necklace on his shoulder. That wasn’t an illusion, but near perfect mimicry, as well as an indication that it had done talking.

“With this we’re done?” Falkner asked.

“Yes. I owe you one.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Are you sure?” Dallion glanced at him. Nobles usually saved all favors owed until they really needed to use them.

“My father says there’s a chance you become a noble,” Falkner replied. “Should that happen, it would be good to remember who your friends were.”

Clever, Nil outright laughed. He can’t be seen talking to you, so he’s using his son as a proxy. Not the best deal, though you could do a lot worse.

You want me to say I’ll keep it in mind?

You don’t have to. That’s why it isn’t a debt or a favor. No matter what you do, they helped you on their own accord in their time of need. Don’t show equal courtesy when you are a noble, and you’ll be viewed as someone who can’t be trusted.

And if I don’t become a noble?

Then you won’t have anything to offer.

Dallion considered the answers. He really hated the games of nobles. They were similar to the logical puzzles that always ended up having the most illogical solution.

A servant was waiting for Dallion the moment he and Falkner emerged from the auction area of the palace. Without introduction or delay, he let it be known that the rest of Dallion’s group had left, and he would be escorted to join them. As much as Dallion wanted to see Gloria’s reaction to the flutterblade, and vice versa, he knew fully well the intent behind the servant’s message—he was being kicked out. The nobles had had their fun and conveyed the necessary instructions to March. At this point, there was no longer any point in Dallion remaining.

Taking his goodbye with Falkner, Dallion then followed the servant to the main entrance of the palace where Dame Vesuvia was waiting. She, too, wasn’t having a terribly good time, though she managed to hide it better.

“You took a while,” she said, as they were walking towards the descender leading to the lower platforms.

“I’m fine,” Dallion replied to the unspoken question. “Ran across someone I hadn’t seen in a while.”

“I heard what you did to Itella. You outright humiliated him. Seems you’ve grown a lot more since the arena battle than people expected.”

“That’s kind of you.”

“Those aren’t my words. The odds of you winning were three to seven. I heard that you managed to win three times in a row before the fight was over.”

That was highly exaggerated, but Dallion didn’t argue. For once, it felt nice listening to her praise. By tomorrow, the whole thing was likely going to be forgotten, but until then he was the Hero of Nerosal, who had defeated the Archduke’s son three times in the same duel.

“You’ll be heading out of the city tomorrow morning at daybreak,” the dame changed the topic without warning. “I was just told an hour ago. Everything’s arranged. I’ll escort you and the rest to the west gate. You'll be forbidden entry until the Archduke himself says otherwise.”

All to be expected. So, their mission was going to start exactly as the mysterious noble lady had said it would. Hopefully, the information March was provided was going to be of some actual use.

“It’ll be fine. I’m not the confused boy I was back when you first saw me.”

“That’s right. You’re a lot cockier now. And cocky people tend to die faster.”

“I’m not alone this time. We’ll be fine. All part of being a mercenary.”

“Do you know why mercenaries are hired for difficult jobs?” Dame Vesuvia asks. “No one mourns the loss of a mercenary, even other mercenaries.”

The conversation gradually toned down, until both were left with their thoughts. Dallion had only spent a day in the provincial capital, but it already had felt like a lifetime. And as the saying went, sooner or later, all things came to an end. Everything that could have been done in Linatol had been done. Now it was time for the real work to begin.

As much as Dallion was anxious about what might happen, he was also pleased. Finally, he was returning to his element, where the rules were clear.

By the time Dallion returned to his room in the inn, Euryale had already gone to sleep. Making as little noise as possible, he got out of the ridiculous banquet clothes he was wearing and slid in the bed next to her. If the actions caused the gorgon to wake up, she didn’t show it. The only creature who stirred was Ruby, fluttering from the corner to the room to just above Dallion’s face.

Go to sleep, Ruby, Dallion said. We’ll be heading out in the morning.

The shardfly flew along a pattern eight a few times, then went back to its previous spot.

Crazy kid, Dallion smiled, then closed his eyes.

The next he opened them, Euryale was already getting up.

“Hey,” Dallion said with a yawn and a stretch. “How are things?”

“Nice to see you still alive.” The gorgon smiled as she put on her new armor. “Fine. And on your end?”

“Could have gone better. I got what I needed at the auction. Not sure if it’ll help us out. What about your meeting?”

“We were given a few details and a warning. Mostly a warning not to mess with the sword. They were very clear that we weren’t to enter the realm unless as a last resort. Not sure what exactly that meant. Basically, we listen to whatever March says.”

“Okay.” That wasn’t much help. “An idea where we’re going?”

“Some village half a day away in the wilderness. Never heard of it before, neither had March. We start there.” The gorgon’s snakes stirred. “The noble in charge of us is the Archduke’s sister. March left an echo of hers, so that the people here know what’s going on. She also took one along.” There was a slight pause. “The Icepicker guild master was also at the meeting. He’s the guarantor that everything will go as planned.”

“Wasn’t that to be expected?” Dallion downplayed the significance of what had just been said.

“He wasn’t supposed to be here. Not at the banquet, in any event.”

If there’s anything you can add, Nil, now would be the time, Dallion said.

You give me too much credit, dear boy. I don’t know everything going on. If there’s anything relevant, I’ll be sure to let you know.

Only when it suits you, though.

By the crack of dawn, all three members of the group had gathered in the main hall of the inn. Quietly, they had their last breakfast, did a final check of their luggage and provisions and left for the final time.

Their faithful shadow—Dame Vesuvia—was outside, waiting. A few greetings were exchanged, after which it was off to the west gate of the city.

No attachments, Dalliont told himself. That was one of the key rules of a hunter before heading out on a mission. More often than not, he had followed the principle. Not this time, though. His mind kept wandering, thinking of the people he’d met on the last day: old acquaintances, new people who wanted to help and others not so much. Back on Earth, it was said that a person’s life flashed before their eyes during traumatic and life-threatening events. For Dallion, that was taking place now. It wasn’t as extreme as described in literature and movies, just a series of flashbacks starting from the day he woke up in Dherma and continuing to the banquet itself. Over a millennium had passed between those two points and yet Dallion felt it wasn’t long at all.

“I should have earned more achievements in the realms,” he said all of a sudden.

Everyone looked at him.

“Might have been easier, then.”

“You’ll have your chance,” Eury said, placing her hand on his shoulder. However, even she didn’t dare say that he’d have all the time in the world once they finished the mission.

There were times in a hunter’s life when they were aware that there was a greater chance than not that some of their party might not be coming back. This was one of those times. From here on out, nothing was known.

Do you think I should have done more, Nil? Dallion asked. Maybe try another level up?

Have you learned anything new since last time? the old echo answered with a question.

Dallion didn’t respond.

At this stage, a point or two won’t make a substantial difference. You have the trinket from the general. Keep that handy, have your mind clear, and focus on the moment.

What about you, Harp? Any words of advice?

I won’t let you get hurt, the harpsisword responded. The certainty of her words made Dallion relax a bit. He had her, at least. No, he had everyone in his realm. Whatever he might face in the real world or not, they were there to support him.

The gate approached slowly. It was more an arch than a gate, marking the spot in which a road entered the city. With each step, Dallion felt his heart beat louder. By the time they reached the end of the city, it sounded like a drum, deafening any other noise around. Even the conversations had become nothing but blurred sounds in the distance. He could no longer tell what anyone was saying, reacting based on their expressions and the emotions emanating from them.

The moment Dallion took one step beyond the arch, the thumping disappeared. His heart had grown completely calm.