The paltry home’s wooden door swung open, producing a shrill creak that accentuated the boy’s feelings of helplessness, as he recognized the figures standing outside the door. There stood three suited individuals, each bearing a cold and apathetic expression. Brushing a strand of auburn hair out of his face, the middle figure spoke.

“This month's installment was due three days ago Cristin; did you simply forget to deposit your payment?” asked the man, his mouth morphing into a sly smirk.

Cristin gritted his teeth. Edward knew fully well that he would not be able to provide the money this month. With the tensions brewing between Varicus and Teryn, nearly everything had seen a skyrocket in price, even among the poorer communities.

“We’re a tad short this month, a figured th—”

“Cristin.” The man interrupted, as he laid a hand on the doorframe in which the boy stood. “Things are hard for everyone right now; we all need to pull our weight to the best of our abilities. You wouldn’t want to lose your home, right?”

Cristin looked down, attempting to conceal that he was shaking with anger and sadness. Composing himself to the best of his ability, he looked back into the man’s eyes. “I have a job lined up; one that can get you what you want and then some.”

Edward’s eyes widened slightly as a subtle grin formed on his face. “Oh? Please, enlighten me.”

“One of the Isles’ privateering vessels is docked; they’re looking to add to their crew. I sent in a request and was accepted. The potential income is leagues above what I’m earning now.”

“So you intend to become a Privateer?” the man responded. “I suppose that’s not a terrible way to make some coin quickly, but what are the odds you actually live to pay what you owe? Many die in that line of work within the first few months.”

“I need to come back; my mom will still be here after all.”

At this, Edward raised his eyebrows, meeting Cristin’s gaze with a perplexed but interested expression. After a few moments, he began to chuckle. “I suppose that is a fair point, isn’t it?” He tightened his collar and stood straight. “Very well then Cristin, I’ll allow you to pursue this job. You’ll have a year to return and pay back the debt in full.”

Cristin nodded and bowed his head. “Thank you, I—”

“However, if you do not return within that year…” the man leaned in close, whispering into the boy’s ear. “We will get that coin through other methods.”

Cristin froze before nodding his head slowly, with a feared expression painted on his face.

Edward moved back to his previous position and extended his right hand. “So, we have a deal?”

Cristin stared at the hand briefly, before grasping it in his own and meagerly shaking. “Deal.”