“I don't know where you come from, but this is the North. It doesn't matter if the lands belong to any kingdom... this is a forgotten place in the world. No one cares if one or two laws are broken, or maybe all of them.” The young man smiles bitterly. “But it is true that slavery is not allowed, that is why they take us to other lands.”

“Where?”

“I do not know. But I am sure that to a place where slavery is a day-to-day thing. Pirates maybe? I've heard them mentioned a few times, also something about dukes or something...”

"The three dukedoms?"

“Yes! That! Now that you mention it, I remembered, the three dukedoms.”

This was the place Ezer had planned to go, though never under these circumstances. Besides, he was missing something that became as important as his life... Lyaria. He must not only escape, but also reunite with her. Ezer looks away towards the column of smoke and a thought arises in his mind.

“The fire... Could it be?”

“Very good! We finish the count, let the slaves begin to climb!” A robust man shouts from the stern of the ship.

The line slowly starts to climb and Ezer is forced to do the same. He had to make a decision since the ship was heading to the dukedoms and that is where he wanted to be, but stops to think and immediately comes to a conclusion.

"I am not a slave! I don't have to be here!” Ezer yells those words at the nearest soldier. It didn't matter if the ship was headed for the dukedoms as this wasn't even certain. Besides, he would arrive as a slave and Lyaria wouldn't be with him. It was clear what decision to make.

"Ha! Everybody says the same!” The soldier laughs and extends the whip that was carrying in his hands, with a quick movement, it hits Ezer's arm transmitting pain.

“I say the truth! I don't have to...” Because of the protest, he receives another whiplash and an inquisitive look asking if he wanted to continue.

“He tells the truth, his destiny is a much better place.” Ezer listens to those words that seem to be saving, but when he looks at who said it, the expression on his face distorts.

---------------------------

“What do you want?” The distrust in Lyara's voice was justified, after all, a complete stranger approached her without noticing.

“That lady... That's a good question.”

"Are you going to answer it?" With every second, Lyaria's muscles tensed more and more, ready to spring into action at any moment.

—I couldn't help noticing your desire to ambush that group, and of course, I couldn't help but recognize the bag full of coins.” The man's gaze drifts to one of the leather bags that was attached to Lyaria's belt.

Those words were more than enough for her to apply even more force to the spear, reaching the breaking point where a line of blood began to drain from the tip.

“Let me finish first... and I would appreciate it if you would remove your weapon...” Not ones does the man show signs of nervousness, he speaks clearly and respectfully.

"Speak then!"

“What I want to get at is that we both have objectives that can complement each other. I want the coins, while you want to rob the escort, even if it's suicide, for that reason I'm sure we can cooperate.”

"What do I get for the coins?" By this time, Lyaria stops applying pressure with her spear interested in what the man had to say.

"A way into the city, and with a little more information, as well as money... I could help you." The man extends his hand to help Lyaria to her feet, who was crouching during the argument, watching for any suspicious movement.

“I'm looking for a young boy with black hair and green eyes. The Baron's escort took him captive and I need to rescue him.”

“His name?”

“You don't need to know.” It was clear why she shouldn't tell him, many didn't know, but that didn't mean no one knew about the son of the lord of the Northlands. It was better for her to be cautious in that matter.

"I see... Love perhaps? Or a relative? Maybe... no, I'm not interested and it's none of my business.” The man begins to ask himself aloud, observing Lyaria's reaction with each of them, but not getting what he wanted more than the hard and cold look he received in response, was enough for him to desist from his strategy.

“I just need a way into the city and a good distraction to rescue him.” Lyaria tosses two silver coins out of her pocket as she speaks.

“Of course, although…” The man grabs the money with a cold, almost disinterested look, it was not common for the sum and the natural hunger of people towards wealth.

"There will be more as long as you do your part."

“Take it for granted miss.”

The man walks away, making his way between the houses, hidden by the darkness of the night. Without him saying anything, Lyaria silently follows him. Time had passed since the escort ceased to be visible, she had no choice, she had to trust her instincts and try to find a minimum of trust in the stranger to be able to slip inside the port walls.

At a safe distance from the town, on a road that was barely visible through the snow, two horses stood out, one being ridden by a man with a bored face.

“My name is Grige. The one there is my brother.” Grige mounts the remaining horse and invites Lyaria to do the same with his outstretched hand. The brother, who was riding the other horse, simply waved his hand, happy that he didn't have to wait any longer.