“Who is he?” Ezer asks Nataña in a low voice, thanks to this and the fact that the other prisoners were at a good distance, they don't hear what he say.

“Him? That filthy rat?” Apparently Nataña's questions were rhetorical, since she continues speaking without waiting for an answer. "Just an old thief who lost his teeth from eating his own shit...don't bother paying attention to him, he talks the most anyway."

Ezer immediately understands that the two did not get along and that it was better not to bring it up. Instead, he decides to inspect the state of his own body by first checking his leg and the hole left by the arrow penetrating it. The wound was still there, but at least it didn't seem to get any worse, no matter how frightening the color of the flesh was. He remembered the dozens of pieces of advice Lyaria had given him and he carried them out with what little he had in place, nothing fantastic, but it would do.

His train of thought inevitably makes him wonder about Lyaria. He hoped she hadn't lost his trail and was planning something to get him out of this place. However, no matter how good a tracker she was... it was obvious that everything had its limits.

It was enough that Lyaria was well, if this is so, he is confident that he will be able to figure it out and find her before she finds him.

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

“Are you sure about what you saw? Did he get on the ship after that?” Lyaria asks the man in front of her.

“Yes! How many times do I have to repeat myself? He came aboard being led by my superior, Breno. After that... I have no idea.” The man responds with dissatisfaction on his face, not only because of the fact of being pressured, but also because of the disgusting smell that the latrine near him released. He can't help but wonder why he agreed to give information behind the filthy bar and for so few coins.

“Where are they going?” Grige asks, taking a step forward.

"You know where, everyone knows, to the islands. To the den of piracy and, of course, money. After that... Who knows? Depends on the boy's luck. Perhaps he is bought as a crew member by some pirate, or does forced labor, I also heard that the southerners are interested in opening the market. The three dukedoms never stop being at war and always need new soldiers...maybe...I don't know...maybe it also passes from one owner to another.”

“Ahhh…okay, you can go.” Grige motions for her to leave, sighing irritably.

“Next time pick a better place than this shit and bring more coins too.” The informant leaves after recounting the money that was in the bag.

Well, this confirms what we already knew. I expected more from the harbor guard, though...” Griege tries to talk to Lyaria who has her head down in thought. He knew that was touching on a delicate subject and little by little he began to understand the temperament of that woman, in any case, he had to say it. “I know it can be difficult, but...”

“I'm not going to give up, I'm going to look until I find him.” Lyaria snaps back before Grige can finish his sentence.

“Ahhh…” Grige sighs again wondering how many times he had done it in the day.

“And…? Any luck?” Dartan, Grige's brother, approaches after seeing Lyaria walk away. Despite asking, he already knew the answer.

“No, the worst thing that could happen, happened... Now we have to find the boy in some lost corner of the world.”

“We have? Brother... Will you not regret following her?”

“Yes, I will help her to the end. I'm already into this and with all the fuss I've caused in town I'm sure they recognize my face.”

"Ha! It is not the first time that it happens, with a few coins and a low profile time you know that it will be solved. No, I think your motives are much more stupid, dear brother, I think you are blind by love.” The smile Dartan had on his face widens as he sees his brother's surprised expression.

“Love!? Nonono... you know as well as I do that I'm not green in these matters, I know how to recognize that blindness better than anyone... No, it's not love. I think that woman is destined to change things, I mean, if she wanted to, she could change things in this cold earth shit. Something gives me that feeling and I trust my instincts.” Griege explains to Dartan and at the same time convinces himself in the process.

"Though now she's lost."

“Exactly! I don't know who the boy is she is looking for, but I'm sure she won't be at peace until he's found dead or alive. Once happened... I'm sure she'll be my ticket out of these filthy suburbs.”

"Hmm... I see what you mean. However, remember that two things move people, power and love. Both can never be fulfilled at the same time.”

"Ahh... I'm telling you, it's not love."

"And you're not interested, even a little bit?"

"Well... Yes, a little..." Griege struggles not to let out another sigh and decides to play along with his brother.

“You see? I knew I was right.”

“Yes Yes...”

"But brother, this time I won't be able to follow you. As much as I want to, I already have a life here.” This time, Dartan's voice deepens and the conversation becomes more serious.

"I know, I didn't expect you to. Your hands are full with those two women of yours.”

“Hahaha! I don't have a finger to spare to drink beer!”

Grige breaks out laughing along with the contagious charisma of his robust brother. Some bitterness forms inside, however, knowing that he would have to leave without him. Although they were both adults, it was the first time that each had gone their separate ways and made separate decisions. Something told Grige that his determination to accompany Lyaria would further alienate him from his roots and family than ever before. Soon the facts would prove him right.

"Well, I think it's late enough and you have a lady to comfort."

“I already told you that...”

“Hahaha! That's how I got my first wife. Although I admit that Lyaria is tougher than any woman I've ever met.”

“Yes, I understand what you're referring to...”

“But be careful, no matter how hard she is, everyone has a breaking point.”

"In the end, who is the oldest?" Grige smiles wryly.

"In wisdom? Clearly me! Ahahahaha!” Dartan laughs again, echoing through the nearby alleys.

"Yeah, yeah... you didn't even have a beer and you're already like that." Grige thought to say goodbye with those words, but a strong hug stops him in place.

“Bye brother.”

"Isn't it too early to say goodbye?" Surprised at first, Grige returns the hug with equal force.

"It's always better to do it when there's time, and with how much of a rush you're going to be from now on...”

“It's true.” Griege agrees with his brother's words. Many times he envied him, Wishing he could be as open as he was, apparently it was true that his wisdom was greater.