"I don't understand why we have to travel to Riverdale just for some drinks?" I asked, walking beside Dormin and Layla, the Midnight Tower in the distance behind us. The sun was setting and the lights of the Society and Stonehaven were lighting up the darkness.

  "Our job title requires us to be wary of where we go and who sees us. The wrong person gets spooked and we end up in jail. Whole town goes on alert and if there was a mission in the area it's good as ruined." Dormin said as we strolled the main road. Merchants drove carts the other way, putting their heads down as they walked past. A few nobles followed walking briskly towards Stonehaven, scrolls and parchment in their hands. They also put their heads down when they walked by. Why?

  "Are people scared of us?" I asked, smiling slightly. I'd always been looked down on by anyone who wasn't dirt poor.

  Dormin laughed. "No, I wouldn't say they're scared. More like they know better. Some are but not everyone." Layla scoffed.

  "Don't let his optimism fool you. That some is seventy-five percent of people. To most, the Society is evil and corrupt. We blackmail kings, dismantle counsels, and are trained to kill effortlessly. Any time we operate, we operate within the rules and law." Dormin shot her a look.

  "What do you mean within the law? Everything you just listed sounds illegal." I said as the gates of Riverdale appeared ahead. The guards parted as if we lived there, not even asking for names.

  Riverdale. Home if it ever was one. The smell of salt and fish brine in the air stung the lungs of anyone who wasn't used to it. Boats and whore houses. Here no one lowered their eyes at us. They just gave us a stern look and kept walking.

  "I know this place. My father took me here when I turned twelve. He said the Silvermoon Inn is the best place to get drinks." I said, mimicking his voice.

  "Ah, a man of taste. You'll have to introduce us." Dormin said as we walked into the tavern. It quickly went quiet. Patrons eyeballed us, spitting at the ground as we walked to a corner booth and sat down.

  "I would, if…he was still alive." I said as I sat down, taking my swords off my back and setting them down next to me.

  "Don't ever disarm yourself. If we must be a team, then your wellbeing is my responsibility. As mine is to you." Layla said flatly. Her eyes looked at me like a child who hadn't learned how to walk.

  "She's right. If you leave yourself open it leaves us open as well. We move as one or none at all." Dormin said as the barmaid came over and set down three drinks.

  "Anything I can get y'all?" she asked. Her hair was messy and unwashed. Bruises on her face and marks on her arms. I looked at them with remorse and irritation. Dormin noticed.

  "What are those bruises from?" he asked casually. His face was blank but I could tell from his eyes he was serious. Layla stood up, her eyes hard.

  "Do you guys have any sense of privacy? Sorry about them. We will take three more drinks and a bottle of Dragonfire Ale." The barmaid walked away, her head down.

  "I was just asking." Dormin said, taking a big drink. Layla rolled her eyes and did the same. Her posture was more relaxed than before.

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  "So Oren. What's your story?" Layla asked. I looked at her for a second.

  Why did she care? A minute ago she hated me, now she's curious?

  "Well I…" Before I could finish, a loud cheer erupted from the door. Patrons clapped as a group of knights walked in, their armor adorned with the black and red of Eratiell.

  "I need the strongest drink you have. We have knights in training here." One stepped aside for the man behind him. My heart skipped a beat.

  Valor.

  He walked through smiling, taking a drink while the others smacked his back and shoulders. One thing you could always say about him — he was loved no matter where he went.

  "Friend of yours?" Dormin asked, watching where I was looking.

  "Yeah, hopefully." I said, taking another drink and finally noticing how bitter the ale was. Gross.

  "This drink sucks." I said, sliding the cup away. Layla laughed. First time I'd heard it, it was nice.

  "Here, try this. That regular ale is horse piss." She dumped mine on the floor and poured from the bottle. "Dragonfire Ale. Some of the best you can get."

  I sipped it. My mouth was on fire instantly. Cinnamon dipped in flames, quickly followed by a sweet liquor taste that dulled it just enough.

  "Damn, that's strong…but good." I drank the whole cup in one go. Dormin and Layla both laughed. I joined them.

  Then the knights noticed us. One whispered to Valor and pointed. They walked over. Layla's expression went from easy to dark. Dormin's casual look didn't change but his hand already had a knife in it. Instinctively my hand found my sword.

  "What are you all doing here?" One stepped aside. Valor's eyes met mine. His face softened before hardening. Almost as if he quietly strengthened his resolve.

  "The Society isn't welcome here. Finish your drinks and leave." Valor said, his hand resting on the sword at his side.

  "Or else what?" A voice came from behind him.

  Damian.

  "Then we will force you all to leave." The biggest knight said, his hand tightening on an axe.

  "You'll do nothing if you want to live to see sunrise, boy." Damian stepped closer. His hands lit up with fire. His blade flew from its sheath into his hand. All the knights drew at once. Dormin and Layla were instantly on their feet. I looked down and saw my own blade drawn. When did I draw it?

  Damian smiled at the row of blades pointed at him. His sword blazed with fire, making them sweat.

  "Tell me, noble knights of Eratiell. Do you feel like dying tonight or would you rather let my friends and I enjoy our drinks?" His eyes slid between them. Valor's jaw tightened as he raised his sword at Damian.

  "Just don't cause any more trouble than your presence already causes." One said, sheathing his sword. The rest followed. Valor looked back at me, then walked to the bar and pretended I didn't exist.

  "Val…" I stopped. Dormin's hand found my shoulder.

  "It's not worth the trouble, man."

  Damian dropped into the booth beside me. "Now what in the hell are you all doing way over here."

  "We wanted to get some drinks to mourn our fallen." Dormin said, pouring him a drink.

  "Ah yes." He held up his glass, swaying slightly. He was already drunk.

  "To those foolish enough to die to a bandit." He laughed to himself. Layla stood, shot him a look, and walked outside.

  Dormin's usual look turned hard. "Damian, I doubt even you would have won that fight."

  I looked at Damian sideways, then pushed past him and walked to the bar.

  "Bottle of Dragonfire please." I took it and went outside. Layla sat on a bench trying to hide her tears.

  "Hey, I brought you a drink." I handed her the bottle. She took it fast and drank deep.

  "He's the worst commander we've ever had."

  "Yeah, I don't like him much either. Especially after he killed my father." I said, gritting my teeth. Layla looked at me quickly.

  "He killed your father?"

  She seemed genuinely curious. I let it sit for a moment.

  "Don't worry. He'll get his when the time is right." I said calmly. I had never meant anything more than that.

  "I'm sorry…I had no idea. So before you were interrupted, you were going to tell me your story."

  She scooted over and handed me the bottle.

  "Well it all started when I bumped into this girl who was walking in front of me. God, she was a bitch." I said, smiling.

  Layla laughed out loud.

  "Oh yeah, her? She is a bitch.”