“Calm down,” Wyn said, his voice uncharacteristically sharp. “Cooler heads prevail.”

  “I’m not exactly known for having a cool head,” Lucy said, pacing around the narrow alley. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t be still. Moving helped her think and be calm, and she needed to do both.

  Looking at Wyn’s relaxed face and posture, she stopped walking around the small overgrown patch of grass. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself and think.

  For all his damn confidence and leadership, Wyn was annoyingly good and helpful. Lucy hadn’t known him very long, of course, but she could see why the others liked him so much. He supported everyone, was capable, and often took the blame when he didn’t need to. All marks of being a solid and true leader. All marks that were the opposite of what she was used to. The difference was strange, and Lucy wasn’t accustomed to it.

  She had no idea why Mathias chose this particular spot rather than their usual place in the dilapidated shack. At least that place had a roof. It wasn’t much, and the rest of the pitiful house was falling apart, but it was better than their current spot. The two stood at a dead end alley, where there was simply a small patch of grass and a small tree without leaves. It was unsettling, like someone plucked an outside sitting area and placed it in an alley in the city. A lone street lamp lit the entrance and most of the alley, though deeper towards the end with the tree was more hidden. It wasn’t impossible to see, just shrouded in dim light. The evening sky, just after sunset, made sure of that. It did make it to where someone couldn’t approach unseen, though.

  The rest of the team said they wanted to be nearby, but there really wasn’t a great spot since they were surrounded by buildings and only had one exit and entrance. So, they all decided to wait just one block over, positioned in spots so they could at least see when someone came near. They had no means of actually communicating, but they agreed on a signal: if Wyn whistled with a long, single note, they’d come by to support. If he gave two whistles, then it meant to run to help.

  Lucy desperately wished Mathias wasn’t going to be pushy. She did not want the group to come running to help. That would likely end up with at least one of them injured and likely Mathias dying. That would mean Lucy would be as good as dead, too, even if she didn’t mind watching the cretin’s life seep away.

  “Alright,” Lucy said, her voice more even. “I can try. I’m just damn nervous.”

  “I know, but we went over this. It’ll be alright. Nothing will happen to you, after all.”

  “You don’t know that. If he gets too pissed, too suspicious, this could be the start of something very bad for me.”

  Wyn looked around before walking to the tree and leaning against it. “I won’t antagonize him like you suggested. I’ll be firm. Trust it will go well.”

  Lucy barked a laugh. This meeting was just as influential with her future dealings with Mathias as it was about Wyn’s and his sister’s. Hopefully Wyn was right, though. Two nights ago, after the guild’s celebration for Nigel and his team, Wyn was so adamant about meeting Mathias that she arranged a quick meeting. It made Mathias suspicious but curious, and she hoped that curiosity was the prevailing mood. Last night, Wyn and the rest of the team sat down with her and reviewed what to say during the conversation to help make it go as smoothly as possible. They decided on ways to be supportive and gathered enough leverage to make it worthwhile.

  Now, all that was left was actually carrying it through and seeing if Mathias accepted.

  As if on cue, a hooded figure began walking into the alley. Wyn noticed them first as he was on the lookout, and he stepped away from the tree while trying to look relaxed. It wasn’t working. Lucy sent one last prayer of hope while Mathias walked to them. She hoped her sister was listening.

  Mathias walked to the pair and slowly removed his hood. Lucy knew what he looked like, and he looked his usual slimy self. He lacked his usual sinister smile.

  All business, then.

  “Ardwyn,” Mathias said, his voice rough and grating. “We finally meet.”

  “It’s good to put a face to the organization,” Wyn said. He was as expressionless as Mathias.

  Mathias glanced at Lucy. She felt a shiver run through her. “Lucy here tells me you wanted to meet in person but offered no other information. Before we get to actual business, I believe you have something for me.”

  Wyn unslung his pack and reached inside, his arm going all the way to his shoulder. He pulled out a large sack and dropped it on the ground. Then an identical sack plopped beside it.

  Lucy could tell Mathias was spending a lot of energy to restrain himself as he stood still. He eyed the sacks, though, like a predator watching their prey.

  “I have the payment for the month,” Wyn said. “But I have an additional offer along with the crowns.”

  “Is that right? I was going to present the same thing.”

  Wyn smiled but it didn’t meet his eyes. “I want to settle my debt here and now.”

  Mathias chuckled. “You have three more months of payment. Unless you have a half dozen more sacks in that bag, I doubt you have an offer that I’d listen to.”

  This was it. Lucy prepped Wyn on how the conversation would likely go. She only hoped Wyn stuck to the plan and that Mathias was still as coin hungry as he always was.

  “I don’t have anymore sacks of money,” Wyn replied. “But I do have an interesting offer that could be worth far more than just three more direct payments.”

  “And that is?”

  Wyn settled himself and took a deep breath. Lucy’s heart felt like it was going to beat right out of her chest. She desperately hoped he took the bait.

  “My home and farmland. The deed of property ownership in a legitimate transaction along with one month’s worth of payment.”

  When they discussed the plan, Lucy told Wyn that it was important he mention the handoff of his land would be legitimate, as that would solidify them owning it without any question. She also said that sweetening the deal with extra coins would likely help Mathias agree though too many would make getting rid of the farm pointless. Wyn replied that he didn’t care, since getting rid of the plot was in his interest anyway. Lucy had a feeling if it came down to it, Wyn would likely pay someone to take it off his hands.

  Mathias knitted his eyebrows and took a few seconds before responding. “So you’re saying your farm is worth that much? We have no interest in farming, Ardwyn.”

  “But you do have an interest in ownership. Who says you have to farm? You could do whatever you wanted there and no one would look twice since you owned it fair and square. Grow whatever you want. Store what you want. Make it a safe house or a privy, I don’t care. The point is that it’ll be yours.”

  Mathias smiled his typical sly smile. Lucy calmed a bit. He was relaxed, and interested. That was good.

  “How much land do you have, and what is the status of the house?”

  “The land is nearly forty acres of farmable land, and forty acres in total. It butts up to a forest and a neighboring farm, while being just off a branching road from the main road through the town. There’s a typical barn with some old tools, no animals. The house could use some work, as I was told it was left with my rotting father inside. But I’m sure you have people who could clean that up.”

  Mathias laughed. “That we do. It’s certainly an interesting offer. You have no appraisal of what the land is likely worth?”

  “I don’t. I’ve been a bit busy.”

  “Take a guess.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Wyn took a deep breath and looked up into the starry sky. He continued after a few seconds. “I’m sure any amount of land is worth something. It’s in a smaller town but within a day’s journey of Moorhead, which is where we sold most of our crops. Selling the farm to a neighbor would likely be at a similar price as I'm offering now.”

  “Then why not do that? Sell the farm to someone else and then give us the money. Why bring it to me in the first place?”

  “Consider it a sign of goodwill that I wanted to give your organization the chance first. If you aren’t interested, I can certainly do that. But you might miss out on an opportunity you otherwise would find hard to get.”

  Lucy’s nerves crept back. They had discussed Mathias bringing this up during their preparation, and Wyn’s answer was solid. Presenting it to them first showed he was willing to be compliant, which was important with the Assembly.

  It did bring up a couple of problems, though. One was that it still gave a fair amount of power back to Mathias. Wyn’s argument was that he had the power anyway, and he didn’t care since he just wanted to be done with it all. Another problem was that it could potentially show Mathias that Wyn wanted to be a part of the Assembly. If he offered the farm and land, then Mathias might see the gesture as Wyn wanting to be included. Both Lucy and Wyn hoped that he wouldn’t take it that way, instead wishing he saw it as Wyn just being subservient. Deep down, Lucy knew better. But this was Wyn’s deal. She could only mention possibilities.

  Mathias relaxed and walked around their small area. Wyn watched him like a hawk, constantly alert. He didn’t have any reason to be afraid, though. His magical abilities still worked here, while Mathias didn’t have any.

  A sudden thought struck Lucy. Did Mathias have any magic? She never thought to ask or wonder. A sudden pang of fear resonated through her like a bell.

  “I’m inclined to accept your deal,” Mathias said, finally stopping to speak. “You brought forth a considerate offer, and you made valid points. Now let me counter it with one of my own. I’ll agree to your terms if you work for us for one year.”

  Wyn seemed to let out a breath of failure, his body relaxing as though he knew Mathias was going to ask this all along. Lucy tensed.

  “How could you possibly expect me to agree to be in your organization after what’s happened to my family?”

  Mathias snickered. “That was your father. He wasn’t in our organization, he just treated us like a bank, which was wrong. No, boy, you would be a partner. With a higher status than even Lucy, here. And what would change? You would continue to climb as I imagine you will continue to do anyway. The only change would be bringing magic items to us, in exchange for payment, of course. We would be no different than a local merchant, except our prices would be far more attractive.”

  Lucy felt anger replace her fear. She inwardly cursed at herself. She knew Mathias would make a play, but she didn’t anticipate it would be as good as that. Wyn previously had someone he sold magic items to to make money, so he wasn’t against having a buyer like that. Still, she couldn’t imagine he would accept. Not that he needed all that money after this, anyway. Hopefully Mathias wouldn’t make it worse.

  “That’s a nice counter but I have no need for that much money,” Wyn said. “Not anymore, at least.”

  Mathias smiled. “Come, now. We could all use a little more money. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for that sister of yours to have a secure future along with a little spending money?”

  Lucy balled her hands into fists. Damn him for bringing up Arabelle. She glanced at Wyn and saw his jaw clench. He needed to gain control of the conversation or this would turn sour fast.

  “She can take care of herself just fine, as can I. I’m sorry, but I am not interested in a partnership. Only the sell of my farm and land.”

  Mathias nodded along as if he knew Wyn’s answer. “Such a shame. Well, I won’t lie. The Assembly would definitely be interested in buying it from you.” Mathias’s face shifted, morphing from a sly businessman to a snake. “But I am not. Not without my version of the deal.”

  “Fucking hells, Mathias,” Lucy said, unable to control her anger. “Why can’t you be reasonable for once?”

  Mathias turned his sneer to Lucy. “You have no place in this conversation, girl. Let the men do the talking while you keep that mouth of yours shut.”

  Lucy felt her anger boil to rage. Her teeth felt like they were going to break she was clenching her jaw so hard, but it was better than the rest of her body moving. If she did, she might attack him. Every breath was a reminder to herself to not do something she would regret.

  “She’s not wrong,” Wyn said. “This is more than reasonable. Paying my debt means we’re done. I don’t want any affiliation with you or the Assembly afterwards. Is there someone else I can make the offer to?”

  Mathias laughed. “There’s no one else. I am the contact here in Alestead, and whatever I say goes.”

  Lucy stepped towards him but Wyn put an arm out in front of her. She never took her eyes off Mathias, whose wicked smile locked onto her like a wolf settling on a rabbit.

  “Fine,” Wyn said. “Deals off, then. Take this months payment and go. Forget I said anything.”

  “Oh, I don’t forget. Why don’t you want a position beside us? I’ll even reduce it to half a year. That’s only four months!”

  Lucy couldn’t think straight. Mathias was purposefully ignoring her. She barely registered what he said, but heard he was still trying to recruit Wyn. Why? Why couldn’t the rat bastard just leave him and go? Her heart stammered in her chest and rose to her head and ears. She could barely focus. She was losing control.

  “I said no.” Wyn put a hand on Lucy’s shoulder and squeezed. Not hard enough to hurt, but enough to pull her attention. “We’ll be leaving.”

  “I don’t appreciate being told no,” Mathias said, his voice serious. “You came to talk, then let’s talk. Or do you really give up that easily just like your sister?”

  Wyn was leading Lucy away but stopped. “Leave my sister out of this.”

  Lucy’s mind whirled. Was Mathias talking about her sister? No, Lucy told herself. He was talking to Wyn. Hearing him say it, though, made her think of her sister, the injustice she was dealt and her suffering. She wanted to attack him. She wanted to kill him.

  “She’s just as much as a part of this as you are," Mathias said. "This is her debt as much as it is yours. Maybe I should go pay her a visit and see if she would feel differently?”

  Suddenly, in that moment, Lucy felt her vision blur. The anger, the hatred, the despair over her situation and what happened to her own sister bubbled over uncontrollably. Hearing Mathias say those words, threatening Wyn’s sister, opened something deep inside her she sealed away long ago. Something she wanted to stay hidden for fear of her losing control.

  It was an unending desire to avenge her sister. To do what she should have done so long ago.

  Lucy’s body seemingly moved on its own, led by something that wasn’t entirely herself. Or maybe it was? She was lost in the moment, blinded and in a stupor. She heard a shout. A scream. Wyn yelled something but her ears weren’t registering it properly. The only thing she heard was her own heart beat in her ear, so strong and loud from rage it deafened most things around her.

  Something sprayed against her face and neck, and her hands suddenly hurt. A force tugged on her wrists, then another pulled on her shoulders. Her world came into focus and she looked down to see Mathias desperately grabbing at her wrists, his face covered in shock and surprise. His lips were pale and turning blue, and blood ran from his nose, mouth, and left eye.

  Lucy’s hands were around his neck, strangling him with the force of a magically enhanced Climber. They were both on the ground, her over him in complete control. Wyn tried to pull her off of him but he wasn’t as strong as she was. Not with her enhanced Barbarian body.

  Mathias let go of her wrists and reached into his black robes. He pulled out a dagger, and shoved it at Lucy. She was faster than him, stronger than him. But that close she couldn’t do anything, and the pierce of the dagger into her side made her loosen her grip. The man stabbed at her arms and she let him go to avoid being hit again. She put a hand on her side, then pulled it away to see it coated in blood.

  A white aura surrounded her as Wyn began to heal her, and immediately the wound started to close. Mathias was choking, scrambling on the ground to get away.

  “I’ll kill you,” Lucy said, her voice low.

  Mathias dropped his predatory facade and pulled out something else from under his robes. It was a potion. He uncorked it and drank. As he finished the bottle, he disappeared in the blink of an eye, as though he was never there.

  Lucy sprang to her feet and stood up. “Where’d you go you piece of shit? You bastard! You coward!”

  “He’s gone,” Wyn said. “Was that a teleporting potion? That doesn’t make sense.”

  Lucy paced the area, her breathing ragged. Consequences be damned, she wanted Mathias dead.

  A rustle of grass with a thud behind them made them both turn abruptly. Nothing was there, but the sound was unmistakable. It sounded like someone falling on the ground.

  “It was an invisibility potion,” Wyn said, trotting over towards the exit of the alley. He knelt down to the ground. A small patch was dark and wet, and he felt something far too familiar. “Blood! He’s running!”

  Wyn loudly whistled twice, calling for the others. Lucy ran to the edge of the street. There were splatters of blood, and they were leading away.

  She wasn’t going to let him get far. A dagger appeared in her hand, pulled from her belt.

  Lucy ignored the footsteps of the others behind her as she quickly followed the blood trail. It led to Alistair, to the entrance. Whatever Mathias was doing was stupid. He likely wasn’t thinking straight, though, maybe hoping they wouldn’t follow him into the base of the tower. But Lucy was a hound on the scent, and she wanted more blood.

  She rushed into Alistair’s entrance, noting more drops of blood leading to the portal room. While she chased him, her mind eased and focused. Her anger remained, but it was more subdued to allow clarity to enter. That made her realize three things while running after him. One was that he was far more injured than she realized. Her strength truly was frighteningly strong. The second was that he had no means to heal himself, as the blood trail was increasing in amount and frequency.

  The final thing, and the one that gave her the most satisfaction, was that he was afraid. The trail was sporadic, and he was obviously not thinking clearly. He hoped for some unknown escape in the portal room instead of hiding somewhere, but it was clear he was wounded prey running for his life.

  There were some lingering Climbers going the opposite direction, and one of them stumbled back with a surprised yelp. Mathias must have pushed them, as another thud hit the ground along with a larger smack of blood on the ground. Lucy rushed forward, hoping to catch him but only grabbed air. She growled in anger.

  “I’ll get you eventually, you rat.”

  “Lucy, stop!” Wyn yelled behind her.

  “No!” Lucy said, ignoring the looks from others. “I won’t let him get away!”

  The rest of the group ran up to her as they all entered the portal room. Lucy was almost on him, she could feel it. But suddenly the trail stopped. Mathias appeared as suddenly as he vanished, standing beside a portal. He looked pale and scared, still clutching the dagger in his hand.

  “You’ll never find me if I go into this portal,” Mathias said, pointing behind him.

  Lucy crept forward like a prowling cat. “And you’ll never leave if you do. Pick your fate.”

  “Stop, Lucy,” Wyn said. “Wait a minute and think this through!”

  “That’s right!” Mathias said, his eyes frantic. “Think what will happen if I die! Heal me and we can talk this out!”

  Lucy was only a few feet away from him. One large step was all she needed.

  “Lucy, let him go,” Wyn said. “Mathias, just step away and put down the dagger.”

  Lucy looked back to the rest of the group, confusion plastered on their faces. They could stop her if they wanted. But they didn’t want to interfere. Wyn could stop her, too, but he was too afraid of the consequences. Afraid like Mathias, though in a completely different way. Afraid of what would happen to him if Mathias died. Of what would happen to his sister.

  Another life ruined. Another sister who would be owned by the Assembly.

  Anger was replaced with a strange sense of peace. A feeling she hadn’t felt in some time. Not since her sister was here.

  But maybe she was. A smile formed on Lucy’s face while her heart was filled with understanding. Her sister answered her prayer after all. She needed conviction. She needed courage.

  “No,” Lucy said.

  She rushed Mathias, grabbed his dagger and stabbed him with it in the chest in one quick move. His gasps were melodious. The feeling of freedom was indescribable.

  Voices and noises erupted around her, but she ignored them. She held on to Mathias’s body and pushed him into the portal, disappearing back into the tower. Mentally she thought of the best floor to go. The only one worth visiting for what she wanted next.

  She had no intention of leaving. Only of experiencing her freedom one last time. Then on to finally see her sister once again.

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