Starla sat with her head bent over a book, trying to study. She wasn’t really concentrating fully on her reading though. It was a beautiful day, with only a few clouds in the sky. She was sitting on a small blanket on the grass between the wall and the Orchard building, a stack of homework and assigned reading beside her. A stack that was still far too tall for the hour and a half she had already been sitting out here. She put down her current book- Skyotes and other so-called ‘vermin’ by Joy Belle- with a sigh and a half chuckle.

  ‘I don’t know what I was thinking, trying to study out here on a day like this,’ she thought to herself. She formed a tiny ball of light and rolled it around and between her fingers, admiring the glow and recalling an interesting theory she had read in a book about the fundamentals of affinities.

  “A light affinity works somewhat like an extremely concentrated, highly powerful reflection. Magic cannot create something out of nothing. It merely interacts with- and sometimes amplifies- what is already there. Light magic does not create light. Rather, it shows the light that could be there by amplifying the light that is or was already there. Following this theory, in a scenario involving a complete and utter lack of light of any kind for a long enough amount of time, light magic would be rendered useless.”

  The theory wasn’t something particularly groundbreaking for her, though it was very interesting. But light affinities were rarer than most, so there wasn’t much research on them compared to other affinities.

  “That’s cool.”

  The voice startled Starla out of her thoughts. “Oh, this?” she said, causing the ball of light to roll to a stop in the palm of her hand. “Thank you.” She looked up at the boy who had spoken. He was around her age, with light brown ringlets and darker skin that meant he was most likely from Retherin. He had an air of nobility about him. Starla stood as gracefully as possible.

  “I’m Starla,” she said. “It’s good to meet you.” The boy nodded.

  “The pleasure is mine,” he responded. “My name is Wallace.” He nodded to her books. “Studying?” Starla laughed.

  “Trying to,” she said. “It’s rather hard on a day like this.” Wallace smiled.

  “I can agree with that,” he said. “Hence, my lack of homework.” Starla grinned. “Anyway,” he continued, “I thought that today was a good day to introduce myself. I’m a bit surprised that we haven’t already met on some diplomatic trip or another, actually.” Starla tilted her head. 'Diplomatic trip?'

  “Of course. I hope you wouldn’t mind reminding me of your status?” This time Wallace laughed.

  “Well said. My full name is Wallace Levenson. I’m King Colin’s nephew.” Starla smiled and held out a hand to shake.

  “Well met. My name is Starla Verenteis, niece of King Treion. But I suppose you already knew that.” Wallace laughed again and shook Starla’s hand.

  “Well met, Starla. I’d be pleased to call you friend and ally.”

  “As would I,” Starla said with a chuckle. “Friend.”

  …

  Viren looked upon Emreld’s gate with wide eyes as the Tiger Claws approached it. “I knew you would like this part,” Drew said, nudging Viren’s shoulder with a grin. Emreld’s city wall was most likely made of stone, but the entire outside layer of it was covered in smooth white cement. The only part of the white layer that was dirty was near to the ground.

  It was the city gate that took Viren’s breath away though. It was surrounded by sparkling shards of glass set into the cement. The glass shards were in varying shades of green, some looking almost blue. Speckled among the green were shards of glass in other colors as well. Some were pink, others red, others purple and still others were yellow. A few were even gold colored. The shards were arranged in beautiful layers, welcoming all who entered the beautiful city.

  “Wow,” Viren said as they passed under the gate. “That was… like nothing I’ve ever seen.” But Drew was already gone from his side, probably catching up with someone else in the group. It didn’t matter though. Viren was busy drinking in all the sights of the Emreld gate market.

  From colorful banners and awnings to the glittering jewelry on display, the market was steeped in beautiful sights. Every few steps Viren caught sight of something new, from uncut gems to freshly cut flowers to clothes with gold and jewels sewn into them.

  Another thing about Emreld was that everything looked clean. From the street walkways to the buildings peeking from behind the market stalls, everything had little dirt. It was a clear contrast from Aureum, where even the richer cities still had dirt and grime. ‘They must have people here to clean the city,’ thought Viren. ‘I don’t know how else they would keep it this clean.’

  “This market is nothing compared to the one in June, the fae capital,” said Drew, coming up behind Viren. “Constellation- that’s the market there- is a real maze. At least this place is organized.”

  “There you are,” said Viren. “Hey, where’s the place we’re going to be staying?”

  “It’s outside of the city,” responded Drew. “Brack said we’re going to meet some city officials first.”

  “Hmm,” said Viren. “Is it for an official bounty?” he twisted around to take a closer look at a stall that was selling kittens.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  “I don’t know,” said Drew, eyeing a shifty looking shopper trying to get a little too close to the mercenary in front of them. “I think it might have something to do with that thieves’ ring Rickson mentioned.”

  Viren swiftly bent down a picked up a small pebble, never missing a step. He flicked it at the neck of the Tiger Claw in front of them, hitting her in the back of her neck. She looked behind her with a frown and caught sight of shifty shopper, who was reaching for her belt purse. The mercenary sent the would-be pickpocket a glare that would silence thunder, and he swallowed and sulked away faster than a merchant after cheating a lord.

  Drew grinned at Viren. “Nice,” he said. Viren shrugged.

  “Gotta look out for my fellow Tigers,” he said lightly. “Do you know anything about the thieves’ ring?” Drew shrugged.

  “Not much. It’s probably a relatively new problem. The thieves also have to be pretty good. Getting away with big crimes like that is hard to do in Opeali. They take thieving seriously.” Viren nodded.

  “Bigger payout, bigger risk. Better thieves.”

  “Yep,” Drew said. “Exactly. Unfortunately for them, better thieves also attract better mercs. And this ring has attracted the best.” He winked at Viren, and Viren chuckled.

  “Isn’t that a bit cocky? Calling our company the best?”

  “No,” Drew corrected. “Brack calling our company the best would be cocky. Me though, I’m just a humble mage speaking the cold hard truth.” Viren grinned.

  “Well, as a fellow humble mage, you are indeed speaking the truth, and I am in total agreement with you.” Drew flung an arm around Viren, throwing him off balance.

  “Ahh, there’s your company spirit!” Viren laughed and the mercenary in front of them turned around, walking backwards.

  “What are you two laughing at?” she asked.

  “Just our newest recruit showing some Tiger Claw spirit,” Drew said.

  “Ahh,” the mercenary said, nodding. She turned to Viren. “Has he complained to you yet about how he was the only poor, overworked mage in the company until you came along?” Viren laughed again. He hadn’t realized Drew’s reputation for complaining was that widespread.

  “Clara!” Drew said. “Viren! Don’t encourage her! You two wound me. Why would you laugh at my pain?” Clara laughed and turned back around. Viren chuckled. Drew sighed and shook his head. “No one has any appreciation for my gifts,” he moaned.

  …

  “Lord Everest will see you now,” the clerk droned. Brack led the Tigers into a large room. The room was very grand, with a high ceiling and sparkling marble floors. At the head of the room was a large desk, and behind the desk sat a large man. Lord Everest, if Viren was understanding correctly, was the governor of Emreld, the man who took care of all the business and politics related to the city. Back in Aureum, a city was usually either run by the highest ranking noble or it was run by a city council, so the concept of governor was interesting to him.

  “Greetings,” said Brack. “I would like to enquire about the recent thieves’ ring occupying Emreld. Specifically, payment in exchange for taking care of the problem.”

  “Hm,” grunted Lord Everest. “An intriguing offer. You are the same Tiger Claw company credited with apprehending the Crystal’s Shadow, are you not?” Drew leaned close to Viren.

  “The Crystal’s Shadow was a famous smuggling Lady,” he whispered.

  “We are,” Brack said in answer to Lord Everest’s question.

  “Well then,” Lord Everest said. “I am grateful you have offered your services. I would be willing to pay up to three thousand coin for the dissolving of the ring and capture of at least half the members.”

  “We agree to those terms,” said Brack.

  “Very well then!” Lord Everest clapped his hands. “I’ll have the contract drawn up.” He motioned to the clerk, who had followed the Tigers into the office.

  “Excellent,” Brack said. “I shall send someone tomorrow to get a copy.” He bowed. “You’re city shall soon be rid of its problem, governor.” With that, he turned around and led the Tigers out of the meeting room.

  The clerk ushered them out of the city hall and the company soon found themselves in a large courtyard just outside the building. Brack turned to address the company. “Alright, everybody,” he shouted. “We’ll make our way to Lord Evenbone’s house to rest and regroup. Tomorrow, our work begins!”

  …

  Lord Evenbone’s manor was probably the fanciest place Viren had ever seen. Beautiful paintings of Opeali landscapes covered nearly every wall. The softest carpets covered the floors, most featuring colorful geometric designs. Lord Evenbone himself was dressed simply compared to his house though. If Viren were to see him out in the streets, he would be surprised to learn he was a prosperous lord.

  “Welcome,” he said, greeting each Tiger with a huge smile as they entered the main hall. “It’s good to see you again, my friends.”

  “You as well,” Rickson said, giving the Lord a firm handshake. Most of the other Tigers simply bowed their heads as they passed him, and Viren followed their lead.

  “I haven’t met you before,” Evenbone said to Viren as he passed. He held out a hand, which Viren shook. “It’s good to meet you…”

  “Viren,” Viren supplied. Evenbone smiled.

  “Viren,” he repeated. “I hope you find your time at my house comfortable and hospitable. Any member of the Tigers is a friend of mine, and no stranger to me.” Viren smiled tentatively, surprised a little by the Lord’s kindness.

  “Thank you,” he said. “I hope you will not find me an unlikeable or rowdy guest.” The Lord laughed.

  “I don’t think I shall,” he said, and Viren continued on, a genuine smile spreading across his face. When all the mercenaries had come in, Brack stood aside talking with Evenbone. Evenbone nodded gravely, but Viren couldn’t hear what they were saying. Then Lord Evenbone glanced at Viren before quickly glancing away again. Viren frowned. ‘why do I get the feeling that they’re talking about me?’

  He didn’t get much time to think about it though. A servant appeared to lead the Tiger’s to their rooms, and Brack moved away from Lord Evenbone to follow the rest of the Tigers to their rooms.

  Viren got to share a room with Rickson and another Tiger named Tysonn, whom Viren had talked with a little on their journey from Aureum to Opeali. “Hey, Viren,” Tysonn greeted as they dropped their bags on the floor next to their beds. Viren nodded to him and turned to survey the room.

  It was bigger than any inn bedroom, with a desk at one corner and three beds, one for each of the other corners. The walls were painted a nice green-blue color, and there was a woven carpet in the center of the room.

  “Lord Evenbone always has lots of extra rooms for guests,” Rickson commented to Viren as he unpacked some of his gear.

  “It makes for easy boarding,” Tysonn added.

  “And it’s definitely better than any inn I’ve ever stayed in,” Viren said. Rickson laughed.

  “For sure,” he chuckled. “The food is far better too.”

  “Speaking of,” Tysonn said. “What do you say we head to the kitchen and see if they have anything to spare for hungry guests?” Viren grinned.

  “I’m in,” he said. Rickson shook his head.

  “I’m coming too, in that case.” He narrowed his eyes and Viren and Tysonn as he opened the door to leave. “I have to make sure you two don’t eat everything in the mansion.” Tysonn winked at Viren.

  “We’ll take turns distracting him while the other person eats,” he whispered loudly. Viren muffled a laugh as he followed Rickson out the door.