There he was again, standing in a clearing within a forest. Directly in front of him was the woman in white, watching the nearby stream cascade in a torrent. Her back was to him again, he could tell that she knew he was there, watching. He tried to move and this time it worked, it felt as if a tight rope had just been released, free to move as he saw fit. Tycon realized he was holding his breath and consciously forced himself to breathe, still watching the woman before him.


    Finally, she turned, her beautiful pale face reflecting the light that pierced between the trees, looking as god-like as he remembered. He slowly began making strides towards her, his steps loud as they crunched the grass beneath him, the strange woman did the same and soon they both stopped mere centimeters from one another. Her eyes stayed on him, even when he attempted to avoid her gaze, he felt them on him, the weight and power that stemmed from a mere glance left him awestruck and afraid of her all at once.


    Her pastel lips parted as she began to speak, her voice coming out like a reassuring whisper.


    "I told you the world would change but this is only the beginning. You know of the means to stop them but there is more to it than you could possibly grasp. I will help you, for there are few that know of our existence."


    Tycon tried to speak but again, nothing came out. He wanted to know who she was, why she was helping him and most of all, why him? Those questions were always somewhere within his mind. Should he blindly follow her instructions? He felt stupid for even considering that knowing all too well that''s what he had been doing this whole time and all he had done was fail every single time.


    "To the south, across the sea, there is a large formation of islands," She said, "On the largest one is a lake that connects to the ocean, there you will find the only chance you will have against them."


    The directions were incredibly vague. What did she mean about finding a chance? He was confused and dumbfounded by all the crazy things that had happened in his life recently. He couldn''t ponder for too long as suddenly he heard a voice echo through the tress, rebounding from wood and finding its way toward the clearing where he stood.


    "Tycon."


    The woman took a step back, eyes still on him and let out a weak smile. His surroundings began to shimmer, the trees twisting in on themselves, the woman now fading away, looking like an acrylic painting as her features fell out of focus and soon there was nothingness.


    "Tycon."


    <hr>


    "Tycon! Wake up!"


    The light pierced his dilated eyes like needles, in response he let out a startled noise and quickly threw his forearm over his face and waited a few moments. Sitting in a chair made of tethered sticks by a nearby window was Ren, who was already up and changed into his leather armor. Tycon could hear him chuckling at his sudden response to the morning light and he sighed.


    "Is it time already?" Tycon asked.


    Removing his arm from his face, he saw Ren nod, "Yep, it''s time for you and Sylaina to head into Halcyon so you''d best get ready."


    Tycon glanced toward the window to see the sunlight piercing through, He was surprised he had slept in so late. It was the norm for him to wake before sunrise, he blamed it on the comfortable fur cot he had slept in the past few nights. He was getting complacent, it had been far too long since he was on the road or in a fight, that had to end now.


    Without a word, he sat up and pulled on his leather gauntlets and rugged old boots, Ren watched him with a sudden concern in his eyes. Tycon couldn''t help but notice.


    "You okay?" Tycon asked as he grabbed his coat and began sliding his arms through.


    "Just wondering if you two will be okay in the city," He let out a sigh, "It''s a dangerous place for elves. It would make sense for me to go instead."


    What Ren was saying made sense to him too, though he was far more useful as an intellectual than a fighter. He meant no disrespect for the thought, he knew that Ren was a far capable individual in a fight - Just that in this instance he was far more useful working on bombs and planning with Fayne and Glahir. The way Ren constantly shook his knee as he sat, he could tell that he was itching for some action. As much as he would like to help him sate that desire, the best-case scenario would involve no fighting at all.


    "I know it would make more sense but you''re needed a lot more here. Why don''t you spar with Glahir to sate your appetite for battle?" Tycon suggested.


    Ren scratched his chin and briefly gazed at the ceiling and sighed again, "You''re right, I suppose. And sparring might be a good idea to get the blood pumping," He paused and hesitated to speak for a moment but he quickly caught his words, "Just be careful, it''s a huge risk going out there."


    Tycon let out a reassuring smile and shrugged, "I''ve got Sylaina with me and I''ll be following her lead so I doubt we''ll run into trouble."


    "Tycon I''m serious," Ren gave him a grim stare.


    Tycon approached the man and clasped his shoulder, looking down at him, "I''ll be fine, Ren. Don''t fret on it too much."


    He nodded, Tycon watched the concern slowly drain from his face.


    "In any case," Ren said, "Get your daggers and sword and meet up with Sylaina. Last I heard, she was prepping in the stables down below."


    "What about you?"


    Ren smirked, "Well, I gotta go see Glahir for a sparring match."


    As Tycon stepped outside, a sudden breeze blew his hair over his face and the sound of the rustling trees, once again consumed him. The sun was strong on his pale skin, filling him with a sudden warmth as it spread through him. The town was quiet, only a few elves were present. Making their way across the bridges that connected each platform of the town, taking no notice of him, not even a passing glance. It wasn''t anything worth being concerned about, but that soon changed when he saw his sister calmly waiting by the gate. He put it off to her simply saying goodbye before he headed out into the city, but something was wrong, that all familiar feeling he seemed to have far more often than he''d like suddenly crept upon him.


    Her face was grim and her frame rigid, not even the blonde strands of hair that blew in her face could hide that. It became far more apparent that something was wrong when she brushed the strands aside to show her eyes, bags hanging heavy under them, a shadow built from a lack of sleep. Something was bothering her.


    He made his way over to the adjacent platform where she stood, brushing past his fellow elves as he did so. His steps tapped on the wood and he heard the bridge creak as he crossed. The sounds standing out more than they ever had before. She seemed to notice him coming her way and her frame suddenly shifted to something more relaxed, smiling at him as he approached.


    "Hey, you feeling okay," Tycon started, approaching her.


    Alietah nodded quickly, "Yeah, just a lot going on with managing the place is all."


    "I''m about to head into the city and won''t be back until nightfall, you gonna be okay while I''m gone?"


    She laughed and brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face, "I''ve run this place for a long time before you came here, Tycon, I think I''ll be fine," She paused and looked to him, her eyes twitching as she studied his face and a smile began to grow on her pink lips, "Come here, idiot."


    She pulled him in an embrace, the two siblings feeling the warmth of one another, a rekindling of a bond that was long lost. The reminder of it struck him like a warm blade right through his chest and he pulled her closer, tighter.


    "Be careful, Tycon," Alietah said as they pulled away.


    He gave her a warm smile and a firm nod, he began making his way down the coiling staircase to the stables where he expected Sylaina would be waiting. He guessed she wouldn''t be too happy about his sleep in.


    I''m sure she''ll get over it.


    He guessed right. He saw her leaning by the side of her horse, scowling, arms folded and shaking her head as she watched him approach. She was dressed differently than usual, wearing what most would consider normal clothes. She was no longer in her pelted outfit and instead wore black tight pants and boots with a fastened dark vest wrapped around her hourglass figure, a white blouse was layered under, contrasting intensely with the dark colors she seemed to prefer. She looked beautiful, he had to admit it, though he always thought that since the moment she had a blade placed at his throat.


    Her brown hair was tied in a bun and the loose strands that hung from her temples fluttered across her small face. Covering her green eyes that glared at him in frustration. He raised his palms in defense, trying to laugh off his own stupidity but it was clear she wasn''t buying it.


    "Come on, we have to go!" She cocked her head toward his horse, Nilab.


    "Already? No small talk?" He replied coyly.


    Even over the wind, he could hear her loud and frustrated sigh as she shook her head and climbed into the saddle of her horse, making it rather clear she wasn''t interested in talk, only action.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "Here," She said, reaching into a saddlebag and lazily tossing him a dark green hooded cloak, "You''re gonna need this if you don''t wanna be discovered."


    Tycon nodded, pulling the cloak over his shoulders.Following her example, he climbed onto his horse, giving the mane a pat as he did so and checked that he had everything. Bandages, his sword, and daggers, there wasn''t much else he needed. Sylaina was equipped with a bow that was slung over her torso and a quiver strapped to her horse, the arrows clicked as they bounced with the horse''s movements. He had a feeling he wouldn''t hear the end of it anytime soon.


    Without another word, they were off toward Halcyon. The city infested with human-only sympathizers, the danger would be ever-present and Tycon knew he''d need to keep his wits about him, for there could be worse things in the city than the people within.


    <hr>


    "One, two, three."


    Their swords connected with each count, the sound of colliding steel filling the small open area the two sparred in. Ren could feel the sweat slowly sliding down his forehead and culminating above his lips, the salty taste slipping within his mouth as he attempted to wipe it with his sleeve.


    "You''re pretty good for a human," Glahir panted, "Where do you come from?"


    "Winter''s Peak," Ren replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.


    "I heard about that place," He said, "Got wiped off the face of the land."


    Ren nodded slowly, trying to forget the sudden reminder, he went in for another strike, "Yeah, I was... There."


    Glahir parried then lowered his sword, his expression changing to one of shock, "How did you survive?"


    The memories flashed within his mind, still images rushing through like water released by a floodgate. The bright light, the tempest from nowhere, the screams that echoed through the snowy forest he was lying in. The same screams that faded as they were quickly ripped away from existence and then nothingness. The echo of the void where his home once stood. He remembered Ambre, the look she had as everything they knew was turned to nothing.


    "Sometimes I wish I didn''t," Ren answered coldly.


    There was a long silence, time itself had seemed like it stopped in place. For a moment, not even the wind moved the trees, silence pouring over the two like a thick blanket. For the first time, he saw Glahir show concern as he approached him and clasped his shoulder firmly.


    "We''re more alike than I thought," He said softly, "A lot of us here lost everything and then there''s you, someone who''s lost it all too. If there''s anything I''ve learned, Ren, It''s that we have to keep going. For the fallen, for the lost, and for the future. What keeps you going?"


    Ren looked down toward his feet, avoiding Glahir''s gaze, "My Queen," He answered, "The hope that we can restore our home someday."


    "So why are you here with Tycon?" Glahir asked, his voice remaining calm and comforting.


    "To make sure what happened at Winter''s Peak never happens again."


    Glahir let go of Ren''s shoulder and took a step back with a grin on his face, "I''m damn well sure that you have what it takes," He said raising his blade again, "Now show me again how a swordsman of the north uses his blade."


    The words he spoke were surprising to Ren, he never expected words of encouragement from an elf who seemingly hated him. But he could tell by the look in Glahir''s eye that the elf had a newfound respect for him and his purpose. Because of his words, Ren couldn''t help but feel the same. They clashed blades and exchanged banter for a while longer and for the first time since he arrived, he truly felt welcome.


    The day was going slow and after sparring with Glahir, Ren was already exhausted. He sat on a wooden bench, wiping himself with a cloth and watching Glahir practice his strikes. The elf''s moves were stiff and precise, he preferred to be more loose and flexible but each style had their pros and cons, regardless, he couldn''t help but admire the elegance that was layered within each slash and shift of stance. He even noticed Glahir switch to Ren''s preferred style, briefly interweaving it within his own stiff stance, yet somehow it all came together fluidly.


    As he watched on, he noticed something in his peripheral. Shifting his gaze to focus on it, he briefly caught a glimpse of a hooded figure, slipping behind a nearby building. It was clear the figure had been watching them for some time and he was curious as to who it was. Ren hesitated to follow the figure but decided to regardless, just a simple glimpse gave him an uneasy feeling that wouldn''t settle any time soon.


    He rose from his seat slowly and began making his way toward the building, Glahir noticed and stopped what he was doing.


    "Where are you going?" He asked.


    Ren raised an open hand towards him, beckoning him to be quiet and leaned to the side, attempting to peak around the building to no avail.


    "I''m just gonna check on something," Ren replied and began walking.


    Glahir simply shrugged and continued slashing his sword through the air.


    Ren arrived at the building the figure disappeared behind and there was nothing. They were gone with the wind, leaving no trace behind but the feeling lingered.


    That''s weird...


    Having no idea where the figure had suddenly disappeared to, he chose not to pursue knowing full well he wasn''t likely to find them. The feeling though was similar to what Tycon had described when telling stories of his adventures prior to their meeting. Could it be the same thing? He wasn''t sure how likely it was but he made mental note to mention it to him when Tycon returned from the city. He considered bringing it up to Glahir but quickly shot down the idea, he was just paranoid, overthinking, and it was pointless to openly worry about something that seemed so trivial.


    He sat back down on the bench like he had before and continued watching Glahir for a while longer. When it had seemed like Glahir was finishing up, Ren waved him over.


    "We should go and see how Fayne is handling everything," Ren suggested.


    Glahir nodded, wiping some sweat from his brow, "I''m sure It''s all coming together."


    He had no doubt of that, no doubt at all.


    <hr>


    By the time the two had arrived at the city, Sylaina had calmed down a bit. They were perched on a hill not too far from the city gates, looking upon the maze of stone. The place was overshadowed by a cloud of thick smoke that was mostly the result of hundreds of chimneys going all at once. Though from what Sylaina had told him about the place, he guessed some of it was from pike pyres as well.


    Even from the outside, Tycon could tell something was seedy about the place, looking like a rotten and weathered labyrinth of dirty streets and stone buildings. A moat was circled around the city, the water thick and brown. At one point he swore he saw a body drifting facedown in the water. He was surprised that the king would have any real power at all but all he heard were stories about the place, some possibly exaggerated.


    Don''t Judge a book by its coverHe thought, though he had his doubts.


    "The breach is on the eastern side," Sylaina said crouching beside him, "Best to leave the horses here tethered to the trees. We''ll go on foot from here."


    He couldn''t argue with that, especially when he noticed the guards of the city sitting by the gate and set up in some sort of toll. He guessed it was mostly to check ears but he wouldn''t be surprised if it was simply a scam to rob coin from visitors, why anyone would want to visit Halcyon outside of something shady was beyond him. Looking to the east, he saw a wheatfield just beyond the moat and soon realized that getting into the city wasn''t the hard part, it was not getting discovered within that would be the real challenge.


    "Okay, so what''s our next move?" Tycon asked.


    "See that?" She pointed to a large manor made of oak and stone that was proudly standing in seemingly a somewhat cleaner district, "That''s Keo''s manor. We have to find a way inside, my guess is that''s where the vault is located."


    Tycon shrugged, "Sound''s simple enough."


    "Follow me and keep low," Sylaina replied quietly.


    He followed her as they silently crept through the grass and into the wheatfield, he tried his best not to brush them but it was harder than he thought, his scabbard constantly tapped at the stems, he had to hold it still in hopes they hadn''t already drawn attention to themselves.


    His thoughts returned to the dream he had, the islands in the south? Should he pursue the directions the strange woman spoke of? Again he reminded himself, all he was doing was following her directions. He let the thought slip away and tried to focus on the mission at hand. Sylaina was crouched in front of him, her head obscured by the hood of her cloak. She reminded him a lot of Ambre in a way, though he couldn''t quite place why. Perhaps it was how strong-willed she was, he wasn''t sure. Every step she took was totally silent as if she were weightless upon the dirt like a feather.


    she was used to being stealthy,He reminded himself. She had to be with the life she lived but witnessing it again since she had him at knifepoint was astonishing like he was seeing the other side of a coin he had never seen before.


    They reached the end of the wheatfield that stopped just before the moat, the city wall sitting just beyond it. Sylaina held out a hand motioning him to stop and so he did. She appeared to be peeking into the moat then she turned, her face scrunched in disgust. That''s when the smell hit him, a mixture of shit, piss, and corpse, he almost dry heaved as it suddenly hit him like a sucker-punch.


    "We''re not going in there are we?" Tycon whispered, concerned.


    She looked defeated and sighed, "No matter how many times I''ve done this, it never gets easier."


    Oh fuck, oh shit.


    She stepped in first, taking a deep breath and moving slowly within the moat. Tycon dipped his boots in and hesitated but eventually slipped himself in the water. It wasn''t as thick as he thought, though he knew the smell wouldn''t come out any time soon. He glanced toward a stone pipe that protruded from the wall with brown water pouring out indefinitely and he shuddered as he waded through the moat. He couldn''t wait for this part to be over with and he couldn''t help but chuckle at the idea of Ren seeing it for the first time.


    Next time we''re bringing a zipline.


    Once they were on the other side of the moat, he followed Sylaina to a small crack in the wall. It was thin, though wide enough for both elves to slip through, he wondered how Glahir would handle fitting through with his large frame. On the other side was the slums of the city, or perhaps the actual city, Tycon couldn''t make out the difference. The other side of the breach was masked simply by a stack of empty barrels, how nobody had found it was beyond him.


    Remembering the city''s layout, he guessed that Keo''s manor was somewhere to the north-west and in an entirely different district. That concerned him the most and he doubted there would be another breach to slip through. Sylaina, however, didn''t appear worried at all. Her nose was scrunched at the smell that was emitting from their armor and clothes, though Tycon had begun to doubt it was just them that smelt that way.


    Looking toward the dirt road, it became abundantly clear to him now that it wasn''t just them that smelt awful. The roadside was covered in feces, human or otherwise with beggars sitting around it as if it were no problem at all. Most of the buildings were made from an assortment of wood and cloth, looking more like a shanty town than anything that should be a part of a city. Sometimes he couldn''t tell if a person was sleeping or dead.


    They walked through the streets slowly and took the first chance to slip into an alley to stay away from prying eyes. Despite the hooded cloaks they wore, they couldn''t be too careful.


    "I feel like we should have thought this through," Tycon said as they turned another corner.


    Sylaina, who was by his side looked at him and tapped a finger on her temple then smirked, "Got the plan right here."


    "Care to share it with me?"


    Sylaina shrugged, "We make our way near Keo''s district gate and slip into the sewers."


    "The sewers?" Tycon sighed, "Really?"


    She nodded, "Everyones gotta shit somewhere right? And a vault is underground right?"


    Tycon raised an eyebrow.


    "Meaning we find where his manor is in the sewers below and we''re likely to find the vault too," She elaborated.


    "Makes sense," He replied, "But that''s based on a lot of assumptions."


    She clapped him on the shoulder, "Trust me, Tycon. We''ve got this."


    He wasn''t entirely convinced of the plan but it wasn''t like he had anything better. Plus, they already smelt like shit so it wouldn''t make much of a difference in a sewer. If there was anything he was sure of though, it was that he was going to have a long and hot bath when they returned.


    He couldn''t help but imagine the hot steam floating above the tub, just waiting for him to hop in. It was all he had to look forward to, for right now they had more pressing matters.


    What he would find within the sewers was something more terrifying than any monster he had faced before.