Beneath The Fang

As dusk fell over Carrowhelm, the cobbled streets were quiet and shadows danced long between the old stone buildings. Dion maintained a cautious pace next to the streetwise little orphan with fast feet and even faster ideas. As they crept through the alleyways, Dion gave Tio a sidelong glance.

"So what's your story, Tio?" Dion asked quietly, but there was an edge of curiosity to it.

Tio hesitated before answering his question. "I live in the Lowlands, near the sewer district. That's where the most of us orphans stay. There's no law there... just hunger and gangs." He gave a bitter laugh. "My sister, Eva, is doing better now because of you."

Dion gave him a faint smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess sometimes punching criminals does more good than harm."

Tio cocked his head. "You don't look like the sort who walks around trying to help kids. You're not from any gang and I can tell you are not working for the marquess. Who are you working for?"

Dion's smile deepened into something sly. "A very powerful man... someone who plans to shake Carrowhelm to its very roots."

Before Tio could respond, they reached their destination: a tavern with a weathered sign depicting a snarling tooth — the symbol of the Fangbangs. The tavern appeared abandoned from the outside, but the low drone of voices and clinking of mugs emanating from inside suggested otherwise.

Dion eyed the door. "Let's get one."

Tio's face turned pale like chalk. "You can't just walk in there! There are too many in there. I'll pull one out — you'll grab him."

Dion paused and nodded. "You have ten minutes. If you're not back, I'm coming in."

Tio nodded resolutely, but he wouldn't meet Dion's eyes. He slipped through the door. Dion leaned against the wall and watched the darkened windows. There were muffled conversations inside, but he couldn't make out any of the words.

Eight minutes passed.

Then ten.

Dion was thinking of a way in when the door burst open. Tio ran past him, eyes wide open, and a thug was in pursuit of him.

"You filthy rat, I'm going to skin you!" The thug bellowed.

Dion stepped out of the shadows and threw a hard hook to the thug's jaw. The blow sent him tumbling back into the alley. Tio sighed.

"Nice timing."

"Go," Dion muttered. "I got what I came for."

Tio gave him a grateful nod, and then disappeared into the night.

____

At the exact same time, Hunter entered the Mercenary Guild. The imposing building was covered in old scars from past brawls. The inside was vibrant - massive mercenaries drank, and roars of laughter filled the building. Up front, there was a bored-looking receptionist eating from a reed. 

"I need to post a contract," Hunter said gruffly.

The receptionist held out a form without caring at all. "Details. Duration. Numbers. Pay."

Hunter took a quill and wrote: Three-week contract. Security and defense. Pay guaranteed. Report to 'A.L.F.' He then placed a heavy pouch of coin as a fee.

The receptionist's eyes flew open in shock. "Noted."

____

That night, Luenor sat alone, reviewing every lead. Arwin was in the hands of a grand mage. Merchants were ready to talk. The Fangbangs were rattled. But the skyshard blades—those remained shrouded in mystery.

He lit a candle and stared at the flickering flame. "I will get you out, Arwin," he whispered. "And I'll find out who the fuck Linlin really is."

____

Dion sat in a poorly lit warehouse that night and glared at the thug he had knocked out earlier. The thug sat bound against a crate. Blood trickled down from his nose, and his eye had already begun to swell.

"Talk." Dion snapped. "What can you tell me about the grand mage. Linlin."

The thug whimpered. "I-I don't know anything! I swear, I-I-I am just a runner. If you want to know things, you go to the boss. Fangbang himself!"

Dion studied him. He wasn't lying. Dion kicked him in the face which put him to sleep again.

Dion exited the warehouse and found Luenor and Hunter waiting for him outside. 

"He doesn't know much." Dion said shaking his head. "But he did say Fangbang might."

Luenor walked back and forth with his arms crossed. "We were going to take over the gangs at some point… it seems our time has come early."

Hunter grunted. "He'll be expecting something. We need a plan."

The three of them lingered for a moment longer, shadows nearly stuck to their boots, air alive with suspense. Somewhere in that city, Arwin's fate was unknown. A grand mage was moving behind their backs. And the marquess was oblivious to the brewing tempest under his nose.

But soon, the whole of Carrowhelm would know.

Alfrenzo was up the road.