Chapter 18: The Other Greenwood Days

September 10, 535

As Asante led the group through the plains of the Land of Solitude, they began to see the signs of a civilization on the horizon. A wave of relief washed over the young cadet's faces as their tension lowered, and George smiled with a nostalgic look on his face.

"What'd you say this town was called?" Leonard asked.

"Greenwood," Asante replied, his voice harsh and tactile. "Birthplace of your ancestor, and birthplace of the traitorous Reinbose Revolution."

"There's no wall?" Erick asked.

"There doesn't need to be," George replied. "Greenwood is a merchant's town. They do dealings with the people of the Land of Solitude all the time."

"But what about the Men of Gordon?" Leonard asked curiously.

Hagen laughed. "That's not the reason we have the wall, Leonard."

"It does seem weird," Kastor said calmly. "I've been looking, and I've seen no sign of them at all."

"I doubt they'd want to reveal themselves if they were there." George kicked his horse into high gear and rode up to Asante. "So," he whispered so only Asante could hear. "What's the plan when we get in?"

"You've been here before, haven't you? Shouldn't you know where the inn we'd be staying at would be?"

"That was decades ago, it would hardly still be standing."

"Reinbosians are very traditional, you know. I would think they keep buildings around much longer than the empire does."

George sighed. "Very well, I'll lead us to the one place I know of." George sped his horse to lead the group and led them to the outskirts of the village.

The inn still stood as it was when George last was here. It was a small one-story building that was made of wood and plaster with a distinct eastern style. The front of the building held a porch and a sign that hung from the rafters saying 'Dunscathe Inn'. The group dismounted from their horses and tied them to the building.

Inside, the inn had several tables for eating as a lonely bard played tunes quietly. At the bar, a man stood as he cleaned the tankards customers used to drink ale and mead from. George walked up to the man confidently, who was surprised at the amount of guests he suddenly had.

It had been a long time since he last spoke the language, but George at one point learned Aldari. Suspecting the man spoke it, he recited the words he once knew. "Aldarini mëvat jëi?" Do you speak Aldari?

The man looked at him with a surprised gaze. "Tïk, mëvat jë! Höï fërïkäkat jëi?" Indeed I do! How can I be of service?

"Miten frëndën ä jë," George said, pointing to the group behind him, "rümat dûïnën bënkatïrë. Monetä mäfït, negötätëm hötë üvïrënë?" My friends and I would like to book two rooms. We don't have much in the way of money, but is there any deal we can work out?

"Höï nightënën?" How many nights?

George thought. Asante hadn't stated they'd be in Greenwood for long, so he stuck to a safe answer. "Dûïnën momentät. Fundën fïndënfërën tëkë, stäjinäzën lengthatëm stäjinë, if tekën." Two for now. We'll procure enough funds to increase our stay if need be by then.

The man scratched his chin. "Höï monetä fërën?" Well, how much do you have?"

George walked over to Asante and asked for all the coin they had. It wasn't much, as none of them expected to spend money on the journey, but what he could get he slapped on the table. It wasn't much, just a few coin, but he presented it confidently, hoping it would be enough. As he slammed the coins down on the table, George thought of one other way to win over the barkeeper. Decades prior, when he last visited the inn, the innkeeper at the time gave George a small ring. George retrieved the ring from his bag and placed it next to the coins.

Only noticing the ring, the man's eyes widened. "Höd fërën?" Where did you get that?

"Gertruden lëndën fërën timezë desëkädë." I was given it by Gertrude some decades ago.

"Gertruden knëwën jëi?" You knew Gertrude?

George nodded. "Tïk, knëwën jë." Yes, I did.

The man's eyes began to tear up. "Gööt, knëwet, frëndën timezë jërë lätër yërën." The man smiled and extended his hand. "Räï, stäjinäze tekën twëlf. Evirï nightë afërï, ëksfrën fëtä." It's good to know she still had friends in her later years. Very well, you can stay with just that much until the twelfth. Every night afterwards will be an extra fee.

George shook the man's hand. "Gräzïas mënä." Thank you so much.

The man gave George two keys and pointed him down the hallway where the rooms were. George nodded and returned to the group. "We got the keys!"

"Nicely done, Freeman." Asante grabbed the keys from George and began walking down the hallway. There were about eight rooms, and the group had the two rooms at the end of the hallway across from one another: one large room with four beds, and another smaller room with two beds.

"You four are to stay here," Asante stated. "George and I have someplace to check out, we'll be back this afternoon."

"We do?" George asked.

"We do. I'll explain the details along the way."

"It's festival season and you'll have us inside all day?" Hagen whined sarcastically.

"Indeed, I will. We're not here to witness any festival Reinbose is hosting." Asante walked to the door and held the two keys in the air. "I have your keys, don't even think about exiting the building. Understand?"

The cadets saluted casually.

Asante closed the door and locked it. He and George went to the other room and dropped most of their belongings inside, then heading out of the building into the bright sun.

"So where are we headed?"

"Each region of the republic is headed by a governor. We're going to this region's governor's mansion."

George raised an eyebrow. "How come?"

"Eldric is an imperial. You don't believe he'd be caught in a single day? It's exactly why I didn't bring those four."

"If he's caught, then why would he be taken to the governor's mansion?"

"It would be a cause for international panic. If we swoop in and take him from their noses, then we can leave without an issue."

"Assuming he is caught."

"It's as good a place to start in any case. Regardless, we'll be scouring the town for any trace of that boy."

George sighed. "Whatever you say."

The two walked for an hour or so until they reached the governor's mansion. Asante reveled in the sight of the large building while George began looking for someone to speak to. He noticed a uniformed man standing next to the gate and walked up to him.

"Aldarini mëvat jëi?" Do you speak Aldari?

The uniformed man nodded.

"Impërialin kätürët fën?" Has an imperial been brought through here?

The man shook his head. "Impërialin? Nä, söri, nä impërialën hërë. If kätürën wë, döjë zëtësë jusdisät!" An imperial? No, sorry, no imperials here. If we do capture one, though, they'll be brought to justice!

George thanked the man and returned to Asante. "Looks like Eldric hasn't made his way through here."

"I see. We'll look through the market then, and then through the residential district. He's here. I just know it."

Just then, the doors to the mansion opened. George and Asante were standing in a spot that couldn't see who exited the doors, but they could hear the conversation they were having.

"I know that voice," George said.

Quickly, Asante grabbed George and pulled him around a corner. They viewed the gate as two men exited and stood there talking. One of the men was Eldric, startling both George and Asante. George smiled as he saw the confidence Eldric exuded. He'd finally seen his son after so long, and a wave of nostalgia ran over his face. The other, a taller man wearing a bright green suit was doing most of the talking.

"So," George mumbled under his breath, "he's alive after all."

"Eldric couldn't die," Malik replied, "you know as well as I why."

"Yeah," George replied. "Let's go get him."

"Not so fast!" Asante grabbed George and pulled him back. "We don't want to capture him while there are witnesses. He just exited the governor's mansion, who knows what connections he has. For now, let's just listen in on what they're doing."

George sighed and fell silent. The two began to listen to the conversation between Eldric and the tall man.

"How'd you get us invited?" Eldric asked.

"We're going as relatives of a man in the eastern republic political sphere." The tall man shrugged. "Some old name I can barely pronounce, Giehl or something like that. Barely any history of coming this far west, so it's a good chance we won't ever be questioned about it."

"Of course!" Asante exclaimed as he snapped his fingers. "The banquet! They'll be at the banquet, and Eldric will be a sitting duck!"

"Why would they try to go to the banquet?"

Asante knocked George's head. "Who cares why they're going, all that matters is that that's where we're going to capture the boy. Eldric seems to not even know we're here, so it's a perfect plan."

"And how do you expect us to get in?"

"Are you an idiot? We have a Rietveld for this exact reason."

George sighed. "Has he no other purpose?"

"Do you expect him to?" Asante snarked. "Let's return to the inn for now and relay the information we've just received. I wasn't expecting us to succeed this quickly." Laughing, Asante led George back to the inn.

Once at the inn, the two explained everything they'd heard and that they will be heading to the president's banquet on the twelfth.

"Leonard, George and I will be the ones to go in," Asante stated. "Having said that, we still have another day to get ready for it. Just because the other three are going to stand outside, doesn't mean they won't be in attendance. Rather, you will be watching the entrance of the mansion for in case Eldric slips away. Understood?"

"W-Why must I be the one to go in?" Leonard stuttered.

"You're a Rietveld. They take one look at you and revere you as a god."

"Yeah," Hagen joked, "we could get some crazy discounts anywhere we go. I say tomorrow we take advantage of Leonard's name."

Asante slammed his foot. "Rietveld will not be leaving this building until it is time to go to the banquet. It would disrupt everything and if Eldric got word of Leonard's presence, then he'd surely attempt to leave Greenwood at the mere thought of him being here."

"Pity," Hagen said melancholically.

Asante sighed. "Regardless, tomorrow, you're all free to explore the town as you wish, except you Rietveld. George and I will be off to prepare for the banquet, and I hope you don't cause any issue. We cannot have the Reinbosians know imperials are here. Understand?"

"What if we see Eldric?" Kastor asked.

"If you see Eldric," George said, stepping forward. "He'll see you. Capture him immediately if he begins to run."

"And if he doesn't run," Asante said calmly, "don't pursue."

The four cadets exchanged looks with one another before looking back at Asante and saluting. Asante and George exited the room, leaving the four alone.

"Sorry about that Leonard," Kastor said, moving to his bed. "If there's anything you'd like us to pick you up while we're out, let us know."

Leonard laughed quietly. "It's alright, I doubt I would've left anyway given the chance."

"It must be nice though," Hagen said with a smile. "Not having Henry around I mean."

Leonard shrugged. "Yeah, I guess so."

"Wonder what he's doing right now." Hagen sat at the lone table in the room and cracked open a book. "Hard to imagine he's still with that Paulek lady."

"Wherever he is, good riddance." Erick jumped on his bed and closed his eyes. "That guy's been trouble since day zero."

"The Kistler's hold a lot of power," Kastor replied. "I don't know how his family will react to him not returning."

"Let's hope they don't blame it on Leonard, that's all I care about." Erick turned to his side.

Kastor looked at Leonard, who remained silent. He shook his head as he followed suit and closed his eyes, falling asleep on the comfortable bed.

* * *

The following morning, Asante and George bid farewell to Kastor, Erick, and Hagen as the two groups split up. Leonard slept in that morning, knowing he wasn't going to leave the inn.

Kastor, Erick, and Hagen walked through the bustling streets of Greenwood, their eyes wide with curiosity and wonder. The morning sun bathed the town in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets and highlighting the intricate details of the buildings around them.

Tall pagoda-like structures with curved eaves stood alongside timber-framed houses, their roofs adorned with delicate carvings. The cobblestone paths wound through the town, giving it a quaint and timeless charm.

The market was alive with activity. Vendors were setting up their stalls, displaying an array of goods that ranged from handwoven baskets to freshly harvested produce. The scent of ripe fruits and earthy herbs filled the air, mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Kastor's stomach rumbled as they passed a stall selling honey-glazed pastries.

"Let's get something to eat," he suggested. They approached a vendor, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, and each received a pastry. As they continued their walk, they savored the sweet, sticky treat, enjoying the simple pleasure of good food.

They passed by a series of wooden carvings and sculptures displayed on the walls of buildings. Each piece told a different story, some depicting scenes from Greenwood's past, others showcasing mythical creatures native to the Reinbose forests. One particularly striking sculpture caught Hagen's eye. It was a depiction of a stag, intricately carved from a single piece of wood, its antlers reaching out majestically. Hagen paused briefly to admire the artwork before moving on.

"A stag?" Erick asked, standing next to Hagen.

"Not just any stag, this is the Lunaris Stag, the national animal of Reinbose. It's white coat glows in the middle of the night as it visits those in need. Known for its wisdom, purity, and protection, the stag visits those whom it deems worthy, blessing them with good luck and wisdom in desperate times of need." Hagen turned to Erick, a smile across his face. "Or so they say."

Erick shook his head and stepped away from the vendor, Hagen shortly behind. The trio observed the diverse crowd. People from all walks of life filled the streets, their attire ranging from simple, functional clothing to more elaborate garments adorned with natural dyes and embroidery. Children ran past, laughing and playing, while street performers entertained onlookers with music played on wooden flutes and string instruments.

There was an air of excitement in Greenwood that day, as preparations for the Reinbose Festival were in full swing. Banners in vibrant colors hung across the streets, and many of the stalls were decorated with ribbons and flowers. As they continued through the market, the trio noticed groups of people working together to set up stages and platforms for the upcoming festivities. The sound of hammers and saws mingled with the chatter and laughter of those involved in the preparations. Kastor watched as a group of children helped to string up lanterns, their faces alight with excitement.

The park they stumbled upon was a refreshing change of pace. Lush green grass and blooming flowers provided a serene backdrop for families picnicking and children flying homemade kites. The sight and sounds of laughter filled the air, and for a moment, the three travelers paused to take it all in. Kastor watched a group of children playing a game of tag, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the seriousness of their own journey.

Moving on from the park, they ventured into the quieter residential areas. The houses here were a mix of styles, some modern and sleek, others charmingly old-fashioned with ivy-covered walls and blooming gardens. Many of the homes were adorned with decorations for the festival, with colorful banners and handcrafted ornaments hanging from windows and doors. They passed by a small courtyard filled with vibrant flowers and a fountain at its center. The sound of water trickling and the sight of the colorful blooms created a serene atmosphere, and they found a bench to sit on for a brief rest.

They continued their walk, the sun climbing higher in the sky and casting a warm glow over the streets. The late morning crowd was beginning to fill the market, with vendors calling out their wares and customers haggling over prices. The aroma of freshly brewed herbal tea and pastries from a nearby café was tempting, and they decided to stop for a drink.

The small café had a cozy outdoor seating area, the perfect spot to watch the world go by. They ordered their drinks and found a table in the shade. Sipping their tea, they observed the lively scene around them. The market was now in full swing, with street performers setting up for the afternoon shows. The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with the sounds of music and laughter.

After finishing their tea, they decided to explore more of the town, heading toward the artisanal district known for its craftsmen and artists. The narrow streets were lined with workshops, and they could see artisans at work through the open doors and windows. The sound of hammers on metal, the hum of sewing machines, and the scent of freshly cut wood filled the air.

Kastor marveled at the skill and dedication of the artisans, their hands moving with practiced precision. Erick and Hagen were equally absorbed, noting the diversity of crafts being produced. They entered a small gallery showcasing local artwork. The gallery owner, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, welcomed them and offered to show them around. They admired the diverse collection, each piece telling a unique story.

After leaving the gallery, they continued their exploration. The sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow over the town. Greenwood's streets were now crowded with people going about their daily routines. They passed by a school where children were playing in the courtyard, their laughter echoing off the walls.

The smell of food drew them to another section of the market, where they saw a stall selling fresh fruit and another with an assortment of cheeses. They bought a few items and shared them as they walked, enjoying the variety of flavors. The combination of sweet and savory was a delightful contrast, and they found themselves momentarily lost in the simple pleasure of good food.

Amongst the food vendors was a vendor who was selling fine clothing. Hagen took notice of this and walked up to it. He eyed the clothes, clearly manufactured with love and care over the course of many hours. He turned around to see if Erick and Kastor were beside him, seeing they were viewing another stall. With a smirk, he used his quick reflexes to nab a shirt from the vendor, quickly turning around and vacating from the stall.

"Hey!"

Hagen heard someone calling out to him, he thought nobody would have noticed, and for someone to have noticed the speed at which he grabbed the shirt caught his interest.

"Hey, put that back."

It was a man's voice, one he didn't recognize. He didn't have an accent to him, and Hagen was deeply interested in who this could be. Not believing the man saw him for sure, Hagen turned around with a smile. "I'm sorry?"

"The shirt you stole, put that back." The man was tall and confident. He had an aura about him that made Hagen uneasy, but he paid no mind to it.

Hagen shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Erick and Kastor had noticed the confrontation and walked up to the two. Erick quickly assessed the situation and stood in front of Hagen. "Is there a problem here?" Erick asked.

"No, I don't believe there is." Hagen said, never breaking eye contact with the tall man. "This man is only accusing me of stealing, that's all."

Erick sighed and stepped back. Kastor, jumping his eyes between Hagen and the tall man finally stepped forward. "Did you see him specifically steal something?" He asked in an accusational manner.

The tall man nodded. "I saw him take a shirt from the clothes vendor just over there. He did it quick enough where the normal eye could not see, but I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Hagen smiled, bearing his teeth. "And where is that shirt now?"

The tall man lowered his eyebrows as he reached for Hagen, being stopped by Kastor and Erick. "You won't get by us," Erick stated. "We won't stand for your assumptions."

"Now, now," Kastor said, turning to Erick, "let's not assume he's in the wrong." He grabbed the two others and created a small huddle so the tall man couldn't hear. "Hagen, did you?"

"And what if I did?" Hagen said sarcastically. "Nobody would've noticed."

"Clearly this guy did," Erick said sternly.

"Well I say bull shit he did. There's no way he would've noticed me taking the shirt from the stall."

"Regardless," Kastor said with a sigh, "this isn't someone we want to mess with now, so let's return the shirt, and you can steal something else later."

Hagen's smile dissipated. "Very well, here you are." Hagen presented the shirt to Kastor and immediately the huddle broke.

"I apologize for my friends behavior," Kastor said, handing over the shirt to the tall man, "thank you for catching him in the act."

The man nodded. "Next time, be upfront about it, or you won't have another arm to steal."

Hagen laughed. "Fair play, good sir. Fair play." The three left the tall man in the market and began to walk further into the city.

As they wandered further, they came upon a small, secluded garden tucked away behind a row of buildings. It was a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the bustling town. They sat on a bench, surrounded by the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birds chirping. The tranquility of the garden was a welcome respite, and they took a moment to relax and reflect on their journey so far.

"Crazy to think we were in the empire just days ago," Kastor noted. "What a wild ride."

"It truly has been." Erick smiled as he stretched out all his limbs. "What a start to our military careers, huh?"

"Makes me question the captain's decision making." Hagen chuckled. "Sending a bunch of rookies to the Land of Solitude? Why not the veterans who've been doing this their whole lives?"

"He told us," Kastor replied. "We're here because we were close to Eldric."

"Were we though?" Hagen stood from the bench. "I personally barely knew the kid. Now they have me as someone who's gonna convince him to return home? Fat chance."

"That's true," Erick agreed, "I think the only one of us who really got to know him was you, Kastor."

"Well, it wasn't like we were complete strangers to him!" Kastor scratched his head. "I'm sure you would have called him your friend a week ago."

"Maybe we would have," Hagen said calmly, "but that's practically long gone. The guy's put us all in danger, I'd hardly call him a friend at this point."

"Don't you think that's a little harsh?" Kastor asked. "I mean, we don't know why he ran out into the Land of Solitude, for all we know, it could have been life or death for him by that point."

"We all heard the explosion, Kastor." Erick scratched his head. "It's hard to say whether his reason was justified. He was part of the Red-Light District after all."

Hagen nodded his head in agreement.

Kastor didn't have any words to reply to that. "I'm sure that when we find him and bring him back, we'll get a good explanation as to what's going on."

"I'm more curious about why we're going after him," Hagen wondered. "I mean, isn't it fairly common for people to desert the Guardian Force?"

"I believe so," Erick replied. "Whatever Eldric did must've been pretty bad for us to come all this way for him."

"Maybe." Hagen smiled as he began to walk off. Kastor and Erick, noticing the time, followed him back into the streets of the city.

As the evening approached, they decided to head back toward the heart of the town. The streets were now filled with the sounds of street performers and the chatter of people. They passed by a group of musicians playing lively tunes, their melodies adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Erick tapped his foot to the rhythm, and Kastor couldn't help but smile at the infectious energy.

Their path led them back to the marketplace, where they looked around for the tall man and saw nobody. They saw a puppet show entertaining a group of children. The puppeteer's skill was impressive, bringing the characters to life with expressive movements and voices. The children were captivated, their faces alight with wonder and joy.

Suddenly, Erick's voice rang throughout the marketplace. "There he is!"

Hagen didn't wait for confirmation. He darted forward, his feet pounding against the cobblestone streets. Kastor and Erick followed closely, their eyes fixed on the man who had once been their comrade. Eldric. The name echoed in their minds with every step.

"Don't let him get away!" Kastor's authoritative voice sent a ripple through the market, vendors and customers alike stepping aside to let them pass.

Hagen was the fastest, weaving through the crowd with a determined look on his face. His breath came in controlled bursts, his eyes never leaving Eldric's retreating figure. He saw Eldric duck beneath a fruit stand, knocking over a crate of apples that spilled across the ground in a cascade of red and green. Hagen leaped over the fallen fruit, his agility making the obstacle almost trivial.

He caught up to Eldric just as he turned a corner, matching his pace. A snarky grin spread across Hagen's face. "Why, Eldric! It's been a while, hasn't it? Or at least, a week!"

"What're you doing here?!" Eldric's voice was breathless, his surprise evident.

"Orders from Asante, you know how it is!" Hagen laughed, enjoying the chase. Eldric turned another corner, catching Hagen off guard for a moment but not enough to lose him. He laughed as he reentered the pursuit of the man.

"Split up!" Kastor's voice was commanding, a natural leader even in the chaos of the chase. The group dispersed, each taking a different route to corner their prey. Erick moved with purpose, his eyes scanning every alley and passage. Kastor's booming steps echoed behind, a constant reminder of their relentless pursuit.

Eldric burst into a street filled with pedestrians. Hagen saw his target veer to the left, scattering a group of children playing in the street. Hagen followed, his athleticism allowing him to navigate the obstacles with ease.

"There he is!" Erick's voice rang out from a small courtyard where Eldric had hoped to hide.

Eldric dived through an open window, but the trio was undeterred. Hagen reached the courtyard next, followed by Kastor. They coordinated their efforts, understanding that teamwork was their best chance at capturing Eldric. The market sounds faded as they delved deeper into the residential district, a labyrinth of tightly packed houses and narrow streets.

Hagen's excitement grew as Eldric managed to stay just out of reach. The pursuit took them over fences and through gardens, the affluent neighborhood offering no refuge for Eldric. Hagen saw him throw a sack of flour into the street, creating a thick white cloud. Eldric dashed through it, but Hagen was right behind, his movements precise and unrelenting.

Kastor and Erick navigated the cloud with practiced efficiency, the flour slowing them only momentarily. Eldric's temporary advantage evaporated as the group reformed and pressed on. They emerged into a quiet square, the centerpiece a fountain surrounded by benches and flowerbeds. Hagen saw the elderly woman tending to the flowers and ignored her startled gaze, his focus solely on Eldric.

Eldric's sprint continued, his desperation evident. Hagen's silhouette loomed at the entrance to the square, and Eldric pushed himself harder, his muscles protesting with every step. The narrow alley ahead promised another chance at escape. Hagen followed, his footsteps echoing off the high walls, the sound a constant reminder of the pursuit.

Hagen's excitement peaked when Eldric scaled a ladder to the rooftops. The city spread out before them, a sprawling maze of streets and rooftops. Hagen didn't hesitate, following Eldric onto the precarious heights. The gaps between the roofs were narrow but treacherous, each leap a test of nerve.

Suddenly, Eldric dropped below the roof. Hagen, assuming he jumped down to the street, jumped down to follow suit. He looked up and down and saw no Eldric. In front of him was an alleyway which he quickly entered to see if Eldric took that way.

The trio regrouped after several minutes of searching, their breaths heavy and their bodies drenched in sweat. The marketplace had grown quieter, the fading sun casting long, tired shadows across the cobblestone streets. Hagen, Erick, and Kastor stood in a small, secluded alley, leaning against the rough brick walls as they caught their breath.

Hagen was the first to break the silence, a chuckle escaping his lips as he shook his head. "So now he knows we're here," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and amusement.

Erick nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I guess he does," he replied, his tone more resigned. He was a thinker, always considering the consequences and the next move.

Kastor frowned. His worry was palpable, his normally confident demeanor cracked by the day's events. "This is something we do not tell the captain," he said firmly, his eyes scanning the faces of his companions to ensure they understood the gravity of his words.

"Agreed," Hagen and Erick said in unison.

They took a moment longer to compose themselves, the adrenaline slowly fading and leaving behind a bone-deep exhaustion. The quiet of the alley was punctuated only by their labored breathing and the distant sounds of the market winding down. Finally, they pushed off from the walls and began the slow walk back to the inn.

The journey back felt longer than usual, their steps heavy with the weight of their failed mission. The streets of Greenwood were alive with the last remnants of the day, vendors packing up their stalls and families making their way home. The trio moved through the city like ghosts, their presence unnoticed in the bustling evening.

Entering the inn, the warm, dim light felt oppressive. As the three returned to their room, they saw Leonard, who was looking out of the window "How was the city?" he asked.

Kastor forced a smile, trying to keep his tone light. "It was good, nothing too eventful happened," he said, avoiding eye contact.

Leonard nodded, but his eyes lingered on them a moment longer, sensing there was more to the story.

The three men sat around the lone table in their room. They sat in silence, the weight of their thoughts pressing down on them. Kastor's mind raced with contingency plans and excuses. Hagen tapped his fingers restlessly on the table, his usual cocky demeanor subdued. Erick leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, trying to piece together where they had gone wrong.

"We need to be smarter," Kastor finally said, breaking the silence. His voice was low, barely more than a whisper, but it carried the weight of his determination. "If Asante finds out about this-"

"He won't," Hagen said firmly, his eyes flashing with renewed determination. "We'll get him," he said, his voice filled with a quiet conviction. "Next time, we'll be ready."

Erick opened his eyes, meeting the gazes of his companions. "We can't let this get to us," he said. "We learn from today, and we move forward. We'll get him tomorrow at the banquet."

They sat in silence for a while longer, the camaraderie and shared purpose slowly easing the tension. Eventually, they stood and made their way to their beds, each man determined to make the next encounter different. As they settled into their beds, the events of the day replayed in their minds, each detail scrutinized and analyzed.

Sleep came slowly, haunted by the image of Eldric slipping through their fingers. But with the dawn of a new day, there would be new opportunities, new plans, and a renewed determination to succeed. For now, they rested, gathering their strength for the challenges that lay ahead.

* * *

The following day, the group convened in the public area of the inn, taking one of the large tables in the corner. Hagen, Erick, and Kastor all exchanged looks before nodding in agreement to remain silent. The inn had become quite loud with customers as people from all over the republic came in for the festival. George returned the keys to the innkeeper before joining the rest of the group at the table.

"George and I have procured our clothes for this evening," Asante began. "As stated before, Leonard, George and myself will be entering the banquet. Kastor, Erick, and Hagen, you will all be waiting outside the mansion in case Eldric escapes."

"What do we do in the meantime?" Kastor asked. "The banquet isn't until tonight, right? Where do we go?"

Asante shrugged. "We'll find a place. For now, let's change into our clothes and get moving."

The six changed into their clothes, each of which were woven with colorful fabrics and were of a fine quality. George emerged first, wearing a finely tailored dark green doublet embroidered with intricate gold patterns along the collar and cuffs. His trousers matched the green fabric, complemented by polished black boots. A broad leather belt with an ornate buckle cinched his waist, and a dark green cloak with a gold clasp draped elegantly over his shoulder.

Asante followed, his outfit striking with a deep blue tunic adorned with silver embroidery creating swirling patterns around the neckline and down the sleeves. His trousers were a lighter shade of blue, made from a soft, high-quality fabric, and he wore sturdy brown leather boots and a wide, silver-studded belt. Over his tunic, a flowing blue cloak with a silver clasp shaped like a falcon added a regal touch.

Leonard stepped out next, dressed in a rich burgundy doublet with black velvet accents on the shoulders and cuffs. His trousers were black, tailored to fit perfectly, and tucked into knee-high black boots. A leather belt with a silver buckle wrapped around his waist, and a matching burgundy cloak with an intricate black border completed his look. A small burgundy cap adorned with a single black feather sat atop his head.

Kastor's attire was practical yet stylish, consisting of a forest brown tunic with subtle bronze embroidery around the collar and hem. His trousers were a deep, earthy brown, paired with rugged brown leather boots. A dark brown cloak fastened with a simple bronze clasp draped over his shoulders, and a sturdy leather belt holding a small pouch completed his look.

Erick emerged in a sophisticated outfit featuring a dark grey doublet with silver thread detailing along the edges and around the cuffs. His trousers were a matching grey, and he sported sleek black leather boots. A black belt with a silver buckle cinched his waist, and a grey cloak lined with a soft, black fabric added an air of elegance. A simple silver chain around his neck completed his ensemble.

Hagen was the last to appear, his outfit both practical and stylish. He wore a dark blue tunic with subtle gold embroidery around the neckline and cuffs, paired with complementary dark blue trousers made from durable fabric. Well-worn brown leather boots and a broad leather belt with a gold buckle added to his rugged look, while a dark blue cloak with a gold clasp draped over his shoulders, adding a touch of sophistication.

"I don't know about you," Hagen began sarcastically, "but this seems a little over the top."

"Reinbose has its fair share of strange cultural nuances, that's certain." Erick examined his outfit with a careful eye.

"I like it, personally," Leonard said with a small smile.

"You would like it," Hagen replied with a chuckle.

The group set out into the bustling streets. The streets were packed with people as the festival was in high gear. Music streamed from the houses as the cheers of drunken adults praised Reinbose for everything it was. They made sure to stick to less crowded alleys and avoided drawing attention to themselves. Asante led them to a small café tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. They settled into a private booth, ordering light meals and drinks to pass the time. The café was a perfect spot for them to blend in, as it was frequented by travelers and locals alike who were more focused on their own affairs than on the festival enjoying newcomers.

While they ate, they discussed the plan for the evening in hushed tones. Asante reiterated the importance of their roles, emphasizing the need for discretion and vigilance.

After their meal, they spent a few hours wandering the quieter parts of the city, which were few and far between, occasionally stopping to admire a street performance or browse a market stall. They avoided any activities that might draw undue attention and kept their interactions with others brief and polite. The afternoon passed uneventfully, with the group maintaining a low profile and ensuring they remained unnoticed.

As the sun began to set, they made their way toward the mansion, finding a secluded spot nearby where Kastor, Erick, and Hagen could wait. They reviewed the final details of their plan, ensuring everyone knew their roles and the signals to look for. With everything in place, Asante, George, and Leonard took a deep breath, adjusted their cloaks, and headed toward the grand entrance of the mansion, ready to blend into the festivities of the evening banquet.

The mansion was bright with lights as people dressed in fancy clothes came in droves to enter the mansion. The group waited across the street in a small alleyway, waiting for Eldric and his companion to enter the mansion ahead of them. They waited for several minutes before Eldric arrived. His companion did most of the talking before they were both allowed inside the venue. Asante halted George and Leonard for a few more minutes, then ushering them ahead of him towards the building.

There were five guards at the front gate, each one checking a different person's invitation. When George stepped up to one of the guards, he was greeted in Aldari, to which he quickly replied.

"Tëldiën, gentëmenën," the guard began, "mëkat jëi ënvitatiën?" Good evening gentlemen, may I see your invitation?

George pushed forward Leonard, who smiled bashfully and waved to the guard. "Ënvitatiën jë iïn boyë. Jë ë Rietveld." Our invitation is this boy. He is a Rietveld.

The guard sighed. "Mën foliërzë jëti sëdher ën vëranië, sën Rietveldzë." With exaggerated hands, he raised his voice. "Vën zhën mën fërën jëti tëkatë jë boyë sën mën? Dës jë ëkën mëthmarkën?" We have many people who come through here saying they're Rietvelds. What makes you believe we'll accept this boy as one of them? Does he have the birthmark?

"What's he saying?" Leonard asked George.

"Quiet," George snapped. "Let me handle it." Smiling to the guard, his forehead began to sweat. "Jë sën mën nërë përën të mëthmarkë." This is the first I'm hearing of any birthmark.

The guard gripped his rifle on his back. "Sën Rietveldzë ëkën mëthmarkë në vakhën jë fïstë. Jës ëkën mëthmarkë, jë ë Rietveld." Every Rietveld has a birthmark on their back the size of a fist. If he has the birthmark, he is a Rietveld.

George sighed and turned to Leonard. The guard pushed them aside and helped the group behind them as the three convened. "Leonard," George began, "do you have a birthmark on your back."

Leonard was startled. "W-What?"

"Answer the question, Rietveld!" Asante blurted.

"Y-Yes, I do. How did you know?"

"Thank the goddess," George said. "Show that guard your birthmark."

"What?!" Leonard took a step back.

Malik grabbed Leonard by his collar. "Don't question us, Rietveld. Show that damn guard your birthmark."

Leonard shook Asante from his grasp before fixing his collar. "Fine. I'll do as you say." Leonard walked up to the guard before raising his shirt and showing the guard his back.

The guard jolted back. "Ë Ein! Jë ë Rietveld!" He called over his guard mates and showed them the birthmark, all of them having a similar reaction. "Mën ë të blesëdi dzës mëni, mën së zëri në mëkat jë sën zëri. Plësë, Mr. Rietveld, dzë wë plësë, jë ë vër V.I.P." By Ein! He is a Rietveld!! I've been blessed today, I am so very sorry for not believing you sooner. Please, Mr. Rietveld, this way please, you are our V.I.P.

The guards bowed as Leonard, Asante, and George entered the mansion with no issue. Leonard fixed his shirt as George and Asante looked ahead to the large crowd inside.

"We're here," Asante said. "Let's end this wild goose chase."