Chapter 15: The Four Mercenary Captains

Clang!Every eye in the tavern snapped to the paladin named Cain. Last night? Mercenaries exchanged knowing smirks, while whispers erupted behind Windsor:"I never guessed Lilith and Cain were… involved!""But the Church forbids relations with heathen!""Probably Cain said, 'By the Light! This evil demands conquest!' Then they—"Cain paled, stammering, "We merely fought Gnolls outside the city! Nothing more!""Sure you did." Mercenaries elbowed each other.Lilith interjected, voice honeyed with accusation: "Then why are you here? You vowed to stop stealing our contracts."Cain wiped sweat. "I've orders to not pursue this Gnoll mission. I merely came to inform Guildmaster Henry.""Good." Lilith trailed a finger down his chest. "Care to visit my quarters tonight?"Cain fled up the stairs. "Divine revelation compels me to pray!"Lilith laughed, following him. The crowd erupted into debate—was their relationship real, or mere gossip?…Windsor sipped his ale, judging the leaders. Cain seems honorable, if awkward. Lilith is dangerous—best keep her away from Sean.…A weathered man in patched leather entered, trailed by a cheerful teenage girl. "Father, I'm so excited!" she exclaimed. "With everyone safe and Takaki's help, we'll thrive!""Indeed, Sophia. Our efforts were not in vain. As long as we keep moving, the road extends."Mercenaries rose respectfully. "Captain Olga! It's been ages!""Greetings, friends. We're back in business—no more downtime."A cold voice interrupted: "Olga?"A one-eyed man in polished armor stood at the door. "You owe Wolf Den 500 gold. Payment is due in one month… or your daughter becomes collateral." His gaze lingered on Sophia."Zach! Leave her out of this!" Olga's fists clenched.Zach sneered, ascending the stairs. The tavern exploded in outrage:"Disgraceful!""Count Rivers' lackeys think they own the city!""Take my coins, Captain!" A mercenary emptied his pouch.Olga declined, but vowed, "I'll repay every copper! Now, I must meet the backer." He departed with Sophia.…Windsor finished his ale. Flame Cross' Captain Olga is trustworthy. Wolf Den's Zach is a viper. William was right—Flame Cross is the choice.Shouldering his pack, he headed south to the refugee camp.