Chapter 34: The Gathering Storm

Aedric leaned against the stone counter of the Black Veil's bar, his fingers tapping against the worn wood as he processed the bartender's words. A meeting at the high palace. Something big. Something secret.

Tessa stood beside him, arms crossed, her expression wary. "If Gorran's planning something, we need to know what it is."

Aedric nodded. "We need to get inside."

The bartender let out a low chuckle. "You're ambitious, boy. The high palace isn't a place for street rats like you."

Aedric met his gaze without hesitation. "That's why I need your help."

The man considered him for a long moment before sighing. "There's a man—Gerris. He works in the palace kitchens. Drinks here often. If anyone knows a way inside, it's him."

Tessa exhaled. "Let me guess—he'll want something in return."

The bartender grinned. "Everyone does."

Aedric pushed off the counter. "Where can we find him?"

"Try the back rooms. But be careful. He's got debts—people who'd rather see him disappear than talk."

Aedric and Tessa exchanged a glance. This was their only lead.

---

The back rooms of the Black Veil were quieter, the air thick with smoke from cheap candles. Small groups of mercenaries and smugglers played dice, their whispers blending into the dim atmosphere.

Gerris sat at a corner table, hunched over a half-empty mug. He was a wiry man with thinning hair, his eyes darting nervously as if expecting someone to grab him at any moment.

Aedric approached carefully, taking the seat opposite him. "You're Gerris."

The man flinched. "Who's asking?"

Tessa sat down beside Aedric, her dagger visible at her belt. "We need a way into the high palace."

Gerris paled. "You're mad."

Aedric kept his voice even. "You work in the kitchens. You know the layout, the guard rotations."

Gerris shook his head furiously. "Even if I did, helping you would get me killed. Gorran's men—"

"They'll kill you anyway," Tessa interrupted. "We know about your debts. It's only a matter of time before someone comes collecting."

Gerris swallowed hard. His hands trembled slightly as he clutched his mug. He was scared. But fear could be a useful tool.

Aedric leaned forward. "Help us, and we can protect you."

Gerris hesitated. "There's a servants' entrance. No guards during the midnight shift. But the palace isn't your biggest problem—it's who's inside."

Aedric narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Gerris lowered his voice. "It's not just Gorran's men. There are others—mercenaries, warlocks. People you don't want to cross."

Tessa tensed. "Warlocks?"

Gerris nodded. "Something's happening. The nobles are whispering about a 'summoning.' Something dangerous."

Aedric exchanged a look with Tessa. This was bigger than they thought.

He stood. "Mark the entrance for us. We'll handle the rest."

Gerris hesitated but finally nodded. "If I do this, you never saw me."

Aedric gave him a small smirk. "You were never here."

---

The night was thick with tension as Aedric and Tessa moved through the slums toward the meeting point.

Tessa kept her voice low. "If magic is involved, this isn't just a political gathering. It's something worse."

Aedric didn't reply immediately. Magic in Velmire was tightly controlled, reserved for the elite. If Gorran was dealing with warlocks, it meant he was preparing for something beyond mere power plays.

They reached the safe house where Lirian and the others had gathered. Inside, the atmosphere was grim. Dorn sat against the wall, his wound rewrapped, while Varen paced near the window.

Lirian looked up as they entered. "You found something?"

Aedric nodded. "Gorran's holding a meeting. Something secret. And he's bringing warlocks."

The room fell silent.

Varen muttered, "That's never good."

Lirian frowned. "Warlocks haven't been seen in Velmire for years. If they're involved, it means Gorran's preparing for something unnatural."

Tessa crossed her arms. "Then we need to stop it."

Aedric exhaled. "We need to know what we're stopping first."

Lirian nodded. "Then we infiltrate the palace."

No one argued. They all understood what was at stake.

---

The night of the infiltration came swiftly.

Aedric crouched in the alley beside the palace wall, the chill of the stone pressing against his back. The city was quieter than usual, the usual patrols spread thinner than before. They really were expecting them to be running.

Lirian signaled from the rooftop above. The servants' entrance was clear.

Aedric took a slow breath. This was it.

With careful steps, they moved forward. Into the lion's den.