Sinners Ride

The boys finally stopped running, at least a mile outside of town.

"Shit, I think we messed up before we even got to start our plan," Lydel muttered, frustration clear on his face.

"I was too sure of myself that the cult members didn't come from the entertainment district," Kyren admitted, his voice laced with regret.

"We didn't even last a night before getting run out of town," Lydel said, shaking his head before bursting into laughter.

Kyren sighed. "Let's duck into the forest and rest for the night. There's bound to be a carriage coming through tomorrow—our village can't be the only one they're poisoning."

Lydel nodded, and the two of them slipped into the trees, far enough to avoid being seen or heard from the road but not so deep that they risked drawing the attention of predators. Kyren slumped against a tree, summoning the bag he had stored in his inventory before they'd sprinted to catch the carriage earlier. He pulled out some dried meat and a metal flask of water, frowning when he realized it was running low.

Summoning two health potions, he dumped one into the water before handing it to Lydel along with some food.

"Eat," Kyren said. "Drink."

Lydel didn't hesitate, shoving a piece of dried meat into his mouth before taking a deep swig from the flask. He had won his fight relatively easily, but the bruises and shallow slashes on his armor showed he hadn't escaped unscathed. Within moments, mana pulsed from his wounds as they began to heal, the potion working its magic.

Lydel looked down at his now-mended skin, eyes widening. "What did you put in my water?"

"Nothing special," Kyren said quickly. "Just a minor healing potion I bought a while ago—figured it'd be useful if we got hurt training or hunting."

Lydel whistled. "Damn, you must've been saving every coin to afford these."

"Got lucky. A traveling merchant came through a couple months ago selling them cheap." Kyren lied smoothly.

Lydel nodded, accepting the explanation. "Alright, I'll take first watch. You should get some rest."

"Nah, I'll watch first," Kyren said. "I'll wake you in a few hours."

"You won't have to tell me twice." Lydel grinned, dropping onto the ground and passing out almost instantly.

The night passed slowly. At one point, Kyren summoned his weapons, inspecting them under the moonlight. Lion's Requiem rested in its sheath, the black scabbard edged with gold that met at the base, forming a lion's head with a black mane outlined in gold. His dagger gleamed silver, its blade reflecting the moonlight brighter than the moon itself. The handle was a deep black, so dark it seemed to absorb the light around it.

Satisfied, Kyren stored them away, returning his armor to normal before standing and walking over to Lydel. He shook him awake.

Lydel groaned. "Is it my turn already?"

Kyren didn't answer. Instead, he summoned a tent and bedroll, settling inside without another word.

Lydel sat up, scowling. "Why didn't you do that for me?"

"You were out before I could," Kyren mumbled, already drifting off.

That night, Kyren dreamed again.

This time, the man who looked like him sat on a golden chair lined with red velvet. He was older now, his once-imposing presence worn down by exhaustion. His head hung low, eyes shadowed.

"I gave everything to this city," the man—Leon Divertas—muttered. "And they chose his idealistic way."

Kyren glanced around, but the man was alone.

Leon's voice grew stronger, full of bitter resolve. "I dedicated my life to overthrowing this city with my own two hands, and they spit in my face."

He exhaled sharply. "His world will never work. If not from within, then from outside—someone will destroy this city. The world has no place for weakness. Only the strong survive."

Leon stood, striding toward the door.

Then Kyren woke up.

Sweat clung to his skin as he gasped for air.

"Good to see you awake, buddy," Lydel said, crouched a few feet away with his binoculars. "Just in time."

Kyren sat up, still shaken. "What's up?"

"I went farther down the road, and guess what?" Lydel smirked, lowering the binoculars. "We've got a carriage on the way."

Kyren's mind cleared in an instant. He jumped to his feet, willing the tent, bedroll, and supply bag back into his inventory.

"You know the plan, right?"

"No, dumbass. You never told me."

Kyren exhaled. "Alright, listen up. I'm going to Flash Step past the horse—close enough to spook it. When the carriage stops, we both rush in and take it."

Lydel stared at him. "Let's hope this works. And, you know, that we don't die."

Hoofbeats echoed in the distance, growing louder by the second. The massive horse came into view, muscles rippling beneath its dark coat.

Kyren tensed. Now.

In an instant, he vanished, reappearing just past the horse, his fingers barely grazing its side. The beast reared up, screaming, its panic bringing the carriage to an abrupt stop.

The boys sprinted forward.

Kyren ripped one of the men from the carriage while Lydel took the other. They struck fast, beating both men unconscious before they could react.

"Lucky us," Lydel said, catching his breath. "Robes again."

Kyren quickly stripped one of the men, pulling on the robe that fit him best while Lydel found rope in the back of the carriage and tied them up. Once both were dressed, they climbed into the driver's seat.

"You ever drive a carriage?" Lydel asked.

"Nope," Kyren said, snapping the reins.

The horse lurched forward, and after a moment of adjusting, they were on their way to Sintara.

When they reached the unattended gate, the horse continued through without issue, clopping into the courtyard.

As they neared the entrance of the grand church, the massive wooden wall lowered once again.

Kyren snapped the reins. The horse trotted forward, pulling them into the heart of the cult's domain.