The first thing Kaztos noticed about Mousafont was how quiet it was. He had never been to a city before but had heard from a few of his classmates about what it was like. They described to as loud and bustling. There was often little room for personal space on the streets, as everyone had somewhere to go and something to do. Overwhelming is how they would put it. Back then, Kaztos couldn’t wait to experience it.

  Mousafont wasn’t like that. Now, Kaztos would be one of the first to wax poetic about how impressive the buildings were around them. Multistory homes and stores made of fine wood and chiseled stone lined the bricked pathway they walked upon. Streetlights that had been more extravagant than the ones back in Urada sat on either side of the roadway. Patrols of guards passing by ensured the safety of everyone in the city.

  But all of that didn’t matter because, despite his classmates’ descriptions and Mousafont’s impressive architecture, there was almost no foot traffic. Few passed by as they followed the guards to their destination. Not that there wasn’t anyone around. There were plenty of people sitting against buildings and in alleyways. If Kaztos had to guess, they were refugees who were fortunate enough to make it into the city. They were dirty and showed signs of prolonged hunger. They eyed the caravan with suspicion and hunger.

  The city itself seemed to have seen better days. Garbage littered the streets, and the district seemed almost lifeless. Thick tension infected the air itself. Kaztos would have to be on guard when traveling through Mousafont. As much as he wished to think the best of people, Kaztos knew these people were desperate. Perhaps enough to be dangerous to them. They would be all too willing to steal if it meant a day without hunger or thirst.

  A bell ringing out in the distance interrupted his gloomy thoughts. Kaztos turned toward the source and was just able to make out the top of a bell tower in the distance. It probably came from a church, a realization that settled him. Yes, the city was clearly struggling. But if the church was still here, then they’d make sure things didn’t get too bad. The Amedori’s chosen always helped, no matter how things looked. Just like back in Urada. He continued walking, feeling slightly better about the situation.

  It took ten minutes of traveling before the caravan reached its destination. It was an empty plot of land. The wagons could all fit here, though it’d be cramped. Kaztos saw their escort settle around the perimeter to keep watch. Though whether it was to guard them or the people outside, remained to be seen. Once all the wagons were on the lot, Dinaro called everyone together.

  Once everyone gathered, he said, “First, I want to thank everyone for their hard work. We finally reached our destination. Even if it was an unknown one until now, yes?” The response was positive but muted as only a few people clapped. Dinaro didn’t seem bothered. “Now, I want everyone to settle in and make camp. If this goes well, I imagine that we’ll be here for some time. So, get to work!” Everyone dispersed, going to their own campsites to set up. Kaztos looked at Euronar, who waved him off before facing his father. Kaztos nodded and jogged over to Zeltara and Saiya.

  “Well, we finally made it to a settlement. We’ll have to go have a look around soon,” Zeltara said. She didn’t seem as enthusiastic as her words suggested. Though between last night’s conversation and what they’d seen so far, he had apprehensions as well.

  Meanwhile, Saiya was watching the camp perimeter with suspicion. “We need to be careful around here. We might not be as safe as they want us to believe.” Zeltara gave her a dubious look.

  “Hey, no need to be paranoid. It looks rough, but people are keeping their heads for now. I doubt they’re going to be violent.”

  Kaztos nodded in agreement. “Quite right. Those people are just having a hard time. But they didn’t look like they were going to harm us yet. If anything, they seemed wary of us.” Saiya glanced at both of them and sighed.

  “You both are incredibly na?ve. Just be careful.” The three then started to set up their camp. Before they could get far, Euronar came over.

  “Hey Kaztos,” he said. The three look over. “It turns out that we will need you. Can you come along with us?”

  Kaztos asked, “Where are we going?” He would be happy to help, but weren’t they supposed to be staying here for now?

  Euronar pointed behind himself. Kaztos looked to see Dinaro and Dollanti talking to a guard. “They want father to leave and negotiate with the Duke. I’m guessing the city is desperate for the food and they want to buy it as soon as possible.”

  “But what do you need Kaztos for?” Zeltara asked.

  “Father wants Kaztos’ help in conducting the negotiations. He’s bought and sold in cities before, but never directly to such a high-ranking noble. There was always an in-between. The way father described it, he wants his own noble to help with court etiquette.” Kaztos nodded. He figured as much.

  “It’s a good idea. In the court of nobility, manners are everything. Messing up can be catastrophic. I’ll come along and help. It’s the least I can do for your continued hospitality.” Euronar gave him a soft smile.

  “Don’t think of it like that, kid. You’re friends of the caravan. Still, we appreciate the help.” Just as Kaztos prepared to leave with Euronar, Zeltara approached them.

  “Hey, think we can come along? Sounds like it will be interesting.” Kaztos thought about denying her. The fewer people who came, the better. However, Euronar beat him to it.

  “Sorry, kid. Dinaro only wants to bring us and Dollanti. You’ll have to stay here.” Zeltara crossed her arms and pouted. Kaztos put a hand on her shoulder.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll tell you what happened when we get back. Just stay here and set up camp, okay?” Zeltara thought it through, then a grin adorned her face. Unfortunately, Kaztos recognized that look.

  “Alright. We’ll finish up camp and settle in. Don’t worry about us.” Kaztos already felt worried. Zeltara was up to something. Based on the resigned look on Saiya’s face, she knew it too. Hopefully, it wasn’t anything bad.

  Euronar said, “Alright, we need to get a move on. This was only supposed to take a few minutes. Do you need anything before we head out?” Kaztos shook his head. “Then let’s go.” Euronar and Kaztos walked away, waving goodbye to a still smiling Zeltara.

  The two of them approached Dinaro, Dollanti, and the guard. They had just finished speaking and were waiting for them. Dinaro gave Kaztos a grin and said, “Ah, glad to see that you’re joining us. Thank you for the help.”

  “Of course, sir. I’m more than happy to help. I’ll tell you what you need to know on the way there,” Kaztos replied. Dollanti offered him a nod, which he returned. Meanwhile, the guard seemed to get impatient.

  “We should hurry this along. Duke Mousador does not like to be kept waiting.” Dinaro turned to the guard and smiled.

  “No need to be troubled, yes? We’ll head out right now.” The guard looked at their group but paused at Kaztos. He then remembered that his family amulet was hanging free around his neck. It had been a while since Kaztos had been around anyone who cared.

  The guard let out a chuckle. “Are you sure you want to bring the Molinar along? I can think of several ways that can go wrong.”

  “Of course. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, as they say,” Dinaro cheerfully retorted. Kaztos felt nervous about this, but held his tongue. If they wanted his help, then he’ll provide it. Even if this may end up backfiring.

  The guard looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself. Instead, he turned and began to walk away. “Follow me then.” The group hurried to catch up with him. The five of them left the camp towards the keep.

  Dinaro had them settle in several feet behind the guard. To give them some privacy, if Kaztos had to guess. He leaned close to Dinaro and whispered, “Are you sure about bringing me along, sir?”

  “I’m fine with it, kid. What’s the problem? Don’t you take pride in your family? You openly wear that amulet around your neck, yes?” Dinaro kept his voice low, likely to keep the guard from hearing.

  “Of course I do, sir. I just don’t want to disrupt the negotiations for you. My family isn’t well liked because of my grand-uncle’s crimes. We may get turned away because of that.” Dinaro seemed to hold in a chuckle.

  “Lilathos was your grand-uncle, then. I wondered about that. It was never said whether he had kids.” Kaztos went to answer him, but Dinaro waved him off. “That’s not important right now. I’d rather have us accomplish what you're here for. I need you to tell me everything I need to know about court etiquette. These negotiations need to go smoothly. Otherwise, we may end up outside the city with that rabble. And I doubt we’ll last long out there.” Dinaro then grinned at Kaztos. “Besides, this will get your foot in the door with the local nobility. Just think of it as a bargain. We’re helping each other out.”

  “No need to do that, sir. I would have been more than happy to help, anyway.” Dinaro stared at him for a second before being unable to hold back a chuckle. The guard glanced back at them curiously before looking forward again.

  “You’re too nice, kid. Those pompous nobles will eat you alive if you don’t shape up soon. For now though, let’s get started on my manners, yes?” Kaztos thought about arguing, but knew that they had little time. He would need to cover the bare basics in the limited time they had.

  Before Kaztos could begin, they reached another walled-off section of the city. Two guards stood on either side of a large door. At first, he was surprised to see it, but then he saw the wall was only as tall as the surrounding buildings. The buildings must have hidden it during their approach to the city. It was too far out to be a wall for the keep, so it must be for separating city districts.

  The guard escorting them walked up to another by the door, and the two exchanged pleasantries. After a few moments, the door guards opened the doors and gestured for them to go through.

  “We’re going through the upper district now, so behave yourselves. The last thing you want is to anger someone from around here,” their escort said. The group passed through the door and kept walking. Kaztos heard the door behind them close with a loud thud.

  The difference between the upper and the lower districts was immediately noticeable. Quality stone formed the structure of every building, and many featured decorative engravings. They were larger as well, with small manors mixing with multistory houses. The streets were cleaner, with not a single item of garbage in sight. This district behaved more like a city Kaztos was used to, with hundreds of people walking along the street in both directions. There wasn’t a refugee in sight. The people here were natives of the area. No one looked hungry. Everyone was going along on their days as usual.

  The sharp contrast made Kaztos uncomfortable, but he couldn’t focus on that. They were running out of time before they reached the keep. The upper district was likely to be smaller than the lower ones. It had taken them just under half an hour to reach the second wall.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  Dinaro broke Kaztos from his thoughts when he leaned over and said, “No time to be sightseeing, kid. I need you to do your job for me.”

  “My apologies, sir,” Kaztos said. Dinaro was right. Now wasn’t the time to get worried. “Are all of you listening?” Euronar and Dollanti nodded. Good, he didn’t have time to repeat himself. “I’ll go over the basics since that’s all that’s needed. They won’t expect our group to know everything.”

  “What about you, kid? Will you need to be doing anything different?” Euronar asked. Kaztos shook his head.

  “No, I’m not the leader of our entourage. So I’m expected to stay at our leader’s level. It’d be seen as disrespectful if I did otherwise.” The three Al’Yanda men looked surprised to hear this. Kaztos didn’t blame them, as it was a rather obscure rule. Almost any other noble wouldn’t allow themselves to be in Kaztos’ position as a subordinate to a commoner. “First, they will escort us outside the throne room. That will be where the duke conducts his business. They will ask us to wait outside. This will only take a few minutes at the most as this allows the seated noble to prepare. Taking any longer would be disrespectful to the visiting party. We are to remain quiet and not cause a disruption during this.”

  Dinaro nodded. “I understand so far. What do we do after we’re called in?”

  “They will announce us to the court. This is for the benefit of anyone who may be in attendance, but it’ll probably just be the Duke. Now, this next part is very important. If this is done wrong, then we can be punished for disrespecting the seated noble. First, we must remain at the doorway until the Duke allows us to enter. This should take only a few moments. We are to walk until reaching halfway to the throne, then must kneel to him. One knee down, hand over heart, and head bowed. The Duke will then exchange pleasantries with the leader. No one else may speak unless spoken to. Say nothing to insult him.” Kaztos hoped they were getting him. Fortunately, there seemed to be no confusion among the other three.

  “After that, the Duke will order us to rise. This will be the end of the hard part. Now, all we have to do is remain polite to him. You will negotiate with him, and it’ll go from there. We can talk then, but limit it to quietly giving advice to Dinaro. Avoid addressing the duke or anyone else. After he dismisses us, we are to bow our heads and leave silently. We are not to speak until we’ve left the throne room. It’s not as bad as the standards the nobility are held to, but it’s still a lot. So, do you have any questions?” Dinaro and Dollanti seemed to understand. Euronar still seemed curious.

  “You mentioned a punishment for disrespecting the duke. Could you explain that more?”

  “Punishment usually means being imprisoned and having to pay reparations to the offended party.” Seeing Dinaro’s look of horror at the word reparations, Kaztos added, “It’s not so bad. Back in the old days before The Holy Dominion. Disrespect could get you executed.”

  That seemed to fail in making anyone feel better. Dinaro said, “Well, let’s keep our manners about us, yes? Thanks for the guidance, kid.” Kaztos grinned.

  “No problem, sir! Like I said, I’m happy to help.” Conversation died as they approached another wall outside the keep. This one had only a small gate to go through. A guard stood on either side of the entrance. Kaztos noticed that it only took ten minutes to get through the upper district. It was much smaller than the lower district.

  Their escort talked to the standing guards at the gate. Kaztos expected to pass through like before, but a guard surprised him when he approached. “I need to search all of you before you can enter the keep.” The guard specifically seemed to stare at Dollanti. It made the older man wary.

  “Why?” Dollanti asked. The guard sighed.

  “Offensive mediums are prohibited beyond this point. Too much of a possibility for damage. You can keep your regular weapons. Please surrender any mediums you have.” Dollanti seemed annoyed at the request but handed over his staff and wand. Dinaro handed over a wand as well. They quickly searched the rest and waved them through. “Go on then. We’ll return your mediums when you leave.”

  The group walked into the keep’s courtyard. Kaztos scanned the area and saw a few side buildings on either side of the keep. Besides the occasional servant or guard, the courtyard was unexpectedly empty. He thought such an important part of the city would be busier. Kaztos couldn’t speculate further as their escort led them into the keep.

  They entered the foyer. In front of them were a pair of large metal doors. Kaztos assumed it led to the throne room. Reinforced doors on the right and left likely led to other parts of the keep. The interior, like the buildings of the upper district, was made of chiseled stone. But unlike those buildings, the keep itself was made of the white stone from the walls. Exotic dark wood formed the furniture. The foyer itself was rather minimalist in its decorations. A detail Kaztos thought strange, considering what he’d seen so far from the city itself. Everything so far had made the duke seem rather conceited.

  There was more security here, with six guards stationed around the room. One more decorated than the others waited by the throne room door. Their escort approached him and said, “Captain. These people request an audience with Duke Mousador.” The captain looked past the escort and examined them. He gave an unimpressed scoff.

  “What do these commoners want? The duke is not one to waste his time.” Their escort seemed unaffected by the harsh tone.

  “They are from a caravan that carries food and water and wish to sell it to Mousafont. They’re here for negotiations.” The captain seemed more attentive now.

  “I see. Duke Mousador would be interested in that.” He turned to the guard on the other side of the door. “Find a messenger to relay this to the duke.” The guard saluted and jogged into one of the side rooms. As they waited, the captain examined them more closely. His eyes landed on Kaztos, and he scoffed.

  “Is something the matter, friend?” Dinaro asked. The captain shook his head.

  “This must really be the end times when a Molinar is visiting. I should kick you out for bringing blasphemous blood into this place.” Despite his words, the captain made no move to do so.

  Euronar stepped forward with an angry expression. He opened his mouth to say something when Kaztos shot his hand forward and grabbed Euronar’s shoulder. When the older teen looked back at him, Kaztos whispered, “It’s fine. Don’t make a scene.” Euronar took a calming breath and nodded. The guard from before entered the room and approached the captain. He whispered into his superior’s ear, then returned to his station.

  “The Duke isn’t busy at the moment, so please wait momentarily. A messenger will come by when he’s ready,” the captain said. Dinaro nodded, and the group settled in to wait. Based on what Kaztos knew, they would only be here for fifteen minutes at the most. But as time passed, they still waited. The group began to feel nervous. What was taking so long?

  More time passed. Kaztos could see Dinaro get irritated. He hoped the chief would keep a cool head. The last thing they needed was to make a mistake here. Even more time passed. The captain looked at them, amused. He knew something they didn’t. It made Kaztos anxious. He needed to be on high alert from here on out.

  “Stay calm,” Dollanti said to Dinaro. The chief gave him a grimace.

  “I know. It’s just that you don’t be this disrespectful during negotiations. It’s not the right way to go about things.”

  Finally, after ninety minutes, a young woman came in from one of the side rooms. She rushed over to the captain and whispered in his ear. He nodded and waved the woman off. He faced the group and said, “The Duke will see you now.” He, along with the other guard, grabbed the handle to the double doors. They creaked open, revealing the throne room.

  As they stepped in, Kaztos looked around. The room was large, easily able to fit over a hundred people inside. On either side of them were white stone pillars, which almost shone in the light coming from the tall window at the end of the room. On the walls were murals depicting a noble, likely the duke himself, fighting in several battles. More than a dozen guards lined the perimeter, watching them closely. Above them was a viewing area, something Kaztos knew to be common. It allowed other nobles to listen in on discussions in the throne room if they wished. A purple carpet with gold embroidery ran from the entrance to the throne at the other end of the room. Sitting on the throne was Duke Mousador.

  He was an older man, in his sixties, if Kaztos had to guess. A gold crown held back his short white hair, complementing his neatly trimmed mustache. He wore the most expensive robe Kaztos had ever seen. Each finger on his left hand bore a golden ring, and his right hand held a scepter. His posture and expression were resolute, exuding a power beyond his status. He lived up to a man who was only below the seven kings and the emperor himself. Kaztos had been mistaken before. This wasn’t a man of modesty. Rather, he waited until one entered the throne room to show off his status. Kaztos wondered why that was the case.

  But now wasn’t the time for idle thoughts. Kaztos knew that the next few minutes were important. Looking over, he took note that the others waited at the doorway as asked. However, Dinaro still seemed troubled about waiting.

  The captain walked into the room and exclaimed, “Now arriving, the Al’Yanda chief and his entourage.” A brief silence followed as the Duke said nothing at first. Kaztos knew he wasn’t the only one anxious.

  The seconds stretched on, but finally the duke said, “Very well. Step forward.” He almost sounded bored. Kaztos found it strange, since it seemed like the duke was very interested in purchasing supplies. What was he up to?

  The four of them walked forward until they were halfway to the throne. They bowed as Kaztos told them to. The young Molinar held back a sigh of relief, glad that they had listened. Something was going on and forgetting decorum would only make things worse. The four waited there before the duke.

  Through the bangs of his hair, Kaztos could see the duke study them further. The calculating glint in his gaze made him shiver. They were made to hold their position for over a minute, waiting for the ruler to speak.

  “It’s fascinating to see Al’Yanda come to my city. Usually, I turn your kind away when they darken my door. But, since you have much-needed supplies, I guess I’ll make an exception,” Duke Mousador said. His tone was oddly mirthful.

  “Of course, my lord. We’re honored by your hospitality,” Dinaro said. The other two Al’Yanda men looked uncomfortable, but they held their tongues. The Duke seemed almost disappointed. He then turned his gaze to Kaztos.

  “And quite daring of you to bring a Molinar here. Seeing as I fought plenty of Molinars back in the sixth crisis. You could almost consider that an insult. But you know, I helped butcher your kin back then. So, one more doesn’t make any difference. But I do wonder, are you just like that lunatic? You hold blasphemous blood, after all.” If the Duke wasn’t mocking before, he was now. Kaztos ignored the insults. It wasn’t anything he hadn’t heard before.

  The same couldn’t be said for Dinaro, who was shaking in anger. Realization came over Kaztos. So, that was the duke’s play. He saw Dinaro open his mouth to shout at the Duke. Before he could utter a syllable, Kaztos’ hand grabbed the chief’s wrist in a vice grip.

  Without visibly moving his mouth, Kaztos muttered, “Don’t. It’s what he wants.” His words were almost silent, but Dinaro seemed to understand. The chief calmed himself and continued to kneel. Kaztos glanced up at the duke to see him smirking at them.

  He seemed amused that his trick almost worked. Kaztos hid his disgust over such a dishonorable tactic. He intentionally tried to rile them up and say something disrespectful. In doing so, he would have had cause to demand reimbursement, such as seizing their supplies.

  That way, there would be no need for payment. It would have been a steep demand on a flimsy excuse, but a valid one all the same. Though he must have needed that excuse, since he didn’t just confiscate their supplies when they entered the city. Maybe to preserve his image as a just ruler. Whatever the case, Duke Mousador wasn’t one to be trifled with.

  Seeing that his game had ended without a victory, the duke said, “You may rise.” The tension seemed to dissipate as the group stood. Knowing that negotiations were about to start, Kaztos leaned in to whisper in Dinaro’s ear.

  “Stay polite. He’s trying to get you to break court etiquette. You can’t allow yourself to do so.” Dinaro nodded, keeping his eyes on the Duke. Kaztos, seeing his job nearly done, settled in and kept an eye out.

  Duke Mousador started the negotiations. “Tell me, chief of the Al’Yanda, what is it you offer me?” Dinaro cleared his throat before answering, his nervous tone unlike anything Kaztos had heard before.

  “My caravan is carrying food and water. Originally, it was for my people’s homeland of Ji’Hanki. But now that it is out of reach, I’m willing to sell it to you. We have plenty of supplies to provide to the city. Perhaps enough to ride out these troubled times.”

  “Fascinating, so you claim that you have enough to feed the city for some time. Let me make it clear what you’re claiming. Before this new crisis, Mousafont City had a population of forty-four thousand. Six thousand disappeared on that horrible day, along with a small section of the city. However, we have since received almost twenty thousand refugees, half of them residing inside these very walls. So, chieftain of the Al’Yanda, how long will your supply feed sixty thousand?”

  Dinaro took almost a half minute to calculate the total in his head. He then said, “Like I said. I was running food back to my homeland. It is a vast desert, so we must import our food to feed our people. With the number that you just gave, I’d estimate that there would be food and water for four months. Assuming careful rationing, of course.” Kaztos had to hide his shock at the amount the Al’Yanda had. He knew their enchantments could hold much. But that amount was mind-boggling.

  “The rumors are true then,” the duke said. “The Al’Yanda really do have special storage enchantments to carry their goods. To think those wagons carry that much is fascinating.” The Duke leaned forward, staring at Dinaro with interest. “That would buy the city time to find an alternative source of food. Very well, I’ll pay you four thousand gold for the food and water.”

  “Ah, but that seems quite low considering how much you’re getting. After all, this is to provide for your city, yes?” Dinaro asked. Now that he was back in his element, he seemed to have recomposed himself. “It must be worth at least twelve thousand.”

  “Twelve thousand is rather ridiculous. I never imagined the Al’Yanda were ones for jokes.” Duke Mousador didn’t seem amused by the offer. “I’ll offer five thousand.”

  “Still too low. I’d barely be making a profit for that amount,” Dinaro said as he shook his head. “I’d want at least nine thousand.”

  “What we want and what we get are often different. Though I suppose you're right. A noble of my standing would never rip off a respectful man such as yourself.” Only the duke seemed amused by his own words. “Would six thousand suffice?”

  “Eight thousand.”

  “Sixty-five hundred.”

  “Seventy-five hundred.”

  The Duke sighed. “I can see where this is going. So, seven thousand?”

  “I can do that, but I want one more thing in return,” Dinaro said with a grin. “Allow the caravan to remain in the city.” The Duke thought about it and then nodded.

  “Very well, but you’ll be stuck here until the lockdown is over. I accept your deal.” Dinaro bowed.

  “It’s a bargain.” Duke Mousador sighed. He waved his hand.

  “My men will be by tomorrow to collect the food and deliver the gold. I believe that concludes our business for the day. Dismissed.” Kaztos, along with Dinaro and Dollanti, bowed. Euro started to turn and leave, but quickly corrected himself. His bow came a second later after theirs. The Duke didn’t comment, allowing them to turn and leave. Relief washed over Kaztos. Finally, they were out of danger.

  The four began to walk away. As they did, something above caught Kaztos’ eye. There, in the viewing area, was a teenage boy. He looked to be a few years older than Kaztos, with golden hair and eyes. The teen wore clothing fit for a high noble. An embroidered tunic and pants made of fine silk. Kaztos noted that his family's amulet was nowhere to be seen. Yet, the boy seemed almost familiar to him. Had he seen the boy before?

  Then their gazes met, and time seemed to freeze for a moment. The teenage boy seemed curious as he stared at him. His gaze seemed to almost look right into Kaztos’ soul. He felt like all his inner thoughts were laid bare. It was an overwhelming sensation. Who was this boy?

  But the moment passed as Kaztos kept walking. The teenage boy turned and walked out of sight. He didn’t know who that was, but one thing was for certain. Kaztos was going to remember that boy. There was something about him that he felt was of great importance. They reached the foyer again, and the throne room doors closed behind them.

  “Ha! I thought the Duke had you for sure,” the guard beside the captain said. His superior elbowed him in the gut.

  “Enough of that!” He faced Dinaro. “Like the Duke said. Some men will be by tomorrow to complete the transaction. I don’t think it needs to be said what will happen if you try to deceive Duke Mousador.”

  Dinaro chucked. “Who do you take us for? The Al’Yanda always honor their deals. It wouldn’t make good business otherwise, yes?” The captain didn’t answer and instead turned to their escort guard.

  “Make sure they get back, understood?” The guard saluted.

  “Yes, sir!” He began to walk out of the keep. “Follow me. I’ll take you back to the caravan.” With little other choice. Kaztos and the others followed the guard.

  As they walked, Dinaro said, “Good job, kid. Without you, I would have been ruined in there.”

  “Yeah, thank you for all the help, Kaztos,” Euronar said. Dollanti gave Kaztos a nod, then turned back to observing their surroundings.

  “Thank you! It was an honor to guide you.” Kaztos had an extra spring in his step. It turned out harder than expected, but he did the job asked of him. Now they could stay in the city. Kaztos knew the news would excite the girls. After all that travel, a place to settle down sounded amazing. Even if it only ended up being for a brief time. Either way, Kaztos was ready to see what Mousafont City offered.