Sean and his retinue rattled toward York Street in a carriage. Leviathan (Ram), Balor (Rem), and Lodin joined him inside; Monica, the Silver Hand Recruit, rode alongside on horseback, while Windsor served as driver, reins in hand.
"Windsor, you know the way? No navigation here—we can't afford wrong turns," Sean asked, using the term loosely.
"Navigation?" Windsor glanced back, puzzled.
"Er… guidance from Elune," Sean lied. "Can you reach Golden Leiden blindfolded?"
Windsor, used to Sean's odd terms, smirked, "Studied the map thoroughly, My Lord. York Street's three blocks ahead."
Lodin, seated across from Sean, piped up, "Lord Sean, I hear Windsor plays the lute superbly?"
"How'd you find out?" Sean arched a brow. Windsor's lute performance to awe Yorn's nobles was a quiet triumph—he rarely boasted.
"While waiting in the hall, a lute shop owner approached him," Lodin explained, amused. "Offered a day's wage of 1 gold, then 2 gold, just to play. Quite the offer—more than some Silver Rank mercenaries earn monthly."
Sean whistled, "A generous fool. Silver Rankers command 40-50 gold monthly. You could've hired a Silver Peak warrior for that."
Windsor shrugged, "Duty calls louder than lute strings."
Lodin chuckled, "My bards would seethe with envy."
As the carriage picked up speed, Sean turned serious, "Once at Golden Leiden, stay alert. We may face combat."
"Understood, My Lord," the group chorused.
Lodin whispered, "Who are we up against?"
"Brody Mill, Viscount of Waterpine." Sean recounted Gabe's intelligence, weaving in his own deductions:
Brody's Descent into Jealousy
Obsessed with Jessica Rivers for months, spending freely to win her favor.Her sudden warmth—promising courtship, even marriage—made him reckless. When she asked him to attack Riverside, he agreed without hesitation.Yesterday, spotting Jessica leaving Sean's lodge with Lucio, her cold dismissal shattered him. She'd chosen Sean as her banquet partner, claiming affection for the baron.
Brody's Rationalization
Sean must use witchcraft from the capital! Violet men seduce women to climb ranks!Decided to ambush Sean at Golden Leiden, believing a beating would "break his spell" and reclaim Jessica.
"Brody's 18, Bronze Middle Rank," Sean concluded. "He'll bring lackeys, not elite guards. Gabe tipped him off about our route—expect an attack at the shop."
"Understood!" the group replied, hands resting on weapons.
Suddenly, a horse's scream and Windsor's sharp rein pull jolted the carriage. It lurched to a halt, wheels skidding on cobblestones.