When night fell, the Menagerie stood in wait. Lillia had briefed everyone on the meeting she and Arwin had with Raen as they arrived back from their duties. The day had been hectic with preparation but now they were all prepared, and in more ways than one. Arwin had repaired and polished up everyone’s armor in addition to making himself three bracelets for the upcoming fight. They hadn’t been difficult, but they’d taken a little more time than they once had due to his new smithing technique. He had, however, chosen to avoid making any of them Cursed. He hadn’t tried eating a Cursed item yet, and this probably wasn’t the time to test out another new thing — he already had a new shield for that. The bracelets he made each served their own purpose. One was for power, one was for speed, and one was for defense. [Rough Band]: Rare Quality [Roughhousing]: This item is imbued with the anticipation of old metal that seeks to perform one last time. Every attack made while it is worn will do increased damage at the cost of considerable magical energy. [Fluttering Band]: Rare Quality [Light as a Feather]: The spirit of a dancing dove feather is imbued within this item. Its bearer’s movements are increased while it is worn at the cost of a continuous draw of magical energy. Chitinous Band: Rare Quality “What’s this for?” Arwin asked. “The feathers weren’t enough, were they?” “Enough for what?” Lillia asked. “A show of my competency,” Esmerelda replied with a wry smile. “I’m applying to join the Menagerie.” “What do feathers have to with competency?” Reya asked. “How many feathers do you have?” Esmerelda asked. “Well… none, I suppose.” “And I have many. Thus, I am better than you are.” “That’s hard to argue with,” Reya muttered, glancing at Olive. She fought to keep a grin from forming on her lips. “Should I get some feathers?” “Only if they’re still attached to the birds. I’m hungry.” Arwin coughed into a fist. “Thank you, Esmerelda. Is this a healing potion?” “A healing potion?” Esmerelda stared at him, aghast. “Who do you think I am? And the liquid in the vial is bright red. When has anything that vibrantly colored ever something you’d want to put in your body?” “It’s not,” Esmerelda said flatly. “Just throw that at someone you don’t like.” “What does it do?” Lillia asked. “Not sure,” Esmerelda replied. “It’s the leftover of all the brewing I was doing today. It’ll probably rot someone’s dick off. Oh, if it does, bring it back for me. Lots of recipes need one of those, and there are never enough of them lying around on the streets.” Arwin swallowed. He very carefully slid the potion into his travel bag. There had never been anything he’d been less keen to be carrying, but it would have been rude to refuse the gift — and one never knew where a mystery potion could come in handy. Before anyone could say anything else, Rodrick tilted his head to the side. The former paladin nodded to the door, which still hung slightly askew from Esmerelda’s entrance. They all turned toward it. Several seconds later, a polite knock echoed out through the tavern. “Come in,” Lillia called. The door swung open. A young man stepped inside, sandy blonde hair swept over plain features. Two plain swords hung at his sides and he had the lean build of a warrior. The man stepped inside, his gaze passing over all of them. “Raen sent me,” the man said. “My name is Yonas.” “Pleasure,” Arwin said. “You have the key?” Yonas gave him a sharp nod. “I do. I also have some extra men. Mercenaries. They’re all trained fighters, and—” “Are not needed,” Arwin finished firmly. He and Lillia had already discussed this with the rest of the Menagerie. There had been a pretty good chance that Raen would try to fit more people on his payroll into the mission. He hadn’t looked too optimistic about their chances given Arwin and Lillia’s classes, both of which Raen knew to be crafting-related. Yonas grimaced. “Are you certain? You may have armor, but this is not an easy dungeon. We haven’t cleared it yet. Neither have the Ardent Guild. I’m there to guide and back you up, but I won’t die for your mistakes. Replacing your weaker members with mercenaries is the wise decision.” And it’s also the decision that leaves us with unknown people at our backs. I don’t distrust Raen — but I don’t trust him either. “Our arrangement will not change,” Arwin said, his voice firm. “All six of us are coming.” Yonas shrugged one shoulder. “Very well. We need to move quickly. There is much ground to cover until we can get to a portal gateway. My guild has one, but we’ll need to get out of the city and avoid notice to reach it. Do you all have cloaking skills?” “No,” Olive said. “Nobody told us we needed that.” Yonas let out a sigh. “That’s fine. The mercenaries will help provide cover as a caravan. It’ll cost, though. They’re top of the line, and they aren’t cheap. Two hundred gold per head should be fine. We can leave them at the gates once we’re outside.” Arwin exchanged a glance with Lillia. Trust a merchant to try and fleece you, even when you’re working together. But if it’s a portal gate they need… “I’ve got a better idea,” Arwin said. “No mercenaries needed.” “What, do you have a portal gate hidden away somewhere in this street?” Yonas’ voice was rich with disbelief. “Because, unless you do—”