Dragon's Tears

The group walked up to the gate of Estme. The size of the city and the height of the buildings were awe-inspiring for the girls. Serenica gazed in confusion at the wooden buildings that stood two or three stories high, all clustered together so closely that it was difficult to discern where one building ended and another began. Yet, the complex structures stood soundly on their own, shaded in varying browns, greens, and beige hues that lent a personal touch to the town. As Serenica observed, the streets were bustling with men and women rushing home from a long day of work. Beyond the gate, the city split into three distinct areas: straight ahead led to the ocean and wharf, while the left led to the business district, and the right led to the residential area.

The traders smiled at the girls and Edward spoke, “It seems like you’ve arrived at your destination. To get to the inn, walk through the gate, take the first left, and it will be on your right. It’s important to reserve your room for tonight as there are no other options available. It’s not safe to be wandering around Estme at night.”

The girls nodded at the men in appreciation.

“We don’t know what we would have done without you two,” Adrianna softly said. “Thank you both so much.”

“We’d invite you both to go back to Felin with us, but I think you have plans already. Be careful with whatever you girls are doing and keep your eyes peeled in this town there are thieves everywhere,” Edward said with a knowing look.

“I appreciate the advice, are you guys going to the inn? Maybe we can walk together?” Serenica offered.

“Nah, we need to meet a freighter at the port. We will be heading that way,” Ralph answered.

“Be careful going back to Felin then, and thank you again for all you have done for us,” Serenica replied.

“If you are ever in Felin then stop by and see us,” Edward suggested.

They gave the men one final hug and carefully walked through the large gate at the entrance to Estme. Serenica’s eyes were wide, and her mouth was open. She had never seen anything like this before.

The darkness began to take over the setting sun and the torch lighters had come out to do their part in brightening the road. The girls had walked around aimlessly for what felt like forever just learning their way around the city and admiring its charm.

“Serene, let’s head to the inn; we both have had a lot to take in, and a break could do us good. Besides, we need to figure out our next move.” Adrianna said with a small smile.

Serenica and Adrianna walked along the street, agreeing with each other. Suddenly, they caught a whiff of roasted game and heard loud yelling. They looked ahead and saw a lively building where men were drinking ale and women were offering flasks of wine. The girls felt nervous but Adrianna took Serenica’s hand and they entered the tavern. The room immediately fell silent as the patrons stared at the two strangers. However, the noise quickly resumed as if nothing had happened.

Serenica whispered to her sister Adrianna that they should go to the tavern keeper to get a room. They navigated through the noisy crowd and entered a lively room where people were joking and laughing at numerous tables. A small card table was set up on the other side of the room. At the bar, they sat on two wooden stools next to each other, taking in the overwhelming display of different ales and wines. The counter was lined with casks and bottles, and the balding bartender was using them to fill countless glasses. After a while, he caught Serenica’s eye and made his way over to them, with a slight smile on his face. Despite his dirty glasses and stained apron, he looked at the nervous girls kindly.

“Welcome to the Swallows Siren. What can I get for you girls tonight?

“We need a room and two specials,” Serenica said as she stared at the man. “We also need to know where to go to stock up on supplies. We are new around here and don’t plan on staying long,” she cautiously added.

“I can certainly help you with that,” he yelled over the crowd. “I’ll get your specials and keys, and we can discuss the rest when you all have eaten and rested.” He said with a smile as he walked away.

The girls sat down eagerly, inhaling the delicious aroma of the food around them. Adrianna’s stomach growled loudly, causing her to blush and hide her face. Serenica chuckled and observed their surroundings. She first noticed a card game taking place in the corner and then made eye contact with a man at the table. He politely smiled and went back to focusing on his cards. The man had long, black hair tied in a braid, wore a black cloak with a red gem fastened around his neck, and had his hood down, revealing his handsome face and green eyes. As he played his cards, suddenly, another person at the table stood up and angrily flipped the table and its contents.

“Kaiden, you cheat! Let me see, under that cloak, you have cards stashed somewhere. I know it!” He screamed as he stood toe to toe with the man who sat calmly in the chair.

Kaiden glanced up from the scattered items on the ground. He wiped away some saliva from his cheek and faced the person accusing him. Quicker than Serenica could even blink. Kaiden was behind the man with a dagger to the drunk man’s throat. “Now, why would you accuse little old me of cheating?” I am pretty sure that The Shadow teaches his men better than that. I won fair and square, and I am insulted that you would ever think I would cheat, especially when you were the one that was cheating.”

Kaiden took the dagger and slit the man’s shirt sleeves; from the ripped fabric fell dozens of cards that the man had hidden during their game. “Now, you understand what happens to cheaters?” Kaiden asked calmly.

The drunk’s face turned red, and he looked around at the other players approaching him with disgust.

“I don’t know where those cards came from!” He deadpanned as the color drained from his face.

“Ye heard the man he doesn’t know!” One of the drunk’s friends protested.

“Just as you don’t remember, you are the one who handed them to him as you were giving him drinks?” Kaiden accused with a stern look. “Now, if you want to keep disputing his punishment, you can be prepared to take it with him,” Kaiden said with a smirk.

The drunk’s friend closed his mouth and sat down in his chair.

Serenica was amazed as Kaiden held the man while the others lifted the table back up. She swiftly turned to her sister and covered Adrianna’s eyes so she wouldn’t have to witness what was about to occur. The hallowed screams filled the room as the man’s hand was cut off for cheating.

The man got up from the floor, wrapped his injured wrist, and made his way toward the door.

“Don’t come back,” the bartender yelled as the man left.

Serenica quickly turned and looked at her sister; she was still cradling her face in her hands, so she didn’t see anything. She wrapped Adrianna in a hug and whispered to her. “It will be ok; that’s what happens to cheaters around here.” Adrianna nodded in understanding, turned around, and stared blankly at her food. “Eat Adri. We have a long night ahead of us.” Serenica ordered as she took a bite of her food.