Ch65 Farewell

"Why the rush? You should be leaving soon to meet Altharion anyway," Zero replied with curiosity.

The Wanderer gripped the edge of the desk. "I can't stay any longer in Hosar. Besides, I already got the intel you requested on Nigel."

"Is that so?" Zero said. "So what happened to him?"

The Wanderer glanced at the barkeep. "I prefer to tell you in person."

"You have been acting with far too much freedom since your arrival in Hosar," Zero warned. "Do I need to remind you of your position in this organization?"

The Wanderer began to pace the room. "I’m following your orders. I think I have proved my loyalty enough by now. We both have similar goals." He paused, looking down at his hand. "I don't care much about your end goal." He raised his mechanical arm. "But if the reward is as good as this arm, you've got nothing to worry about."

Zero's laugh echoed over the audio feed. "You're becoming more dangerous by the moment, Wanderer."

The Wanderer smiled into the dim room. "I could have sold you out to the Red Crowns, and they would have rewarded me handsomely. I mean, I've only been here for a couple of days and they already granted me a title." He lowered his voice. "But I have seen your gifts. And a man like me always yearns for more."

Zero laughed again, though it was shorter this time. "And more you shall receive. However, we will have to discuss your attitude... in person." Zero’s voice hardened back into command. "I'm sure you can sneak out of the city just like you snuck in. My men will meet you near the destroyed hideout."

"I need to get Vincent's family outside too," the Wanderer countered quickly. "We will have to find a way for them to get out."

Zero sounded confused. "Why would I risk the whole operation for some mages who didn't even fight for themselves?"

"Consider it a personal favor," the Wanderer said smoothly. "Do it for me, and I'll be in your debt, Lord... Zero."

A slow clapping sound came over the audio feed. "You have changed, veteran," Zero murmured over the static. "Your luck gave you a good hand, and you're playing it perfectly."

The Wanderer bowed to the empty room. "Learned from the best."

Zero sneered. "But the game isn't over yet."

Zero’s voice shifted to amusement. "But... I'll play along. We can't risk the Black Crowns staying in Valoria with you. I will transfer them to a far village where no one will ask many questions."

The Wanderer replied. "Couldn't ask for more."

"The barkeep will help get them out," Zero said flatly. "See you tomorrow, Wanderer."

The console beeped before the audio feed cut to static.

The barkeep closed the desk. "Meet me here tonight. And bring your friends."

"See you later then," the Wanderer said, walking out of the back room.

The Wanderer navigated the muddy streets back to the slums. When he pushed open the front door, he found the entire family gathered in the main room, waiting in a tense silence.

Helen stood up the moment he crossed the threshold. "Why are we leaving, Vincent?"

The Wanderer looked at Harith, then at Sunny, before looking back at her. "I'm sorry, Mother. I tried to trick the Red Crowns into giving us what we actually deserve."

Harith stepped forward. "Did they find out... that you lied?"

The Wanderer nodded slowly. "They will find out soon."

"Were you able to secure us a way to get out of here?" Sunny asked.

"Tonight, we leave Hosar," the Wanderer said. "You will be relocated to a different place. A safe one."

Helen’s brow furrowed. "You aren't coming with us?"

"I will," the Wanderer replied calmly. "I just need to finish some business first."

She grabbed his hand tightly. "Enough with the secrets, Vincent. Let's all just leave this place and start a new life together."

The Wanderer slowly pulled his hand from her grip. "I wish I could. Maybe someday."

Frustrated, she turned toward her husband. "Talk to your son, Harith! Are you really going to let him leave us again?"

Harith turned his face away, staring blankly at the wall without a word.

"It's okay, Auntie," Sunny intervened. "Vincent will follow us later. But someone has to pay the price for our escape. He pulled that trick so-"

"How dare you talk like that about Vincent!" Helen cut him off. "Isn't this the same man who took you in like a brother after your whole family died?" She looked back and forth between Harith and Sunny. "How could you both be so cruel to him?!"

The Wanderer moved in front of her, gently grabbing her by the shoulders. "I'll find my way back. Just like I did before."

Helen pulled him into a desperate hug, burying her face into his chest as she began to cry loudly. "I don't want to lose you again. I know you are all hiding something from me." She looked up at him, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I don't want to know what it is. Just stay with us."

The Wanderer wrapped his arms around her, holding her back, guilt all over Vincent's face.

Behind her, Sunny and Harith stared blankly at the ground, avoiding the weeping mother.

"I'll be fine, Mother," the Wanderer whispered softly into her hair. "Take care of this family until I return, okay?"

Harith stood up abruptly. "I'll go get ready."

Under the moonless sky, the Wanderer and Vincent’s family moved through the shadows until they reached the Hand of Justice tavern.

The barkeep was already waiting at the side door. Beside him stood a withered wooden carriage with two sturdy horses hitched to the front.

The Wanderer looked over the vehicle. "Is this our way out?"

The barkeep smiled. "Yes. Our most luxurious ride." He turned his gaze to the family. "Hide inside until we pass the walls. Don't make a sound, no matter what you see or hear."

The Wanderer turned to the others, gesturing toward the back. "Come on. Let's get inside."

Harith and Sunny climbed in first, navigating the cluttered interior. The Wanderer helped Helen step up securely before following them in. Together, they squeezed into the cramped space hidden behind rows of liquor crates.

The barkeep climbed onto the front bench, snapping the reins to steer the horses toward the outer gates of Hosar.

As the carriage moved forward, the Wanderer shifted closer to the front canvas wall, whispering through the fabric. "Are you sure this is safe?"

"As safe as you can keep yourselves quiet," the barkeep murmured back. "But if you get caught, I'll say you snuck inside without my knowledge." He let out a low chuckle, cracking the reins to make the horses pick up the pace.

Inside the dark carriage, Helen drifted off to sleep from exhaustion, her head resting on Harith’s shoulder.

Sunny quietly crept over to the Wanderer and whispered. "Thank you. I know you're risking a lot by taking us out."

The Wanderer whispered back. "That's the least I can do, considering I ruined your life."

He tilted his head, looking back at the sleeping woman. "Take good care of her. She is a kind woman."

Sunny looked at Helen for a moment before saying. "You remind me of my older brother. He too caused trouble wherever he went." He smiled at the memory. "But he was kind-hearted, he always cared for us."

The Wanderer frowned. "Was?"

"Yes..." Sunny’s expression darkened. "The mage seekers killed him alongside my parents. Vincent hid me from them."

The Wanderer glanced between Helen and Harith. "This city has many dark sides."

Sunny looked down at his own hands, curling them into fists. "I wish they could just forget about this ancient hatred. The Nullstones have depleted our magic over the years anyway, yet they still treat us like a plague."

Suddenly, the moving carriage stopped.The sound of clanging armor echoed.

The Wanderer pressed his eye against a small hole in the canvas to see what was happening outside.

An armored man stepped in, approaching the carriage. "Old Daniel. Where are you going at this hour?"

"A special delivery to Valoria," the barkeep replied smoothly.

The captain frowned. "You couldn't move in the morning?"

Daniel laughed. "Everything has a price, Captain. Who am I to deny a noble his liquor?"

The captain stared at him for a moment, then turned his head, gesturing to one of his men. "Search the back."

Daniel immediately climbed down from the carriage bench. "If you'll excuse me, Captain, I'm in a hurry, and your men might break something valuable back there."

"Rules are rules, Daniel. Step aside."

Another guard stepped up from the shadows. "I worked in a tavern before, Captain. I can handle the search without breaking anything."

Daniel jumped in eagerly. "Oh, please send him! I can't risk making a noble angry."

The captain looked at the volunteer for a moment, then a smile broke across his face. "If you know your way around booze, find us a bottle to make sure the goods are fine." He laughed, looking over at the other guards, who joined in.

The guard laughed along as he marched to the back of the carriage.

Inside the dark space, the Wanderer gestured to the rest not to move. He leaned his body forward, into an attack stance, his fingers wrapping around the hilt of his sword.

The guard lifted the canvas, and began shifting the crates around.

Suddenly, the guard's eyes locked onto the Wanderer's.

The Wanderer was just about to spring forward when the guard calmly raised a finger, pressing it against his lips.

The Wanderer froze, his eyes fixated on the man in armor, his mind racing.

"What's taking so long back there?" the captain’s voice barked from outside.

The guard smiled, reaching inside and grabbed two liquor bottles. "I think we need two, Captain! Just to make sure!"

He pulled the canvas shut, and walked away.

The Wanderer slowly let out his breath and sank back into his seat, as the muffled sound of the guards cheering over the free alcohol echoed from the gatehouse.

"Can I go now?" Daniel asked outside.

The captain waved his hand. "Go on. Next time, bring us beer."

Daniel climbed back onto his bench and snapped the reins, laughing. "Enjoy your drinks!" Then murmured, "...bastards."

An hour passed before the carriage stopped again. They had arrived at the remains of the destroyed hideout.

Daniel stepped down from the bench. "We are here."

The family carefully climbed out of the cramped interior, followed by the Wanderer.

"We will have to split up here," Daniel said, looking down the dark road.

Another carriage pulled up through the gloom. The doors opened, and a few men wearing Owl masks stepped out into the desert.

Harith stared at the masked figures, a look of horror washing over his face. Slowly, the horror wisted into anger. His breath hitched, and his hands curled into tight fists.

The Wanderer quickly stepped up beside Harith, leaning in close to his ear. "Don't make a scene," he whispered sharply. "No one will hurt you, as long as you play ignorant. Just get in the carriage."

Helen threw her arms around the Wanderer one last time. "Are you sure you can't come with us?"

The Wanderer gently tapped her back. "Everything will be okay. I promise."

She nodded reluctantly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek before turning toward the waiting carriage.

Sunny stepped up next. He looked at the Wanderer. "I know I should hate you," he said quietly. "But I don't. Can't say I like you either."

The Wanderer smiled and rested his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I wish you the best, Sunny."

Sunny turned and began walking toward the others. "Make sure to visit."

The Wanderer nodded, watching him go. Just as Sunny reached the carriage door, the Wanderer called out across the dark, "Hey. You never told me your brother's name."

Sunny paused, looking back over his shoulder.

"He was called Kuma."