The ship groaned as it settled against the blackened stone of the pier. Heavy ropes creaked under the tension of the receding tides, and although the rain was still dense, it began settling into a steady tempo.
Kurt, Dominik, and Emelie stood in a tight circle on the slick wooden deck. The lantern light reflected off their black and red cloaks, making them look like three ghosts haunting the docks. Between them, hunched and shivering, sat their "golden ticket" inside: Mr. Shittypants. A man they had pulled from the steel cage not but a few moments ago, his wrists still bound tight with Dominik's mana blocking cuffs.
"One more time," Emelie whispered, her voice barely audible over the lapping waves. "The plan is simple. We are new recruits. This wretch here is our delivery. He vouches for us; we show them the fake tags if they ask for it and simply walk through those gates like we belong there."
"And if he opens his mouth to scream?" Dominik asked.
