Frederich Kaine stood before Brimmah in the corridor, longcoat billowing slightly. A faint, knowing smile played at his lips.
"Still loitering around the den of predators after barely escaping the axe?" he remarked.
Brimmah straightened, recognizing the man instantly — the renowned Gallant Beast of the Kaine Sect. His heart quickened. "I… I intend to swear my life and sword to Lady Kaine," he said. "I await here for her emergence from the council to do just that."
Frederich's smile thinned. "My sister has risked our Sect's name to shield you. Not everyone is worthy of such protection."
Unease tightened Brimmah's shoulders under Fredderich's fixed gaze.
Frederich stepped closer. "If you mean to stay near Satorii, you must prove to me your loyalty through action — not words."
He produced a small ring etched with intricate sigils and pressed it into Brimmah's palm. The metal felt unnaturally warm.
"Go to the old Bazaar alley. Take this to the merchant called Gaus Sell-all. Return whatever he gives you directly to me. Do not open it. Do not speak of it."
Brimmah hesitated, fingers closing around the ring. He recognized its value — the kind of token that could buy or end lives.
Frederich's voice dropped, almost encouraging but laced with clear menace. "You are being trusted only because of Satorii. Fail, and I will know. Succeed, and perhaps you'll earn the right to stand among the Kaine Order."
Brimmah nodded once and slipped away down the corridor, the ring heavy in his fist.
Moments later, Satorii emerged from the council hall, scanning around with uneasy eyes. "Though he is absolved from royal punishment, there are still powerful individuals who may want him harm," she murmured, half to herself. "Where has he gone off to now without a word?"
Frederich turned to her, calm as ever. "Perhaps he did not value your protection as much as you think, sister. Some men run when the weight of gratitude becomes heavy."
Satorii opened her mouth to reply, then closed it again. A flicker of doubt crossed her face. She quickly dismissed it, saying, "He has been through much these past days. I will find him later."
Bazaar Alley
Cramped and alive with chaos. Merchants shouted over one another, children darted between stalls, and the thick air carried the mingled scents of spices, roasting meat, and woodsmoke.
At the far end sat an old stall piled high with dusty books, trinkets, and bundles of dried herbs. Gaus Sell-all — a wiry man in a worn turban — chatted easily with a customer, his thin laugh carrying over the din.
The customer left.
Brimmah stepped forward.
"What'll it be?" The merchant asked pleasantly, still wiping his hands on a rag. "Herbs? Ink? Maybe something rare?"
Brimmah set the sigil-etched ring on the counter without a word.
Gaus's eyes flickered with recognition. His friendly mask vanished in an instant. He studied the ring, then slid it back without comment. From beneath the counter he produced a quill and parchment, scribbling quickly. He pushed the note forward, half-hidden by his arm.
Brimmah leaned in. The words hit him like a blow. "That's —"
Gaus's hand shot up, finger pressing firmly over Brimmah's lips before the rest could escape. "No words." he hissed. "I am the information broker, lad. You figure." He whispered.
Gaus snatched the parchment back and tossed it straight into the brazier beside him. Flames devoured it in seconds.
A second message followed — strokes faster, heavier this time. Brimmah read it. His eyes widened. His jaw clenched hard enough to ache. Shock left him stunned and hollow.
The Broker watched, face unreadable. Then, without hesitation, he burned the second note as well.
Brimmah straightened, still shaken, mouth opening to speak.
"We're done. Don't linger. Leave now!" The broker urged.
Brimmah stepped out into a narrower, quieter lane. The market noise faded behind him. He reached to adjust his buckle —
A shadow moved.
A knife flashed from the corner.
A cloaked figure lunged.
Brimmah spun on instinct, catching the attacker's wrist mid-swing. The blade missed his ribs by a hair's breadth.
They grappled. Brimmah drove an elbow into the figure's skull, forcing them back.
The attacker stumbled, momentarily stunned with panic, then bolted down the alley and vanished into the crowd.
Brimmah didn't pursue. He scanned rooftops and corners around him, pulse still racing. The information burned in his mind. Someone had just tried to silence him.