The air in Val’Haren felt heavier than before. Argolaith and Kaelred knew that even though they had won the battle at The Hollow Fang, the Black Thorn Syndicate would not forget their humiliation.
As they walked through the dimly lit streets, their senses were heightened, scanning every alley and every shadow for potential threats.
Kaelred sighed, rubbing his temple. "We can’t stay here, Argolaith. Not for long. We’ve pissed off one of the most dangerous groups in the city, and I doubt they’ll just let us walk away."
Argolaith grinned. "You say that like we have a choice. If they come again, we just beat them again."
Kaelred groaned. "That’s not a strategy. That’s recklessness."
Argolaith stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. "Worked so far."
Kaelred shot him a glare. "Barely."
Before the conversation could continue, Malakar materialized out of the darkness, his voice laced with amusement.
"You two have really made a mess of things, haven’t you?"
Kaelred scowled. "No thanks to you."
Malakar smirked. "You survived, didn’t you?"
Argolaith ignored their banter and focused on the real issue. "How bad is this, Malakar? Are they going to hunt us?"
Malakar nodded. "Oh, absolutely. You humiliated them. More importantly, you proved that you’re not easy prey. That means you’re either a threat or an asset—and they’ll want to find out which."
Kaelred crossed his arms. "Which means they’ll send someone stronger next time."
Malakar’s smirk widened. "Precisely."
They needed to make a decision, fast. Malakar laid out their options.
"You have three choices," Malakar said, counting off on his fingers.
"One, you leave Val’Haren now, disappear before they get their next move in."
Kaelred nodded. "That’s the safest choice."
Malakar continued. "Two, you stay and strike first, take the fight directly to the Black Thorn Syndicate. Dangerous, but it would send a message."
Argolaith grinned. "I like that one."
Kaelred shot him a glare. "Of course you do."
Malakar smirked. "And three… you make an alliance."
Both Argolaith and Kaelred looked at Malakar in surprise.
"With who?" Kaelred asked, skeptical.
Malakar’s eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "With another power in Val’Haren. The Black Thorn Syndicate isn’t the only force in this city."
Argolaith rubbed his chin. "That… might not be a bad idea."
Kaelred frowned. "Yeah? And which gang do you propose we get involved with?"
Malakar chuckled. "There are groups beyond mere thieves, Kaelred. Ever heard of The Silver Fang Mercenary Guild?"
Kaelred’s eyes widened slightly. "I have. They’re dangerous."
Malakar nodded. "But they hate the Black Thorn Syndicate. If you can prove yourselves useful, they might offer protection… for a price."
Argolaith smirked. "So, we either run, fight, or make powerful friends."
Kaelred sighed. "I hate all of these choices."
Malakar laughed. "Welcome to Val’Haren."
Argolaith and Kaelred spent the next few hours discussing their next move while resting in their inn. They laid out all possible risks and rewards.
Kaelred leaned back against his chair. "If we leave, we avoid unnecessary bloodshed, but we also lose access to the resources of this city."
Argolaith tapped the hilt of his sword. "If we fight, we make an even bigger mess."
Kaelred sighed. "And if we make an alliance, we tie ourselves to a power we don’t fully understand."
Malakar watched them, clearly enjoying their struggle with the decision.
"You two are fun to watch when you think too hard," he mused.
Argolaith finally stood. "I say we don’t run. We didn’t come all this way just to back down when things got difficult."
Kaelred groaned. "I knew you were going to say that."
Argolaith grinned. "We don’t have to go straight for a war, though. We can test the waters with the Silver Fang Mercenaries first."
Malakar nodded approvingly. "A wise choice. Dangerous, but wise."
Kaelred rubbed his forehead. "Alright, fine. But if we get killed, I’m blaming you, Argolaith."
Argolaith smirked. "I wouldn’t have it any other way."
With their path chosen, they prepared for their next move—securing an alliance with one of the most dangerous mercenary guilds in the city.
But the Black Thorn Syndicate was already moving, too.
And their next attack would be far worse than just a few thieves in the night.
The morning mist lingered in the streets of Val’Haren, curling around the stone buildings like a ghostly presence. Argolaith and Kaelred walked with purpose, their destination clear—the Silver Fang Mercenary Guild.
Malakar trailed behind them, staying in the shadows, his presence subtle but ever-watchful.
Kaelred exhaled slowly. "This is either the smartest thing we’ve done or the dumbest."
Argolaith grinned. "Then it’s both."
The Silver Fang Guild Hall was an imposing structure, built from dark stone and reinforced with magic-infused metal. It loomed over the street, its banners depicting a silver wolf’s head with fangs bared—a warning to all who approached.
The guards at the entrance watched them carefully, their armor dented from battle and their weapons well-worn from use. These were not mere mercenaries—they were survivors of countless wars.
One of them, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his cheek, stepped forward.
"State your business."
Kaelred answered first. "We need to speak with your leader. We have a proposition."
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The guard eyed them suspiciously. "And why would the Silver Fang be interested in anything you have to say?"
Argolaith smirked. "Because we’re about to make life very difficult for the Black Thorn Syndicate."
The guard raised an eyebrow, then after a moment of consideration, he turned and gestured for them to follow.
"Wait here."
They were led into the main hall, a vast space filled with mercenaries sharpening weapons, discussing contracts, and drinking heavily. The air smelled of oil, sweat, and steel.
At the far end of the hall, seated on a throne-like chair, was a woman with silver hair tied back in a braid, her golden eyes piercing and unyielding.
She was lean but muscular, her posture relaxed yet exuding authority. A massive battle-axe rested against her chair, its blade etched with faint magical runes.
The guard approached her and whispered something in her ear.
She nodded once, then motioned for Argolaith and Kaelred to step forward.
"You have five minutes to convince me why I shouldn’t throw you out."
Argolaith and Kaelred exchanged glances. Then, Argolaith spoke.
"The Black Thorn Syndicate tried to have us killed."
The guildmaster raised an eyebrow. "And?"
Kaelred folded his arms. "We fought back. And now they’re coming for us. We need allies. You hate them as much as we do."
The guildmaster chuckled. "Hate is a strong word. But yes, the Syndicate and I have… disagreements."
Argolaith leaned forward. "Then let’s help each other. We want protection, and in return, we’ll do something for you."
The guildmaster studied them for a long moment, then smirked.
"I don’t offer protection for free. If you want our help, you need to prove your worth."
Argolaith grinned. "Name it."
The guildmaster leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers against the wooden armrest.
"There’s a problem in the city. A noble has been hiring mercenaries outside of the Guild’s control. He’s growing too bold. His personal force is becoming a threat to our influence."
Kaelred nodded slowly. "And you want us to deal with him?"
The guildmaster grinned. "Not just deal with him. I want you to send a message. No one undermines the Silver Fang."
Argolaith smirked. "Consider it done."
Kaelred sighed. "Argolaith, we should at least ask how many guards this noble has before—"
"Fifty," the guildmaster said, cutting him off.
Kaelred’s eyes widened. "Fifty? And you want us to deal with that?"
The guildmaster shrugged. "If you’re as good as you say, it shouldn’t be a problem."
Malakar, who had been silent until now, chuckled from the shadows. "Oh, this will be entertaining."
Argolaith grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, let’s get to work."
That night, Argolaith, Kaelred, and Malakar positioned themselves near the noble’s estate. The manor was heavily guarded, with mercenaries patrolling every corner.
Kaelred muttered under his breath. "This is insane."
Argolaith smirked. "We’ve done worse."
Malakar rolled his eyes. "Remind me again why I’m helping?"
Kaelred answered. "Because you enjoy chaos."
Malakar sighed. "Fair point."
With silent coordination, they moved into position.
Malakar slipped into the shadows, silencing guards one by one with his eerie, undead precision.
Kaelred took a high vantage point, using throwing knives to pick off guards patrolling the upper levels.
Argolaith? He walked right up to the front gate.
One of the mercenaries frowned. "Hey, who—"
Argolaith punched him so hard, the man collapsed instantly.
The entire manor erupted into chaos.
Guards rushed forward, weapons drawn, their battle cries filling the night air.
Kaelred dropped down from his perch, sword flashing as he cut through the nearest enemies.
Malakar unleashed dark magic, sending waves of shadow to immobilize and disorient their foes.
Argolaith, laughing, slashed through mercenaries like a storm of steel, his blade carving a path toward the noble’s chambers.
The guards fought hard, but they were uncoordinated against such a chaotic force.
Argolaith kicked down the doors to the noble’s room, finding the man cowering behind a desk, surrounded by his last few remaining guards.
"P-please!" the noble stammered. "I’ll pay you double what the Guild is offering!"
Argolaith smirked. "Not interested."
With one final swing of his sword, the battle was over.
When they returned to the Silver Fang Guild, the guildmaster was waiting.
She smirked, arms crossed. "So? Is it done?"
Kaelred, still catching his breath, nodded. "It’s done."
Argolaith grinned. "I think they got the message."
The guildmaster studied them for a long moment, then nodded.
"You’ve earned our favor. For now."
Kaelred sighed in relief. "That means we’re safe from the Syndicate, right?"
The guildmaster chuckled. "It means they won’t kill you immediately."
Argolaith laughed. "That’s good enough for me."
Malakar smirked. "Well, well, looks like you two are making friends after all."
With their alliance secured, their place in Val’Haren was solidified.
But the Black Thorn Syndicate was still out there—watching, waiting.
And their next move would be far deadlier.