The sun rose from behind the mountains, shedding its bright golden light across the dim, crowded streets of Jade. People continued on with their mornings; the merchants active at night switched with their colleagues. Silence filled the inn where Maya sat staring at the empty glass before her. She took a deep breath and tapped Brandon’s shoulder, who had passed out beside her. “Get up.” Her voice didn’t reach him as he made no movements, his breathing remaining steady. A frown formed on her face. “I said, get up!” Her voice echoed off the walls, her hand connecting with Brandon’s neck. He jolted awake, his eyes wide. “Huh? What?”

  “It’s dawn already. Did you forget you have to leave for Heliosia today?” Maya stood, brushing her hair. Brandon looked around, his hangover still imminent, his gaze blurry, and rocked his head. “I didn’t.”

  They both straightened themselves and walked out of the inn. Maya scratched the back of her head. “You leave, I have something to do.” And without another word, she stepped away. Brandon stared at her retreating figure through the crowd, shook his head and walked towards Jade’s eastern exit.

  Maya walked, her gaze lowered, steps heavy. She took another deep breath and looked around, her eyes moving through the crowd. “Where did he go?”

  As she continued down the path, she spotted Mei Zhi sitting by a wall, staring into the distant forest. Mei Zhi turned toward the approaching footsteps and looked up at her. “What are you doing?” She asked, leaning on the wall. Mei Zhi faced the direction she was staring in. “Keeping an eye on him.” Maya followed her gaze, her eyes widening. “Is that Ray?”

  “Yes, he’s been there all night.”

  Under a tree in the forest, sunlight filtered through its leaves, landing on Ray’s bloodied forehead. His blond hair darkened in the shade of blood. He sat with his arms crossed, eyes closed, blood still trickling down the glass shards etched in his palm’s flesh. He let out a deep breath, opening his eyes, he turned toward the gazes watching him. His eyes, half lidded locked on Maya and Mei Zhi talking to each other. His ears focused on their voices.

  Mei Zhi, now standing, faced Maya. “No, you cannot talk to him.” A frown etched itself on Maya’s face. “Who are you to stop me?”

  “Nobody, but I still will stop you.”

  They stared at each other for moments before Maya turned around, walking away. “Fine, have it your way.” She glanced at Ray once before walking down the path into Jade. Mei Zhi let out the breath she held and sat back down by the wall. Ray, meanwhile, closed his eyes again. I’m tired.

  On the eastern side of Jade, Luke stood near a group of lightly armored men. Their banner — a jackal carrying a red rose — fluttered in the light breeze flowing across the city. One of them, a man with a short sword and a rose hanging around his right lapel, stood beside Luke. “Don’t worry, sir, we, the Kynodesmai, shall deliver your letter safely.” Luke gave him a warm smile and a nod.

  “Iron Fist is late, isn’t he?” the man said, crossing his arms. He ran his hand through his hair, a smile tracing his lips. “We, the Kynodesmai, value time, money, and honor.”

  Luke’s smile faltered. “Yes, you have said that four times already.”

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  “That isn’t enough. I shall repeat myself until Iron Fist arrives.” He said, running his hand through his hair once again. “We, the Kynodesmai,-”

  He got interrupted by Brandon’s voice. “I’m here; let us depart.” Luke turned to him, his smile now vanished. “You’re late. Do you even remember your mission?” Brandon let out a quiet sigh, his voice low. “Yes, I do. Deliver the letter containing Augustus’ words to Caesar.”

  “And?” Luke crossed his arms, staring at him.

  “Do not insist upon it.”

  They both nodded and looked at the man, his hand still in his hair. His smile returned. “-value time, money, and honor. Welcome, Iron Fist, we shall depart now.” Brandon’s eyes narrowed, staring at the man. “Are you Beric?” A shiver ran down the man’s spine, followed by a slight flinch. “N-no? I’m his brother, Eric.” Brandon stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. “Alright.” The sun rose higher into the sky, its bright light shining over more of Jade and the vast plains. The seven Kynodesmai and Brandon climbed atop their horses and set out through the plains.

  The horses trudged along the dirt road; the wind carrying the scent of roses and lilies. The sound of a nearby river wove beneath birdsong and distant animal calls. Eric rode at the front with Brandon by his side. Behind them, the remaining Kynodesmai bickered as they followed. Brandon turned toward him, a smirk playing on his lips. “When did you start your mercenary band, Beric?”

  Beric’s chest puffed up, a smile tracing his lips before he flinched and coughed. “I-I’m not Beric, Iron Fist. I am Eric, his bro—”

  “Give up the act before you meet this iron fist.” He raised his hand. Beric sighed, scratching his head. “Well, you could at least appreciate the effort.” He shook his head, still smirking. “I could. But why should I?”

  Beric’s shoulders slumped, his smile fading.

  “So?” Brandon said. “You didn’t answer my question.” Beric looked up at him. The bickering faded, and silence closed in. “It’s a long story.”

  “You should tell him,” a lanky man said, smirking. Another, more heavily armored and scarred at the lip, chimed in. “We’ve got plenty of time, boss.” Laughter rippled through the group. Beric took a deep breath. “Two years ago,” he said, his voice quiet. “When Caesar exiled me.” The horses trudged on, the only sound left.

  “I… I cannot become a knight. I will never have the honor of knighthood.” Silence followed. “But knighthood requires honor, not the other way around. I can live honorably as a mercenary — remembered as a knight without a rank.”

  Brandon’s smirk softened into a smile. “Honor is a choice. You made yours. Live proudly.” Beric let out a small huff, shaking his head as they rode on.

  Brandon’s smile faded as Beric and the others reined in their horses. The bushes rustled. A few dozen heavily armored men stepped out. One wore no helmet. His piercing golden gaze locked onto Brandon, a laugh following each step as he unsheathed his sword.

  “Brandon Iron Fist. Long time no see.”

  Brandon sighed, glancing over his shoulder. “I can still see Jade — and you’re already here?” He turned back. “Patience runs thin in Solara’s blood, it seems.”

  “Patience isn’t a virtue when duty demands interference.”

  Beric laughed as he swung down from his horse, running a hand through his hair. He glanced at his men before speaking. “Patience demands impatience—when the moment finally arrives.”

  Steel pierced flesh behind them. They turned, eyes widening, as the more heavily armored, scar-lipped man drove his blade into one of their companions.

  “All this talk of patience made me impatient, boss.”

  Without another word or a moment of thought, the dozen armored men rushed at them. Brandon jumped in front of Beric, blocking the incoming attack. The remaining Kynodesmai attacked the traitor, but his armor stopped their attacks. The ambushers pushed in, attacking everyone. Beric stood, his eyes wide, the reflection of his subordinate’s unmoving body etched in his eyes. “BERIC!” Brandon’s voice cut through his daze, and he unsheathed his sword. “Focus!” He took a deep breath, his quivering hand calming down. “Damn Solaran cunts.”

  Brandon and the five remaining Kynodesmai, including Beric, stood surrounded, their backs facing each other. The armored men closed in, their footsteps heavy. The man with no helmet stood still, smiling, holding his sword.