Subterra: Dark Relm

Part 11:The Spy's Gambit: In Search of Luminara"

At the Hidden Haven Inn

(The dim light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains, casting a faint glow over the modest room. Damon sat bolt upright in bed, beads of sweat dotting his brow, his breath ragged and uneven. Locos, seated next to him, leaned forward in concern.)

Locos (voice gentle but firm): Mr. Damon, are you all right?

Damon (rubbing his temples, his voice low): Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... the nightmare again. Always following me.

(Locos raised an eyebrow, curiosity tugging at him.)

Locos: What kind of nightmare?

Damon (his tone sharp, cutting off further questions):    It's from my past. Don't ask about it.

(Before Locos could press further, the door creaked open, and Zev stepped inside, the morning chill following him. Behind him stood a tall, shadowy figure.)

Zev (his voice breaking the tension in the room):    Guys, meet my brother, Rhen. We didn't get the chance to introduce him properly yesterday after the long walk from the city's far end.

(Rhen stepped forward, a smirk playing on his lips as he gave a slight bow.)

Rhen (smoothly, with a hint of amusement):    Good morning, young gentlemen. It's true, my name is Rhen, and Zev here is my older brother. But in this city, you'll call me Biru.

Locos (raising an eyebrow in surprise):    What a surprise. One brother is a knight, and the other's a spy.

(Rhen's expression tightened slightly, his eyes scanning the room as if someone could be listening.)

Rhen (in a low, warning tone):      Keep your voice down. It took me ten years to build this empire. Don't ruin everything with loose talk.

(Damon's eyes glinted with interest as he watched Rhen.)

Damon (smirking):  Ten years, huh? That's a long time. You must have uncovered a lot by now.

(Rhen leaned against the wall, folding his arms, his eyes dark with memories.)

Rhen (nodding slightly):   For the safety of our nation, yes. My business helps me investigate many things in this kingdom.

(Damon's gaze sharpened, his curiosity piqued.)

Damon: You mean this lodge?

Rhen (a smile tugging at his lips): Not exactly. Yes, the lodge helps, but it's the services that truly gather information. Whether it's the peak season or the off-season, my rooms are always reserved.

(Locos furrowed his brow, confused.)

Locos: What's the secret?

(Rhen chuckled, shaking his head.)

Rhen (amused):  No secret. Just fun for any man who visits. You know what I mean?

Locos (tilting his head):  No, I don't.

Damon (his voice dry): It's the business of women-giving men a colorful time.

(Rhen's grin widened, clearly impressed.)

Rhen:  Exactly. My lodge is famous all over Frostland City. Ministers and knights alike free up their schedules just for our services. Once they're drunk enough, they loosen their tongues. That's how I build relationships and gather information.

(Zev's expression hardened as he focused on their current mission.)

Zev (sharply):   We need your help. We're searching for someone-Vorath. He stole the Luminara stone from two kingdoms. It's still here, but for how long?