Traverse

Chapter 8: A Bargain for Freedom

Eimear's chest heaved as she stared at the basin of water, dread pooling in her stomach. The crowd's murmurs pressed on her like a physical weight. Her legs felt like they might give out at any moment.

"Stop!"

Eimear's head whipped toward the voice. It was Claude, stepping between her and the guards. His face was tense, but his voice was steady.

"Father, this is pointless," he said, looking back at Lord Dareth. "If she sinks, she dies. If she floats, you'll call her a witch and burn her. There's no justice in this trial, only death."

Dareth's eyes narrowed. "And what would you suggest, Claude? That we simply let her go?"

"Not let her go," Claude said, his tone measured. "Prove she can be trusted. Test her loyalty, not her mortality."

A ripple of curiosity moved through the crowd.

Eimear's heart skipped a beat. Was this a lifeline, or just another trap?

"And how would you propose we do that?" Dareth demanded, his tone laced with skepticism.

Claude hesitated, then took a deep breath. "There's something we need—a relic stolen by the thieves of Delmorra County. If she retrieves it, she proves her worth and earns her freedom. If not, she can face the consequences upon her return."

Dareth leaned back in his chair, considering. "The thieves' guild in Delmorra County is no simple foe. If she truly is a witch, she might succeed. If she is not..." He let the words hang, the implication clear.

Eimear opened her mouth to protest, but Claude shot her a warning glance.

"And who will oversee this... task?" Dareth asked.

"I will," Claude said firmly.

Dareth barked a laugh. "You, boy? You're barely older than her. What would you know of leading such a mission?"

"I won't go alone," Claude said quickly. "Nicholas will accompany her."

At this, the crowd laughed. Even Dareth smirked.

"Nicholas? The fool knight?" Dareth chuckled. "What use is he?"

"He knows Delmorra well and blends into its chaos," Claude said. "And... you've always said his loyalty is unmatched."

Dareth sighed, clearly annoyed. "Fine. But if she fails or betrays you, Claude, the consequences will fall on your head."

---

Eimear sat in a small chamber, her wrists and ankles unshackled for the first time in days. The warmth of the fire in the corner was a welcome change from the damp chill of the dungeon, but she couldn't relax.

The door creaked open, and Claude stepped inside.

"What's this task you've assigned me?" she asked sharply, rising to her feet. "You're sending me to my death, aren't you?"

Claude shook his head. "No. I'm giving you a chance to prove yourself."

"And if I don't want to?"

"Then you'll return to the dungeon and face your trial again. You'll wish you had taken this offer."

She glared at him but didn't respond.

Claude sat across from her, folding his hands. "In the heart of Delmorra County lies the thieves' guild. Among their spoils is an artifact—a golden medallion that belongs to my family. It was stolen months ago, and despite our efforts, we haven't been able to retrieve it. You'll infiltrate the guild and bring it back."