Contentions

Shadows of Refuge

Alara and Rasa had spent hours navigating the waterways, exhaustion clinging to every muscle. Dawn was approaching when they finally reached a narrow estuary that opened into a small port city—Port Sylen. The air was salty, and the cries of distant gulls echoed as the first hints of morning light touched the horizon.

Port Sylen was unlike Eldralore. Even in the early hours, the port city seemed alive, with ships swaying gently in their moorings, dockworkers moving crates, and merchants preparing for the day ahead. Rasa guided the boat toward a secluded dock, helping Alara climb the wooden platform. Alara's face was pale, her eyes hollow with grief and fatigue. Rasa could see that her friend was barely holding on. The adrenaline that had kept them going through the night had long since dissipated, leaving only a hollow ache and bone-deep weariness.

"We should rest," Rasa said gently, guiding Alara away from the water and toward a small alley that offered some privacy. She found an empty shed nearby, abandoned and tucked away from the bustling docks. It wasn't much, but it would give them some shelter. Alara sank onto a pile of old burlap sacks, her eyes closing almost immediately. Rasa knelt beside her, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her face.

"Get some sleep," Rasa whispered. "I'll be back soon."

Alara murmured something in response, her words too soft for Rasa to catch, but she nodded slightly. Rasa stood, her gaze lingering on her friend for a moment longer before she turned and slipped out of the shed. She needed to find help—food, supplies, and perhaps a way out of Port Sylen. But most importantly, she needed to find someone who could offer them refuge, even for a short while.

The city was waking up as Rasa made her way through the narrow streets. The early morning light bathed the cobblestone alleys in a soft glow, and she could smell the brine of the sea mixed with the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery. Her stomach growled, reminding her how long it had been since they'd last eaten. She made her way to the main square, eyes scanning the area for any sign of where she could begin her search.

Rasa had heard whispers of a guild operating in Port Sylen—a group known for dealing in favors, secrets, and occasionally, protection. It was a risk, but they had no other options. She needed to find them, and quickly. As she wandered deeper into the city, she noticed a group of men unloading crates near a warehouse. They wore dark tunics, each marked with an emblem—a coiled serpent wrapped around a dagger. It was the symbol of the local guild.

Rasa approached cautiously, her eyes meeting those of one of the men. He was tall, with dark hair tied back and a sharp gaze that lingered on her a moment too long.

"I'm looking for Rufus Faulkner," Rasa said, her voice steady despite the unease in her stomach. The man raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

"And what business would you have with the Guildmaster?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Rasa hesitated for only a moment before replying. "I need help. I heard he might be the one to provide it."

The man studied her for a long moment before nodding. He gestured for her to follow, leading her through a side door into the warehouse. A dim light illuminated the interior, and the scent of spices and aged wood filled the air. They weaved through stacks of crates until they reached a heavy door at the back of the building. The man knocked twice, then pushed it open, motioning for Rasa to enter.

The room beyond was surprisingly lavish, with rich tapestries adorning the walls and a large desk at its center. Behind it sat a man with sandy blonde hair dressed in a dark coat with gold accents. His eyes were sharp, a knowing smile playing on his lips as he looked up at Rasa.

"Rufus Faulkner, at your service," he said, his voice smooth. "And who might you be, wandering into my domain so early in the day?"

"Rasa," she replied, stepping closer. "I need your help."