🔥 The Path of Fire (Path of Light and Fire Book #1)(Completed) 🔥

Chapter 2.4: That's Not My Name

Sabin watched as Cara rapped on the door two times, pausing before tapping another three. The door slid to the side and a tall Acadian man stood just inside the doorway, both hands on his greatsword.

Sabin eyed him carefully as he entered the room behind Cara.

"Sword," the giant said, unmoving from his stance. The sword was unsheathed and rose to the man's chest. A brown leather pommel sat under a flat crossbar.

Sabin looked down at Wade then back to the guard. "No."

Cara shot Sabin a look filled with daggers and jerked her head in the man's direction.

Sabin shook his head and clutched Wade tighter. He wasn't about to give this sword to anyone but another Serien. Additionally, there was no way he would sit unarmed with that greatsword at his back.

Cara growled at Sabin.

Sabin's hand slid towards his hilt.

"Ladies, gentlemen," a new, lighter voice said from behind Cara. "There is no need for the hostilities. Pisato, let the Yuan have his toothpick. You can handle him, yes?"

The giant nodded.

"Excellent," the voice replied. "Mika, darling, come with me. And bring your cute little friend."

Mika? Sabin backpedaled cautiously as he followed Cara, keeping his eye on the guard. Pisato closed the door, then his eyes, leaning on his sword's pommel as if taking a nap.

He followed Cara into the lender's room. The shelves were lined with fabrics, jewelry and gold. Mountains of gold.

"What brings you today, my dear?" the lender asked Cara. He was a short plump man wearing a black silk robe with golden flowers on the cuffs and collar. He wore no shirt underneath, exposing a hairy chest. Thankfully, he wore a pair of matching black silk pants.

"I have something I think you'll enjoy today Shino. Go on Sabin, show him the letter."

Sabin reached into his pouch, staring at Cara as he handed the man the paper.

"This is good, my dear," Shino said. He stroked his goatee. "Is it legit?"

"Of course," Cara said, patting the man on the shoulder. "Have I ever lead you wrong before?"

Shino smiled, revealing a row of golden teeth. "Of course not, my dear. But that is because I am the only one capable of fencing non-Estalan approved goods." He handed the letter back to Sabin. "This however, is too much."

"Oh come on, don't be that way."

"Then answer me this love. Why not just get the money from Darren? He's barely halfway across the city."

If Cara was nervous, she didn't show it at all. Her posture was so relaxed, she may have well been talking to a cousin. "Look at him and think of Darren. Why give him a letter, but not the money?" She shot Shino a wink.

"Yes, I can see it clearly," Shino said. He looked Sabin up and down a few times. "Bastards are so inconvenient."

"Wait," Sabin protested. "I am not a bastard!"

"Of course not, love." Shino shared a laugh with Cara.

"I found him just outside of Darren's manor, fancy new sword and looking for someone to help him with that Merchant's Promise. I figure I bring him here, for all the business we do together."

"This is why I adore you." Shino gave Cara a kiss on the cheek. "How much?"

"Ten thousand."

Sabin was dumbfounded that the man did not flinch at the amount.