Chapter 7: Thalasien Trembles, Argyll Waits
The port city of Eldrithas was a cacophony of sails, stone, and suspicion.
Nicknamed the Hearth of Murky Waters, it served as a vital artery of trade into the eastern stretches of the Continent. Galleons and merchant barges swayed at crowded docks, unloading crates of incense, black powder, enchanted fabrics, and rumors from across the world.
Corvin arrived quietly by caravan, seated among a half a dozen hired guards as the convoy creaked toward the city gates.
A line of travelers stretched ahead, where city guards methodically stopped each group for paperwork verifications.
When it came to Corvin’s turn, a broad shouldered guard with a bored expression took his papers. His eyes flicked across the name, then paused.
A slow smirk crept onto his face.
"Raven, huh?" the guard drawled, leaning in slightly. "Thought you’d come earlier."
Corvin said nothing.
The guard flipped the parchment back to him. "Word travels, even here. Lots of messy problems in this city. Would be nice if some of them started disappearing. You catch my meaning?"
Corvin met his gaze evenly, and after a pause, offered a slow, sharp smile.
"Crystal."