The tavern was crowded that night. All the benches were filled and many people were forced to stand as the day’s winners were celebrated. When Shen and his friends stepped inside, someone yelled, “Here comes the winning Battle Group of the day.”
A cheer went up and Shen grinned. He’d spent the last three hours resting and finally felt more alive. Every muscle ached from pushing his body, but he was too excited by the thought of heading to the harbour the next day to be able to sleep.
“Three cheers for Gage,” someone called out.
Shen had trouble holding his grin in place while he listened to the cheers. He couldn’t wait to leave. Not only because he wanted to find his family, but because he was sick of being called Gage.
Lara nudged Shen, leaning in to whisper in his ear. “There’s the r
