Anger rushed through Shen, mixed with gratitude for the old man. Shen walked towards him. “Thank you.” He placed coins on the bar in front of the man.
With a toothless grin, the man scooped up the coins. “Good luck, boy. Reckon you’re gonna need it if you’re takin’ on the likes of them.”
Shen smiled. His eyes stayed hard. “They’ll be the ones needing the luck. If you ever need help you have only to ask. Prince Shenlan Tige Alam Daen of Avellum.” With a nod Shen strode out of the tavern. It felt both strange and good to be able to say his true name, but the moment was tarnished by Edwin’s k********g.
“Now what?” Eira asked. “Can I fetch help?”
Shen shook his head and kept walking. They would do this on their own. He didn’t trust anyone to help.
“Why not? You can’t take on the assassin
