Where Ashes and Oaths Collide

Chapter 28: Gathering Intel

Mestre Escuro stood atop the watchtower and watched as Luz and Amelia walked down the winding path side by side. Lady Escuridade stood behind him. “They make quite the pair, do they not?” Mestre Escuro commented, Lady Escuridade remained silent. “They remind me of us when we were younger.” He turned to look at her and walked closer to her. “Do you remember those days?” he asked with a deep voice. “Bits and pieces,” she answered quietly, her voice lacking emotion. “We had so much fun, camping out in the wilderness, exploring ancient ruins and fighting off raiders and knights.” He said in a nostalgic tone, but her face remained neutral. He reached for her but before his hand could touch her, she stepped back. “I still need to gather information,” she said quickly.

Mestre Escuro’s hand fell to his side, slight disappointment colouring his facial expression. “Of course. Always so responsible, Escuridade,” he said and turned towards the silver chalice on the table beside the map. “Fine, when you get back then. And you better come back, that is an order.” He picked up the silver chalice and took a sip. “If it is an order,” she said casually and turned toward the exit. She makes her way down the spiral staircase, to find Salvaxe standing on the edge of the cliff look out at Cidade dos escravos across the sea in the distance. Lady Escuridade went to stand beside him. “How long has it been?” she asked quietly. Salvaxe looked up at her as if surprised by her presence or surprised that she actually talked to him. “Not long enough.” He said with a pained voice.

“I understand,” Lady Escuridade said softly. “I wish we could obliterate the city, wipe it off the face of the map forever.” Salvaxe searched her face, trying to figure out why she would share his hatred for the grand city of slaves. “But we cannot,” he noted softly. “Not yet,” she said meaningfully. “But maybe once the Santo order is no more, I will help you erase the city that is Cidade dos escravos.” Before Salvaxe could respond, Lady Escuridade disappeared in a purplish smoke, leaving him alone. He stared out at the city once more.

…

Lady Escuridade appeared in a narrow street lined with stone walls and timber-framed buildings. She is barely recognisable in her human disguise, with her skin evenly toned and unmarked. Her long, dark hair falls naturally around her shoulders, slightly wavy and unstyled. Her purple eyes were more of a pale colour, and one would have to focus very hard to even notice they were purple at all. She was wearing a fitted, laced bodice over a simple dress, with a cloak draped over her shoulders. The fabric looked worn and practical. Around her neck is a small green pendant with subtly catches the light originating from torches along the road. At her waist, a small leather pouch hangs from a belt and her hands rest naturally at her sides, relaxed but steady.

The street appears narrow and quiet, with no other people visible, but despite her solidarity Lady Escuridade quickly moves along the path and entered into one of the buildings. Once she opened the door she was met with loud noise of tavern patrons. The inside of the tavern is constructed from heavy timber beans and rough stone walls. The lighting is low and atmospheric, coming primarily from clusters of candles, wall-mounted lanterns and a large roaring fireplace on the left side of the room. The fire casts a golden-orange glow that flickers across the faces of patrons, wood grain and metal tankards, while shadows dance in the rafters above.

In the foreground, a long wooden table dominates the scene, its surface scarred from years of use and littered with plates, crumbs, leather jerkins and fur-lined garments. The patrons that sit at the table appear rough and weathered; many have long hair, beards and hardened expressions. Some are mid-conversation, while others drink deeply from metal tankards. One man grips his mug with both hands, hunched slightly, as if lost in thought. Besides the fireplace, a musician stands playing a lute, his music filling the room alongside the chatter. Nearby, mounted on the wall above the hearth, is a large animal skull with antlers and banners hand on the walls as well, each bearing different symbols.

The tavern extends upward into a second level, visible as wooden balcony running along the walls. More patrons crowd this upper gallery, leaning against railings, drinking and observing the activity below. Above them hangs a large circular iron chandelier fitted with multiple candles, dripping wax and casting soft light downward. At the back, below the balcony, the bar area is visible, stocked with bottles and lit by lanterns. The bartender and additional patrons are gathered there. Lady Escuridade heads for the woman in the centre of the room, moving between tables serving drinks. As Lady Escuridade approached the barmaid, the barmaid faces her directly with a relaxed, confident posture and a subtle, friendly smile.

The barmaid has dark, curly hair pulled loosely back, with a few damp strands framing her face. Her skin is softly illuminated by the warm flow of candlelight, highlighting her features and giving her a slightly flushed appearance. She is wearing a light-coloured blouse with a low neckline that show of her big breasts and slightly puffed sleeves, layered under a fitted, dark brown leather bodice that laces tightly at the front. Over this, she wears a practical apron tied at the waist. The fabric appears worn but sturdy, with subtle creases. In her right hand, she holds an empty metal tankard, while her left hand supports a wooden serving tray carrying another mug and a cloth.

“Can I help you?” the barmaid asks with a friendly tone of voice. “Mar Desgarrado,” Lady Escuridade said simply. “Upstairs, right corner,” the barmaid said turning her attention to a man calling out to her. Lady Escuridade easily brushed past her and ascended up the creaky wooden stairs to the tavern’s balcony.