The next day brought fresh food, bright smiles, and a visitor- all seeming to stem from their latest score.

"I want in," the stranger said eagerly. He stood before the second in command, a few higher up members, and *****. "I want to join the rebellion."

***** and the men exchanged glances as they stood in the back office of the pub with this man. People knew of their gang because they brought food and money to the community when they could, but not many people outside the inner group knew that they were actually planning to overthrow the royal court.

The second in command stepped forward. "We are not a rebellion group mister...ah..."

"Carnie. The name's George Carnie."

"Ah, yes Mr. Carnie, my apologies. Anyways, we are a group who takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Robin Hood types, you see. Now who told you my people are the rebellious sort?"

The second in command, Mornic, was tall with close cut, white hair. His tattoos stretched across lean muscled arms, their designs slightly faded with age. He was getting closer to fifty yet, the eye that wasn’t cover with a leather eyepatch, was frighteningly cold. That and his overall demeanor broadcasted the fact he was still the one of the best fighters in the group. He looked exactly as one would expect from a gang leader. That was why he stood as the public figure head for anyone not in the inner circle. Only those men knew she was the true gang leader. This made it easier for recruitment as men usually sneered at the thought of taking orders from a woman. People just assumed Mornic was the leader. ***** did not lie when it wasn’t necessary, this was just a play on people's ignorance to the possibility of a woman leader.

"I'm new to town and was drinking in the ale house down the way when I over heard that you guys took out a huge merchant train last night. I heard you do good by way of the community and then some drunk guy barged into the conversation. He claimed he was a part of the group, bragging this way and that, saying how they were going to take down the crown next. He didn’t say much else when I asked him but I found out from the barkeep that you guys hole up in here. So here I am. I want to take down the crown, as well, I want to help!"

Mornic held up a hand. "We are not a rebellion group, friend. And either way, we accept only those referred to us. It has been under very special circumstances that we've allowed new members in without a reference. I'm sorry."

They were all about to turn and go when Carnie blurted out, "What if I could tell you where to find Fire Crystals?"

They all stopped.

Fire Crystals were rare. Very rare. They were bright red Crystals that allowed the holder to intensify their magical ability almost by one hundred times their original power. Someone who could only create a spark would be able to throw fire. And someone with the ability to throw fire would be able to burn down a city. They were just one step down from Inferno Crystals which Royals were born with in their palms. Once a Royal got their hands on one there was no stopping them. It's how the Dark Fae were able to be take over the Royal Court.

"What do you mean," Mornic asked, carefully, sounding almost disinterested. "How would you know where to find Fire Crystals?"

"On my way here, I ran into some drunk guards with capital armor on. I managed to find out, after buying them a few more drinks in the name of his majesty," here he rolled his eyes to express his obvious distaste, "that they were transporting four Fire Crystals from the capital to the King's personal armory."

"And how do you know where they will be?" Mornic asked, incredulously, no longer trying to hide his desire. ***** saw that the prospect of acquiring Fire Crystals was causing him to forget himself and frowned.

"They mentioned going down some back trails in Hovland to avoid cities so word doesn’t get out that there's a congregation of capital guards strolling about, you know? As luck would have it, I worked as a guide near those parts and know the trails like the back of my hand." He ended with a self-satisfied nod that reminded ***** of Benjie, as he had done the same thing last night. The similarity between the fifteen year old and the man standing before her caused her to smirk.

The smile quickly died again when Mornic started shaking Carnie's hand. "This is wonderful news. Wonderful news! With the Fire Crystals we will most definitely be able to take - oof!" Mornic's celebratory announcement ended abruptly when ***** bumped into him, seemingly by accident.

"I'm so sorry, sir! I was also just so excited we would be able to take more food and clothes for the people that I wanted to shake Mister Carnie's hand too. I guess I tripped over my own feet." *****said meekly. She bowed slightly to Mornic, only glancing up once to shoot him a glare icier than his own. She straightened and shook Carnie's hand quickly, before returning to her position towards the back of the group.

Mornic coughed, a blush spreading across his cheeks, before replying, "It's okay. Just don’t let it happen again." The other men also shook Carnie's hand as Mornic continued. "Now, Mister Carnie, we are grateful for your information and interest but we have to discuss it before we decide to let you join or not."

Carnie, who had previously been staring at ***** with an odd expression on his face, turned back to the second in command with a smile. "Of course," he said politely, "I will take my leave then. I'm staying at the Old Copper Inn should you wish to contact me." After glancing at ***** one last time, he walked out the door.

The men seemed to let go of the breath they'd been holding. Mornic looked at *****.

"I apologize," he started, "I was so excited to know we have a chance to get Fire Crystals I let my guard down."

"It's fine," ***** said, putting up a hand to stop him from apologizing further. "Just make sure you keep it under wraps next time. Right now we need to find out who the drunkard who ran their mouth was and whether or not we should take this guy's offer."

The room erupted in shouts.