The walk was easier than it could have been. The biggest issue Samson found was not Elias’s safety, but rather his own instability on the uphill gravel paths. He moved slowly, the stones shifting and crumbling beneath him. It was not the worst thing that could have happened to him, but he felt as though he were holding up the group, even if he was the only one of them who knew where to go. With the way Cheng kept sighing behind him, he assumed they were as irritated as Samson expected.

Still, at least it was Verand. Where Asria was known for its rough ports and unfavorable views toward the monarchy, Verand had long been an ally and their ports highly secured. It was a beautiful country, if a bit sterile. The organization was pristine, but that did feel monotonous when walking through the clean city streets. Still, for as much as it could numb the eyes, Samson was grateful for the security. Elias kept by his side, his face covered with a mask and hood covering the rest of his face with shadow. He clung to Samson’s prosthetic, keeping it close to his chest. He wouldn’t let it endure any more damage on the way, he had said.

A small, wooden home stood before them, an aged and rain-worn sign in front of it. Now unreadable, it had once proudly stated, Mechanic. Tucked into the greenery on the edge of town, it was unassuming and modest, particularly when compared to the vibrant white buildings within the city proper. It was far from a temple, but it had been just as important in recent years.

“Is this the right place?” Elias asked. At Samson’s nod, he furrowed his brow. It was difficult to see the change in expression beneath his coverings. “I thought you might go somewhere more… upscale.”

Cheng laughed. “Your captain is not one who cares for the finer things.”

Moving up the stairs to the door took all of Samson’s concentration. Whatever was said, it was not important enough to attempt a response while focusing on the steps. He reached forward, knocking at the door. A loud bark came in response, and Elias turned toward him, curiosity sparking in those deep black eyes. His Highness had always liked dogs.

The door opened, revealing a small, elderly woman. Her hair was pulled back into a tight gray bun and her face was withered with wrinkles. Small brown eyes looked up toward them, and then a soft sigh was released from thin lips. “You messed it up again, didn’t you? Well, now, come in. You’re lucky I don’t have any other appointments.”

Samson didn’t respond, just stretching to hold the door open for Elias and Cheng, following them inside. The house was unassuming. A cozy living room, a kitchen that smelled of coffee, and a narrow hallway that led to a spare bedroom. Samson had walked this path plenty of times before. It was warm and orderly, a comfortable place. He entered the spare room without instruction, taking a seat on a small sofa. The woman stood with her arms crossed over her chest, taking the leg from Elias.

“What did you do to this thing? Run a damn sword through it?”

Samson raised his hands. “Yes.”

“What am I going to do with you?” she asked, shaking her head as she placed the prosthetic on a workbench and settled into a seat. Elias watched her carefully, approaching the bench. “Alright, who are your friends? And why’s this one dressed like a fool?”

Samson couldn’t help a smile. “Your Highness, you may show your face here. Miss Adelaide is a friend.”

Elias nodded, pushing down his hood and removing his mask. He took his glasses from his pocket, replacing them on his face. He had only been concealed for a short while, but it was good to see his face again. “I am Prince Elias of Kremal.”

“Mm, dramatic. I don’t have time for that.”

Elias paused, blinking as though he were unsure what to say to that.

“Are you going to stare at me while I work?”

He cleared his throat, averting his eyes. “My apologies. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to see how everything works.”

She didn’t answer, but gestured toward a stool. Elias pulled it forward, making himself comfortable as his eyes followed her hands. “Samson, you didn’t say who the other one is.”

“Forgive my rudeness,” Cheng said, taking a seat beside Samson. They were too close, the heel of their boot smacking against Samson’s knee when they crossed it over their other leg. “I am Cheng, the first mate of Eye’s Revenge. I am currently working with Graves.”

She hummed. “Alright.”

Samson sat still, watching her quietly assess them both. Miss Adelaide had always done right by him, much more than he deserved. When he had come to her a mess of blood and with one less leg than he’d had before, she hadn’t hesitated. She knew what to do and how to handle things. If she was a bit blunt, that was within her rights. When she spoke to Elias, it was not with a lack of respect, only with the exhaustion of a woman who had yet to be impressed.

“How do you know Samson?” Elias asked.

“He once rid Verand of pirates in a single night. My late husband was a doctor, took care of all the crew that came in hurt. When the poor boy came in without a leg one day screaming and crying, I did what I could for him. Figured I owed him as much for taking care of the issues in town.” She spoke without removing her eyes from her tools.

Elias turned his attention to Samson for just a moment, and Samson swallowed. “I hardly took care of it on my own.”

“I didn’t know you were involved with the piracy in Verand at all.”

Samson shook his head. It had been years ago. He’d barely been eighteen, still learning the ropes of how to function as an adult, hardly much of a pirate. He’d made a handful of small deals, exchanging portions of his rations in exchange for some small ships avoiding Kremal. Some had taken one time payments. Some had accepted longer term agreements. “It was a little more than six years ago. That was how I met Karim.”

“Karim is Verandi,” Cheng said. “Never had too much loyalty to it, though. He only got involved in that fight to get you on his side when he realized you’d be useful.” They leaned back, placing their hands behind their head. “Then you went and got your leg cut off immediately and couldn’t be of any real use for months. A really poor investment in the short term.”

“Let me get this straight,” Elias said. “You became allies with Karim Albasha to rid Verand of pirates? You’re Kremali. Why were pirates here any of your concern?”

“Your Highness, you really ought to think. When did you last come to Verand?” The smile on Cheng’s lips was sickening. Samson shouldn’t have said anything. If Elias put things together like this, it was going to end poorly. The more cohesive his timeline regarding Samson’s piracy became, the more at risk he was of connecting everything else. Cheng knew that.

Elias blinked. “Samson.”

He sighed, nodding.

It was difficult to read Elias’s expression. The man turned his head away, focusing on the tools and parts on the table before him, watching as Miss Adelaide worked.

Prior to Elias staying in Verand for school,  Samson had done his best to ensure that the city, once plagued by pirates in every port, would be safe enough for him. With the ports of Kremal mostly clear, the palace guards could be trusted to do the rest of the work in keeping Elias from harm. In Verand, though, there wouldn’t be enough staffing. There wouldn’t always be someone directly by his side to aid him. After all, a semester spent away was meant for him to gain some independence. He would be walking alone sometimes, a known man of wealth in streets that were frequented by swindlers and pirates.

Samson had gone to Karim then, hoping to appeal to his better side and whatever ties his heart might still have to Verand. It had gotten him shot. And, quite immediately after, Karim had decided that perhaps Samson was worth his time and agreed to work with him. With Karim, clearing Verand had been a simple, if bloody, ordeal.

“It’s not just that he made a deal with Karim, you know. He lost the leg for you, too.”

Samson whipped his head around, finding Cheng smiling, eyes closed. They looked not unlike a satisfied housecat, pleased after knocking an expensive vase on the ground and hearing it shatter.

Author's Note

First half of this chapter coming early because GET A LOAD OF THAT NEW COVER!! Everyone please give mad_cactus_soda (on twt !!) a huge round of applause and take a moment to give them a follow! They truly did Samson right and I cannot tell you how excited I am!