They sat in the tavern for another hour, Milo asking careful questions about Voron's skills and background, Voron answering with increasing honesty as the food settled in his stomach and the reality of his new situation began to sink in. The Obroian was a good listener, asking follow-up questions that showed he was genuinely interested in understanding Voron's capabilities and limitations.

As the evening deepened and the tavern grew more crowded, Milo finally stood and gestured for Voron to follow. They left the Broken Wheel and walked through the darkening streets toward the eastern edge of the city, where the buildings were slightly better maintained and the clientele slightly more respectable. The inn Milo led him to was called the Silver Mare, a modest establishment that catered to traveling merchants and minor functionaries.

Milo had two rooms on the second floor, and he showed Voron to the smaller one with a casualness that suggested this was all perfectly normal. The room was simple but clean, with a real bed, a washbasin, and a window that looked out over the street. To Voron, who had been sleeping in alleys and abandoned buildings for a year, it looked like paradise.

"Get some rest," Milo said from the doorway. "Tomorrow will be difficult. We have a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it in." He paused, then added more gently, "And Voron? Welcome aboard. I think we're going to do well together."

Then he was gone, closing the door behind him and leaving Voron alone in the room.