The next morning, as the sun's early rays spilled across the desolate street, they cast long shadows of three men walking in silence.
Merek's hands were tucked deep into his coat pockets, his ruby pendant swaying gently with each step. Beside him, Tevin paced steadily, gripping his double-bladed spear loosely in one hand. The weapon's bone-forged, triangular tip gleamed in the morning light.
Tevin glanced at Merek, then cast a look over his shoulder at Fred, who followed a few steps behind. Fred's dented metal bat rested across his shoulder, a casual threat in his grasp.
The tension between Merek and Fred hung in the air like humidity before a storm, thick and hard to ignore.
Tevin had noticed it grow worse with each passing day. It didn't surprise him; Merek had every reason to keep Fred at arm's length. Yet, ever since Professor David had intervened and bestowed a valuable skill upon Fred, the man's swagger had increased tenfold.
