At the break of dawn, Rian and his companions set out toward their destination—the northern mountain range of the Kingdom of Arcadia. They had heard many rumors about ghosts and wandering spirits said to dwell in those mountains, tales whispered by traveling merchants and wayfarers.
As they pressed on and left the forest behind, vast plains stretched out before them, with a river flowing through the middle. By its banks lay a small village, home to farmers who toiled with all their strength in their fields to secure their daily bread. To Rian, the sight was both breathtaking and beautiful.
Tala spoke up, saying, "Yes, they are far better than a band of thieves who earn their livelihood by stealing and tricking strangers."
The meaning was painfully clear to Rian.
Rian: "Do you mean me with those words?"
Tala: "And why would you assume I meant you in particular?"
Rian: "It's obvious your words were aimed at me—no two fools would argue otherwise."
Tala: "So you admit you are a thief and a conman?"
Rian: "What? That's not what we're talking about. If you don't like my methods, then present a better plan—one that can actually earn us money."
As the bickering went on, Teal cut in, annoyed: "Enough nonsense, you two." Then Carlos pointed ahead. "Look at those towering mountains on the horizon. There's a town nearby—it's a resting stop for travelers. We should gather some information from mercenaries or hunters about what kinds of monsters live in those mountains."
Tala added, "We also need to find an inn for the night."
She suggested, "Let's split into two groups. One will gather information, and the other will search for lodging. Carlos and I will look for an inn, and you, Rian, will go with Teal to gather information."
Teal protested. "Why should I go with Rian? You go with him. I'll stay with Carlos."
Tala was firm. "No—I said you and Rian will gather information, and Carlos and I will—"
Before she could finish, Carlos cut in to settle the matter. "Rian and I will gather information. You and Teal will search for an inn."
As evening approached and the sun dipped toward the horizon, they reached the town. At the gates, two guards blocked their way.
"Stop! Each of you must pay a silver coin as an entry fee."
Rian snapped, "And why should we pay? Is this town owned by your father?"
The guard scowled. "Hey, boy, don't waste my time. Pay the toll or turn back."
Carlos stepped forward, trying to ease the situation. "Very well, sir. We'll pay." He produced the coins, but before the guard could take them, Rian intercepted him. With a gallant, noble air that Carlos knew all too well was just an act, Rian declared, "No need to pay from your own pocket, Carlos. I'll handle it."
He handed over four silver coins. The guard took them, and they entered the town.
Tala eyed Rian curiously. "What you did today… have my words finally gotten through to you? Have you abandoned your old ways? Truly, I must be amazing."
Lost in her little daydream, she didn't notice the mocking grin tugging at Rian's lips. He muttered with a scoff, barely holding back laughter, "Those coins were counterfeit, nothing more."
The words struck Tala like a stone dropped on her head, shattering her fantasy. She sighed. At last, she accepted the truth: there was no changing him.
In the town center, the group split as planned. By then, night had fully fallen. Rian and Carlos set off to question travelers, mercenaries, and hunters. Yet after an hour, they had learned nothing. Fear of ghost stories had kept everyone away from the mountain region for some time.
Frustrated, the two gave up their search and found themselves before a tavern. They entered, hoping for a drink to quench their thirst. Rian sat at the counter and boldly ordered, "A glass of fresh milk."
At once, silence fell. Every eye in the tavern turned to him.
Carlos buried his face in his hands. He knew trouble was coming.
Standing on his chair, Rian returned their stares with defiance. One man finally spoke, sneering, "Hey, kid, run back to your mother if you want milk. This isn't a playground for children."
Rian turned toward him with a piercing gaze, sharp and terrifying—as if a dragon itself were staring him down. The man faltered, his hand trembling slightly as he pulled a dagger from his pocket. "Don't glare at your elders like that, boy!"
Carlos stepped in. "Sir, don't you think brandishing a blade at a child is a bit… unacceptable?"
The man hesitated, then quickly masked his fear with a show of tolerance. "Fine, kid. Go buy your milk elsewhere. We don't serve it here."
Suddenly, a burly man sitting at a nearby table spoke up, addressing Carlos and Rian. "Aren't you boys looking for information about the mountains?"
Carlos replied, "Yes, sir. If you know anything, would you be willing to share?"
The man smiled slyly. His appearance left little doubt—he was the leader of a gang, and this tavern was under his control.
"I'll tell you what you want… for a price."
Carlos asked cautiously, "And how much would that be?"
The man waved his hand dismissively. "Not money. Taking coins from children would tarnish my honor. No, I want something else."
Carlos frowned. "Then what do you want?"
The man's grin widened. "A wager."
Carlos stiffened, wary. "What kind of wager?"
Meanwhile, Rian's eyes lit up. Inside, he thought, A bet? That's easier than I expected.
For the past two years, Rian had made his living through gambling, scams, and fraud. He had swindled wealthy merchants and even nobles of Arcadia. To him, this thug was nothing more than a beginner—a lamb that had wandered into a wolf's den. Despite trying to hide it, a wicked smile crept across his face.
The gang leader pointed straight at him. "The wager will be over that boy."
Carlos froze in shock.
"If I lose, you'll get a full map of the mountains, complete with notes about the creatures there. And—" the man chuckled, "—I'll even give you three silver coins to buy yourself a glass of milk. But if you lose, boy, you'll serve under me and my men."
Carlos barked firmly, "Absolutely not! We refuse—"
But before he could finish, Rian leapt forward. "I accept!"
"Rian, wait—!" Carlos tried to stop him, but it was useless. Once Rian made up his mind, nothing could sway him.
"So," Rian asked, "what will the wager be?"
The man leaned in, grinning. "An arm-wrestling match."
Rian blinked. "Arm wrestling? Most bets are settled with cards or dice… This is a first." He sighed inwardly. What else could I expect from a band of vagrants who prey on travelers?
Out loud, he said confidently, "Very well. Arm wrestling it is."
The gang leader called the tavern keeper to act as referee. Rian and the man sat across from each other, locking eyes as they clasped hands.
"Begin!" the referee commanded.
In an instant, before anyone realized what happened, the table split clean in half with a loud crack, the man sprawling beneath it, twisted and defeated.
The tavern erupted in stunned silence. Everyone stared, wide-eyed, unable to believe what they had seen. Only Carlos remained calm—he had expected as much.
Carlos placed a hand on the referee's shoulder. "Well? Aren't you going to announce the winner?"
Snapping back to his senses, the referee stammered, "Y-yes, of course! The winner is… the boy!"
Carlos approached the fallen gang leader. "The map. Now."
The man stood, dusting himself off. "Of course." He pulled a folded parchment from his pocket. "Here. A map of the mountains, with notes scribbled on the back. It will serve you well. But boy—where you're headed is dangerous. I advise you not to enter. That place is no playground for children."
Carlos answered gravely, "I'll take your warning seriously—and double my caution."
The man waved as he left. "I hope we meet again. Especially you, boy. What's your name?"
Rian smirked. "Rian."
The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Rian… I've heard that name before. Can't recall where, but I'm certain of it. Very well, Rian. Until next time."
As he stepped onto the threshold, Rian's voice rang out. "Hold it, old man. Don't you think you've forgotten something?"
The gang leader turned, puzzled. "Forgotten something? I don't think so."
"Oh, but you have." Rian raised three fingers. "The silver coins. They were part of the wager."
The man burst out laughing. "Yes, yes, you're right. They were indeed." He tossed three coins toward Rian.
Catching them, Rian inspected each carefully. "Good. Not counterfeit."
The gang leader left, and soon after, Rian and Carlos followed. Now, their next task was to find where Tala and Teal had gone before it grew too late.
End of Chapter.