Everything seemed quiet, it was odd but. . . every town, every city that we visit these days seems to have gone into a depression. Streets strewn with fog, the sun was high but hidden in the grey clouds above, and there was no one in sight. News has travelled, a new Templar has succeeded the old one, not that I care but the stories. . . he doesn't sound like a good person. With a new leader there was bound to be reforms, but I had no idea whether this town was under a curfew or if it was just hiding.

This eerie feeling was disturbing, and I cant believe I'm saying it. . . I wish Nora was here. Her optimism and her confidence would give some life to this place. . . but one morning I woke up and she was gone. Stockholm took its toll I guess, but with my freedom. . . comes isolation anew.

I felt gentle nudging against my neck. I'm a fool, I forgot my first companion. I reached up and ran my hand through her fur, she was riding on my shoulders because the rains left puddles of mud all through the streets. Speaking of which, the rain came falling down again, and I cradled Sicily in my arms.

'Calm down girl, I got you. 'I told her, 'I'll get some food and well leave, alright.'

It was hard to fish in this weather, all the fish swam away while the river flooded. They must migrate when the rains comes in this region. Most edible plants seem to have been picked or eaten. I didn't have much of an option, but I think buying food with gold is better than eating it. I turned down the next street to see a lone vendor, a single shop with an old woman attending it. As I approached I could see fish resting in crates covered in ice before the bench, they seemed to be the same.

'Gar Fish from Black River Streams and ice from north of her. 'she informed me, trying to interest me in her wares.

'Its odd, you're the only one selling today.' I commented, picking up a fish.

'A lot of folks are scared, worried more Templar's will come through 'ere.' She explained, 'Them Templar are a scary lot, and that legacy boy sounds terrifying.'

'I'm going to be honest, he isn't that intimidating.' I assured her as I handed her the fish.

'What makes you so sure?' she asked as she began to wrap the fish in paper.

'I've seen him, as well as many Templars, and like you said:' she handed me the fish, 'he's just a boy, with a temper.'

I set a gold piece on the counter and started to walk away.

'Don'tcha want your change?' she asked.

I was about to give her my response, but down the way I was travelling I could see three armored guards and a Templar mage approaching. They all seemed ready for a fight. I turned down to the other end of the street but a similar party was approaching. I marched back up to the stall.

'Yeah, alright then.' I told her, putting my coin purse on the counter.

She began counting coin as I heard their steps approaching. All I could hear was the parting of the rain, their movement in the mud, and the sound of metal touching metal.

'Hello, Macen.' One of them said, I turned to see two mages behind me.

To the left was a young man, practically in his early twenties. To the right was an old, craggy man with pale eyes and cuts all over his face.

'. . . I think you got the wrong guy.' I told them, turning back to the stall.

'We have been given orders to bring you in. At the request of the New Grand Templar,' he sounds like he's been eating sand for breakfast, 'and your brother.'

. . . Brahn. . . you absolute ass.

I picked up the coins and the fish and turned to them.

'Alright, you caught me-' I began, but the young mage gave a shout and backed away, '. . . What did I do now?'

'Eh-sorry, I'm. . . allergic to fish-' he explained.

'Colby!' the other shrieked at him.

'Great, my breakfast is a weapon. . .' I mused.

'Wait-what's that?!' the young one cried, and the armored guards drew their blades.

He was pointing at the moving lump, hidden in my cloak. The old mage raised his hands slowly and they began to glow with a malicious light.

'Reveal your secrets.' He ordered.

I took my time, opening my cloak to reveal. . .