The group reunited with each other the next morning outside of Citadel Volshyenek. While Alexander stayed outside, Griffin was escorted inside, holding Gaedren's ledger, a translated copy, and the cipher's code with him. Although he didn't have to wait and could have left with Falenas and Takota, he insisted that they remain until their noble patron returned. Alexander didn't want to leave Viera by herself since she needed to wait for Griffin. However, he was also curious as to what kind of man Tiran was. Griffin's stories made his brother out to be an eccentric but someone that he still respected.

"I can't wait to meet Griffin's brother," Viera smiled while waiting. "Falenas, have you heard anything about what Tiran is like?"

"It's hard to keep track of all the gossip that goes by regarding noble intrigue," Falenas answered with a shrug. "He could be like every other noble I've heard rumors about."

"You mean the rumors that are inaccurate?" Takota pointed out in a blunt manner.

Alexander chuckled. "He's got a point, Falenas. Your gossip isn't exactly reliable."

"I'm not the one who comes up with it," Falenas sighed.

Viera joined in on the laughter while Takota remained silent, looking stoically over his companions. For his credit, Falenas shrugged and smirked, finding amusement over the teasing. They quieted down when footsteps came from within the citadel, heading their way. Alexander recognized Griffin and Cressida, and joining them was a man slightly older than they were by a few years. He had long brown hair that fell down past his shoulders and was slightly more muscular than Griffin. His clothes consisted of a fine red tunic and leather trousers. When he grew closer to the group, Alexander could see the relieved and easygoing look on his face.

"Once again, you have my sincere apologies for your imprisonment," Cressida told the man. "We're going to do better with assessing what evidence we have in the future so something like this doesn't happen again."

"You don't need to keep apologizing," the brown-haired man grinned. "It all works out. I walk free, the actual culprit is dead. My brother gets paid for the evidence he turned in. Everyone wins."

"You're splitting the payment for the ledger, right?" Falenas asked.

"Of course," Griffin answered. "I owe all of you for your part in securing it so that we could free my brother."

"These must be the brave heroes you told me you were sponsoring just now," Tiran said, approaching them with a lazy grin. "My name is Tiran, heir to Lord Vossler, and you all have my sincere thanks. I shall strive to repay this debt."

"There's no debt at all," Viera shook her head. "We were happy to help."

"Let's not be so hasty," Falenas chuckled in an awkward manner. "I'm sure there's a way we can settle this debt."

"Griffin told me your names on the way down," Tiran looked over the group. "You two must be Viera and Falenas. And the man in armor is Alexander, yes?"

"That's right," Alexander said with a nod. "We were just doing our job, that's all."

"There's no need to be humble with me, brag away," Tiran chuckled, then turned to look at Takota. "And you must be Takota."

Takota nodded at Tiran, although he remained silent.

Tiran let the silence pass by with a wave. "You'll open up eventually."

"I know that you're grateful but we should really let them head on their way," Cressida told Tiran, staying by the entrance to Citadel Volshyenek. "They're helping out the Korvosan Guard with important matters. You were informed of what happened while you were in captivity."

"It's a shame about what happened to Eodred II," Tiran sighed and shook his head. "I'll do my part just as you'll do yours to see Korvosa recover. I trust that you're not letting my brother stumble into danger."

"My role in this venture is purely administrative," Griffin told Tiran. "I help with any evidence they find, such as the ledger that freed you, and sell anything that they need to be split among them. In fact, I'm due for a trip to meet with some merchants just for that."

"The streets aren't too safe," Tiran frowned, tapping his chin in thought. "Perhaps I should retrieve my rapier and come with you."

"The last noble we saw with rapier in hand was beset by a mob," Falenas informed Tiran. "I'd be careful."

"I can assure you now that your brother will be safe," Viera said. "We've arranged it so that I would join him. I am more than capable of keeping him safe from any danger."

"Viera was the one who saved that noble Falenas mentioned," Alexander said with a quick nod. "It works out."

"I see what you're doing," Tiran eyed Griffin and winked. "Your cleverness astounds me."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about, Tiran," Griffin said, coughing as he looked away.

"But enough of my distractions," Tiran laughed and took a few steps away from the group. "Come by the manor sometime. I would love to talk more when you're free!"

Tiran gave a quick wave to the others and departed with a quick step, heading in the direction of his home. Although Alexander was quick to notice that the two brothers were similar in personality and likely stuck out in the noble community. Yet, when they were together, he was quick to note that Tiran was more outgoing than Griffin, who had grown more reserved. The smile on both of them indicated no hostility but it was strange to see their companion take a more introverted approach. Perhaps it was in Tiran's absence that Griffin decided to take on a more extroverted nature. It was hard to say only after meeting Tiran for the first time.

"We should get to work," Alexander stated. "Sorry for the delay, Field Marshal."

"It's quite alright," Cressida said and started to return to the inside of the citadel. "Keep me informed on your progress with Verik."

"We will," Griffin said with a nod. "Viera and I will return to Citadel Volshyenek once our business with the merchants is concluded."

"Gaedren's strongbox is still at the Pantheon of Many," Viera reminded the group. "We'll need to stop there first."

"The three of us will be busy at the butchery," Alexander said, looking at Falenas and Takota. "Are you two ready?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," Falenas answered. "I doubt that we'll come across any trouble on our task as long as we don't seek it out."

Takota gave a brief nod in response to Alexander's question, who trusted that his two friends would be able to help with the scouting venture. Griffin and Viera gave a quick wave goodbye and headed off to the Pantheon of Many. With Falenas to his left and Takota walking behind them, Alexander led the way to Northgate. The warrior looked forward to his first assignment with the Korvosan Guard. Just like the alchemist predicted, he figured that scouting wouldn't pose too many problems.

When Cressida told the group that Verik had taken over All The World's Meats, Alexander expected the butchery to be an outpost for a rebellion.

What he didn't expect was for Verik to be giving out free food to the citizens in the neighborhood.

The butchery was a two-story building with a selection of meat on display in the front window. Even though it was still fairly early in the morning, there was a large line of people in front of the building with a man wielding a sword serving as a guard. A sign bearing a smiling cow hung over the door that the people walked through. When someone entered the butchery, they left carrying a slab of meat in a bundle. Alexander thought at first that the deserters were selling the meat but Falenas was quick to point out that some of the people didn't have coin purses on them and looked to be quite happy. For a few minutes after they arrived, they stood alongside Takota on the other side of the street, observing and thinking about what to do.

"Should we get in line?" Alexander asked.

"Most of us would stand out given how we look," Falenas shook his head, then looked at Takota. "Don't take it as an insult but you do look the poorest of us three. Give me your bow and arrows so that people don't stare."

Alexander hated to admit it, but between his armor and Falenas' wearing artisan-like clothing, Takota did look closest to the people in the line with his cloak covering him. For his part, the archer showed no sign of hate over the fact and quietly unholstered his longbow and quiver to hand to the elf. He walked forward to the end of the line and waited patiently to enter the building while Falenas set down the longbow and quiver he had. Alexander didn't think of Takota as a spy but figured that he could do good enough to enter, assess the building, and get out.

With Falenas content with the silence, Alexander was left alone with his thoughts on the matter of their task. He first thought that Verik was a rowdy rebel working against the interests of Korvosa. Maybe it was but there was no denying that his actions were helping the people of the city. The riots likely had an impact on the amount of food available due to possible threats to merchants and the destruction of stores, but that didn't matter to Verik. He could have stockpiled what food he could get his hands on but was instead giving it out to people in need. Alexander struggled to find a reason to fight against such a man, even if he was a deserter.

"Do you think that we're doing the right thing?" Alexander asked Falenas.

The elf turned to Falenas with a raised eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Do you think that it's right to stop Verik?" Alexander asked again. "He's giving out food. I don't see why that's wrong. I don't see why Cressida wants to stop him."

Falenas tapped his chin in thought. "I suppose it depends on where you stand regarding Queen Ileosa's reign."

"What do you mean by that?" Alexander questioned.

"We were told that Verik was speaking out against the queen, something which we have no reason to disbelieve," Falenas started to explain. "When the riots begin to clear away, who do you think that these people will listen to? Ileosa Arabasti, the woman who sits on the Crimson Throne without a care in the world, or Verik Vancaskerkin, the hero who gave out free food when everyone needed it the most?"

Alexander blinked rapidly as he processed what Falenas told him. "So Verik is building loyalty among the Korvosans."

"And loyalty can be a dangerous thing," Falenas nodded. "If Verik were to tell these people that Ileosa was to be blamed for their problems and asked them to march upon her castle, many would listen."

"I understand your logic now," Alexander gasped. "Those people could get themselves hurt if they followed Verik into open rebellion."

"Of course, Verik could simply want to do the right thing and it just so happens he doesn't like the queen," Falenas thought out loud. "In which case, we are definitely doing the wrong thing."

"Which is it?" Alexander asked with a sigh.

"How am I supposed to know?" Falenas shrugged. "I'm not involved in his operation at all. I'm just thinking about what could be his reasoning for giving out meat."

"This isn't helping at all," Alexander shook his head and frowned.

"Worry about right and wrong after we get the job done," Falenas told Alexander. "We do our best to take them in alive and worry about their reasoning afterwards."

"I… I suppose I could live with that," Alexander admitted. "It's not ideal but I suppose they are deserters, which is a crime."

"I've been thinking about Cressida's belief that there's more to Verik than simple desertion. There could be someone else behind Verik's actions."

"What makes you think that?"

"From what I've heard, All The World's Meats closed down about a year or two ago. Even if Verik had taken over the butchery, there wouldn't be any meat in the building."

"So, someone is supplying Verik and his men with meat which they in turn give out?"

"The meat has to come from somewhere. Hopefully we'll be able to find out from where."

Alexander nodded in agreement and allowed for silence to fall between the two. Falenas had given him even more to think about. Perhaps it wasn't Verik's motives they should be worried about but whoever he happened to be working for. Someone had to get the meat for the butchery and he couldn't see the deserters leaving the city safely to go out hunting. Someone else had to be working with Verik, and for all they know, they could be the ones in charge. Of course, like Falenas said, there was no way they could know for sure. For now, they would have to work with what they had.

During their conversation, Takota made it further down the line with each minute. Eventually, he was able to enter All The World's Meats, and about a minute later, came out with a slab of meat covered in a binding. He walked over to rejoin Alexander and Falenas and handed over the meat to the latter. Takota knelt down to pick up his bow and quiver to holster them over his back again.

"What did you find out, Takota?" Alexander asked his companion.

"A deserter was handing out meat," Takota reported. "I heard more in the back. Two, maybe three. Animals too. Cows and pigs mostly."

"Not a lot of deserters," Falenas nodded. "And they were just giving out meat for free?"

"They were," Takota answered.

"This isn't a lot to work with," Alexander sighed.

"We still have plenty of time left in the day," Falenas reminded the group. "Takota, keep an eye on the butchery. I especially want to know when deliveries are made."

"With Takota stationed here, we'd be better off doing something else," Alexander noted. "Come upon, Falenas. Let's ask around about what people think about Verik."

"A sound plan," Falenas agreed. "Lead the way."

Takota leaned against the wall of the building across the street of the butchery, not taking his eyes off of it. Alexander was content to leave Takota behind, figuring that he'd be more useful as an observer than he would asking questions. Alexander couldn't help but think that Griffin would be more useful for the investigation. Although he stuck out, he had a way with people and a cunning mind. The warrior hoped that he and Viera were able to find good deals with the merchants. For now, Alexander would focus on his duty and do what he could to learn more about Verik.

It was supposed to be a simple enough trip to sell what treasure the group obtained. Viera led the way to the Pantheon of Many, and while Griffin had offered to help her with the strong box, she insisted on carrying it herself for now. Instead, when the noble led the way back to his home to collect the chest Queen Ileosa gave them, he asked for three servants to join them. Although Viera was hesitant about bringing them along, they had no ill feelings about helping out. Two carried the strongbox while the third held onto the chest. Griffin learned from a quick conversation with their father that they had a merchant working by the city docks. So, the group set out together to meet with the merchant.

However, on the way to the docks, one of the servants screamed out in pain and dropped his end of the strongbox. He fell down, clutching his bleeding arm.

"Imp!" he screamed out and pointed upward.

Viera turned her gaze to the sky and gasped in horror. Two small creatures with red skins flew in the sky, one cackling madly with blood dripping from its stinger. She was aware that the Acadamae had students summon imps as part of their education, and while she disagreed with the practice, had no way to stop them. Unfortunately, it led to an infestation of imps in the city, and while they were more nuisances than they were a threat, the riots must have given them a chance to inflict violence upon the group. Viera pulled out her longsword and frowned.

"Foul monsters!" Viera pointed her sword at the imps. "You will not hurt these innocent people any longer!"

The imps flew down towards the aasimar, who held her ground in defiance against the devils. Viera swung her sword out at one, and while it hit, she wasn't able to draw blood. The attack did cause the imp to fall back, although its companion tried to sting their foe with its stinger. Thankfully, Viera's armor blocked the attack and the imp fell back, narrowly avoiding an attack from her. The priestess knew that her longsword as it was crafted now wouldn't be able to hurt the imps unless she struck them hard enough.

Viera considered calling upon her holy powers to enhance her blade when a roar interrupted her thinking. The imps, blinking in surprise, started to fly away completely. Shadows flew over her, and when she looked up, she blinked in surprise at the small purple dragons chasing after the imps. House drakes had also taken to residing in Korvosa, and thankfully, made for natural enemies of imps. She let out a sigh of relief and slowly holstered her longsword.

Viera's attention turned to Griffin and the servants. The servant that was struck was on the ground with his friends and the noble they served kneeling beside them. The aasimar was quick to rush to his side, ready to lend a helping hand. She was relieved to see the injured servant still breathing and grabbed his hand. Viera chanted, casting a spell to channel positive energy that healed the servant. She helped him back up on his feet as the others gave them room.

"T-thank you," the servant said in awe.

"I was glad to help," Viera told him. "It's good that no one was permanently hurt."

"Go back to the manor," Griffin instructed the servant. "We can handle it from here."

"Of course!" The servant bowed and started to run off.

While the other two servants started to pick up the strongbox, Griffin whispered to Viera. "I'm sorry that I wasn't able to help."

"Please, you don't need to apologize," Viera told Griffin, smiling kindly. "Even I would have had trouble dealing with them with my blade, and from what I can tell, you're unarmed."

"I might have a surprise or two up my sleeve," Griffin said, smirking. "Although you're right. I don't think I would have been able to hurt the imps."

"Thankfully, we have the house drakes to thank for coming in to help us," Viera laughed. "We should get moving again. We still need to see the merchant."

"Of course," Griffin nodded. "Would you mind carrying the chest now that we're short a man? I would, but it would be difficult to hold with one hand."

"It would be my pleasure."

Viera picked up the chest without hesitation and held it with both hands. She followed Griffin to the docks with a content smile. Although the aasimar didn't say anything to her friends, she was worried about being able to help in a meaningful way today. She couldn't help the investigation given that she would stand out and figured that Griffin would handle the business. Viera being able to hold off the imps and heal someone in need was enough to satisfy her need to help. She would continue to keep Griffin and the servants safe on the way to the merchant and when they left with their new gold.

Alexander and Falenas met with Viera and Griffin in the evening at Citadel Volshyenek. While Griffin was quick to ask about Takota, Falenas explained that he was staking out the butchery and likely wouldn't contribute to a plan to begin with. This was enough to satisfy the others, who headed to the barracks. While Alexander claimed a bunk for himself, Viera dragged over a table for Griffin and Falenas to divide the gold from the treasure sold among the group. There were no other guards in the barracks at the time, giving them the freedom to come up with a plan in peace.

Although Alexander joined them and took a seat, his mind was elsewhere. He and Falenas were able to discover more about Verik and his men which they intended to share with the rest of the group. What they had learned was useful information but it did leave Alexander divided on the path forward. The warrior knew that they had to stop Verik and his men before anyone else got hurt but wasn't sure how to do so. He hoped that the others would be able to come up with a plan. Falenas started to put five different piles of gold into separate pouches while Griffin reached into his backpack and set down an assortment of items: two metal rods, three vials of red potions, and Gaedren's dagger.

"My friends, from our different ventures, we have each earned 1,357 gold," Falenas announced with a grin. "Take a pouch. Just as a heads up, they're quite hefty."

Alexander claimed his pouch alongside the others, although Viera frowned when she saw one pouch leftover and was quick to bring it up. "What about Takota's share?"

"We can leave it at his bunk," Griffin explained. "You can make sure that it isn't stolen until I take over for his stakeout later in the night."

"What about the other items?" Alexander asked, motioning over the items Griffin had put out. "Were we not able to find a buyer for them?"

"We could if that's what we decide on," Griffin started to explain. "The vials contain Potions of Cure Light Wounds, the metal rods are wands to cast Acid Splash and Magic Missile respectively, and the dagger is enchanted to be more precise."

"Although I can cast the spell of the potions, it would be useful to have one on me in case of an emergency," Viera noted. "I would be willing to claim one."

"As would I?" Alexander nodded in agreement. "What of the dagger? I don't think it would be too useful in my hands."

"I thought about claiming the dagger, but honestly, I think I would prefer the wands," Griffin said and looked at Falenas. "It would be better than what you have on you currently."

"I suppose so," Gaedren shrugged. "Just don't expect me to get into melee with it every fight."

"I just hope that it helps keep you alive the next time you decide to pick a knife fight with a criminal," Griffin said with a smirk. "Maybe next time Alexander won't have to save you."

Falenas grabbed the dagger and flipped it in his hand, smirking back. "I'd be cautious about making jabs at me like that."

Griffin laughed alongside the alchemist, then looked to the rest of his companions. "Using a wand takes some expertise with magical items. Viera has actual magic and Falenas can replicate it with his alchemy. I don't think Takota knows how to use a wand either. If there are no objections, I'd like to claim them in case we need to use magic."

"I have no objections," Alexander told Griffin. "The final potion will go to Takota."

"We can leave it with his share of the gold," Viera said, quickly moving the potion over to the pouch. "Now, what were you able to find out about Verik?"

Alexander coughed into his arm before starting his explanation, letting the others grab their magical items. "In addition to Verik, there are four other deserters. They go by the Cow Hammer Boys. They've been handing out free meat that comes from animals delivered to All The World's Meats to be butchered on site. They typically run out of a day's supply of meat by midday."

"They're giving it out for free?" Viera asked in surprise.

"That's right," Alexander confirmed. "A lot of people are saying that the only reason they haven't gone hungry is because of the Cow Hammer Boys."

"I see," Viera glanced down at the floor. "Should we stop them?"

"There's something else, isn't there?" Griffin asked, leaning back in his chair.

"We've asked around and found out that the Cow Hammer Boys have a side business," Falenas joined in with the explanation. "As it happens, they hire themselves as mercenaries. There's a code to get them to talk about that business by asking about the nightly cuts. They beat up whoever they're hired to and move on. They have a really good rate when it comes to ensuring no beating the same victims again, a fact which I attribute to the amount of disappearances in the two days since they've started their operation."

"That changes my mind," Viera lets out a sigh. "We must bring justice to these foul men."

"There's only four of them involved in the mercenary efforts," Alexander added. "Falenas also has sufficient reason to believe that someone is providing the Cow Hammer Boys with meat."

"So, not only is Verik being left out of what his men are doing, he may not be the mastermind we were led to believe," Griffin commented, tapping his chin in thought. "Do we have a plan?"

"I do, actually," Falenas answered. "After they run out of meat, I intend to approach the Cow Hammer Boys about the nightly cuts. I hope that this will provide a distraction for the rest of you to sneak into the butchery through a back door or something."

"That could work," Griffin said, although he frowned. "I think we should consider having someone else pose as the one interested in their mercenary services. I'm worried about what they would do if they caught onto your lie."

"I suppose you could go in my place," Falenas pointed his new dagger at Griffin. "Would you think that the deserters are more willing to listen to the crippled noble or the man who insists on wearing a mask?"

Griffin sighed. "You have a point. At least let Alexander accompany you to act as a bodyguard of sorts."
Falenas took one look at Alexander with a scrutinizing gaze and shook his head. "No, I don't think I will."

"Why not?" Alexander asked, blinking in confusion.

"You have the look of a city guard about you," Falenas commented. "Viera too if we're being honest. I'd be better off with Takota serving as my bodyguard if you're so insistent on giving me protection."

"I'm not too big of a fan of the plan," Viera admitted. "I don't feel comfortable having the two warriors sneak in while the alchemist and archer fight in close-quarters."

"No plan is perfect," Falenas countered. "If anything happens, I trust that you three will be able to step in and save us."

"We'll work with it and improvise on site," Griffin stood up, leaning on his cane. "Remember, we need them alive, so no killing. I'm going to head home to grab my gear as Indigo so I can take over serving as lookout for Takota. I advise that you all get some sleep. We'll have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

Although the plan had its flaws, it was better than having no plan. Alexander sighed in relief to know they had an idea. He wasn't sure how sneaky he could be but figured that he would be able to provide the others with back-up if anything went wrong. Although he was nervous about leaving Falenas and Takota by themselves, he couldn't join them without blowing their cover. The archer knew how to handle himself in a fight and the alchemist just received a magical dagger. Alexander had to trust that they would be fine.

Griffin gave a quick wave to his friends before making his way over to the door to leave the barracks. Viera smiled at her companions, and with a yawn, went over to her bunk, taking Takota's pouch and potion to set on his bunk. Falenas, who had claimed both the top and bottom bunk of his place (the top for sleeping, bottom for a makeshift lab), set about continuing with his alchemical work. Alexander yawned and slowly made his way over to the bed. It wasn't like the bed back home but it would be suitable enough. He closed his eyes, and after several minutes, drifted off to sleep.

A/N: I did not think this chapter would reach almost 5000 words but here we are. At least it's good for NaNoWriMo goals.

Speaking of, I believe that I am finally back on track with where I'm supposed to be. Honestly, I lost track of where I was supposed to be but am continuing to make significant progress. I even think that I'll be able to finish with time to spare.

I'll be deciding on what I'll do with this story after I reach the goal, but most likely, I'm going to keep writing. I enjoy writing these characters and am interested in seeing how this story turns out.

Until next time.