The Silver Gull rocked gently at its berth in the early morning fog, its tattered sails flapping in the breeze. Dockworkers moved crates and barrels up the gangplank, their faces obscured by the dim light of lanterns. The world was waking, but the docks still felt like another realm—quiet, tense, a place where danger lingered in every shadow.
Jaune stood at the edge of an alley, his hood drawn low over his face. Kade's words echoed in his head: "The patrols will be looking for anyone who doesn't belong. If they catch you, they won't ask questions."
He adjusted his pack, the weight of the ruby pressing against his chest like a burden he couldn't shake. This gem had been his ticket to infamy, but now it was his greatest liability. He glanced toward the ship, the final step in his escape.
The plan was simple enough—blend in with the dockworkers, board the ship, and disappear. But the patrols were out in force, their dark uniforms cutting through the mist. They moved in pairs, lanterns swinging as they scanned faces and checked papers.
Jaune took a deep breath, slipping into the flow of workers as they moved crates toward the ship. His years of slipping through crowds served him well—he kept his head down, his movements purposeful but unremarkable. He was just another laborer, doing his job.
The closer he got to the Silver Gull, the more the tension in his chest grew. He could see the gangplank now, the faint glow of lanterns on deck. One of the sailors was shouting orders, waving people aboard.
But then, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"You there! Stop!"
Jaune froze. A pair of patrolmen was moving toward him, their lantern swinging in an arc that illuminated his face for a split second.
"You don't look familiar," one of them said, stepping closer. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword. "Let's see your papers."
Jaune's mind raced. He didn't have time for this. The patrols were too close, and the ship would leave soon.
"Sorry, sirs," he said, feigning a humble tone. "I don't have papers—I was hired just this morning to help with the cargo."
The second patrolman frowned, his gaze narrowing. "New hires are supposed to check in at the office first. You should know that."
"I—I must have misunderstood," Jaune stammered, taking a half-step back.
The first patrolman's eyes narrowed further, and his hand shifted to fully grip his sword. "You're coming with us."
Jaune cursed under his breath. He didn't have a choice anymore.
In one swift motion, he swung the pack off his shoulder, catching the first patrolman across the face with it. The man stumbled back, his lantern crashing to the ground. The sudden burst of light and noise startled the second patrolman, giving Jaune just enough time to lunge forward.
He slammed his shoulder into the man, sending him sprawling into a stack of crates. Jaune didn't wait to see if they recovered—he bolted for the Silver Gull.
Shouts erupted behind him, and he heard the unmistakable sound of steel being drawn. The other patrols on the docks were alerted now, their lanterns bobbing like angry fireflies as they converged on the commotion.
Jaune reached the gangplank, his boots pounding against the wood. A sailor at the top of the ramp shouted something, but Jaune didn't stop. He ducked past him, disappearing into the maze of crates on deck.
"Hey! What are you—"
The sailor's voice was cut off by the sound of boots hitting the gangplank. The patrolmen were in pursuit.
Jaune darted between stacks of cargo, his breath coming in sharp gasps. He could hear the shouts growing closer, their blades scraping against their scabbards. He needed to hide, to find a way to delay them long enough for the ship to depart.
He spotted an open hatch leading below deck and slipped inside, landing in the dimly lit cargo hold. The smell of salt and damp wood filled his nostrils as he crouched behind a stack of barrels.
The footsteps of the patrolmen echoed above him, followed by angry voices.
"Where did he go?"
"He couldn't have gotten far. Search the ship!"
Jaune clenched his fists, his mind racing. If they found him now, he'd lose everything.
As he pressed himself further into the shadows, he felt the ruby pressing against his chest again. Its cold surface seemed to mock him. All this trouble for a gem.
Above deck, the captain of the Silver Gull stood at the helm, shouting orders.
"Cast off! We're behind schedule!"
"But the patrol—" a sailor started.
"I don't care about the patrol," the captain barked. "They'll fine us later. Get this ship moving!"
The sound of heavy ropes being untied filled the air, followed by the creak of sails catching the morning breeze. The ship began to drift away from the dock, its hull slicing through the water.
Jaune let out a shaky breath as the motion of the ship signaled their departure. He stayed in the shadows, his ears straining for any sign of the patrolmen.
But as the minutes passed, the noise above deck faded, replaced by the gentle creak of the ship and the rhythmic lapping of waves.
He had done it.
For now, he was free.
Hours later, as the sun began to rise over the horizon, Jaune emerged cautiously from the hold. The deck was quiet, save for a few sailors going about their tasks. He kept his head down, blending in as best he could.
He made his way to the bow of the ship, leaning against the railing as he stared out at the open sea. For the first time in what felt like days, he allowed himself to breathe.
But his mind wouldn't let him rest. The Silent Hunter, the Black Talon Syndicate, the Duke—all of it was still out there, waiting for him. This wasn't over.
As the coastline of Vale disappeared behind him, Jaune gripped the railing tightly. He had escaped the city, but his fight for survival was only beginning.