Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Briar shifted uncomfortably on the hard wooden bench outside the office. The ticking clock on the wall echoed in the silent hallway, each second stretching into an eternity. Seven hours he’d been sitting there, a test of patience, or perhaps a psychological game. His arms and legs were crossed tightly, a clear sign of his growing frustration.

Finally, the office door creaked open, breaking the monotonous silence. Briar straightened his back as Aetrias Auriele, an imposing figure in his military uniform, strode out of the room, flanked by two stern-faced officers. They strode past him without a second glance, their boots clicking against the marble floor.

The voice that followed was weary yet commanding. ‘Come in.’ He remembered that tone from their last meeting - he’d do well to tread carefully this time. As he entered, he found Vitruvia hunched over a large map, her fingers tracing over intricate lines and symbols. ‘Did you know…’

“Her voice trailed off into the dimly lit room. ‘…that we sacrificed hundreds of lives for mere land and a futile sense of revenge, only to be used and gain nothing?’ She didn’t wait for his response. ‘Of course, you know. You people always know.’ Her words hung in the air like a thick fog, laced with unspoken blame.”

Briar stood his ground, waiting for the next verbal jab. ‘I entrusted you with a mission months ago, and yet, with all your spies and cunning, you’ve failed.’ She looked up, her eyes boring into him. ‘I wanted Rhynmessa back here, but you let her slip through your fingers… on a lightning rail, no less.’

Her words were as sharp as the dagger she was known to carry. Briar, however, remained unfazed. ‘We know her whereabouts. We could retrieve her, but battling a dozen skilled individuals wasn’t part of the deal. You hired us as bodyguards and watchers, not mercenaries.’

Vitruvia’s eyes showed a hint of amusement. ‘And how much would it cost to change that?’ Briar paused, considering his options. He wasn’t interested in gold or diamonds - he had something else in mind. ‘A favor when I need it.’”

Vitruvia scrutinized him, trying to decipher the unspoken price of his demand. After a moment, she relented, extending her hand towards him. ‘I will agree to this if you help me with… this.’ She gestured towards a letter on the desk, pinned under a jeweled dagger. ‘I have certain… unruly subjects to deal with. If you could assist me, I’ll agree to your terms.’

Briar extended his hand towards hers, the firm handshake sealing their agreement. ‘Just give me the name, and they’ll be gone.’