The moon cast its light on the Hollow Patch as it approached the horizon line. It was still a long way from the first rays of the sun, but when life could depend on it, every second was more precious than gold.
"So..." Kain lingered. "You knew my story was bullshit?"
Old Eye waved his hand. "Of course, I am. Valuable goods would never be put in an unstable place, even if it was secret. Moreover, the guards and my men did their little investigation.
"At first, I wanted to hold a feast as planned, give a demonstrative execution, and in the morning, find the person who stole my treasure. I knew that person had not left the city, and in the end, you showed yourself."
Kain was wary.
"Why?"
Old Eye raised an eyebrow, baffled.
"Why are you telling me all this? I don't know why, but you didn't want your deal with the Fraun Family to run well. I wouldn't be surprised if it was your men who shot down the raven. But I'm curious about something else. I'm like an ant to you. Why share your secrets with me?"
"Hahahahaha!" Old Eye burst out in laughter. "Oh, Kain, you're not an ant - you're a dead man."
"At first light, Valkyra will catch up with you, the dead are a rather silent audience as you know. But, if you somehow manage to survive, I won't regret telling you so much."
Kain's face grew darker.
"I see, then I don't have much time. I'll get right to the point - I need one of your men to take me to the Forgotten Tomb. I don't need protection or any other help, just a guide.
"And..."
He stared at the skyline.
"It is preferable that I leave the city before dawn, stealthily."
Old Eye's grin grew wider. "Fascinating. Planning to hide from the beast in its lair? Damn, I simply cannot refuse such a request. What's more, you helped me even though you didn't know it yourself.
"In fifteen minutes, my trusted man will guide you through the underground tunnels. Obviously, Valkyra will realize you've escaped, but she can't make me tell her where you are. However, she certainly has ways of tracking you down, the Highest Sacrifice."
Kain's pupils dilated, the way only Valkyra called him.
"May I ask one last question?"
A cold stream of wind blew through, rippling Kain's hair tips.
"Go on."
Kain pointed to the black cube. "What is that?"
"Oh, I knew you'd ask that. The seal isn't broken, you didn't open the cube. That's commendable."
Then, Old Eye walked over and pressed his finger hard on the sharp corner of the cube, enough to let a trickle of blood spill out.
The top lid opened, revealing a pale red stone, particles of light swirling around it like around a planet, while shadows shimmered in the silhouettes inside.
"I'm sure you, as a Tainted, heard of it, but you probably see it for the first time - it's a Soul Stone."
"And...? What is that one capable of?" Kain gulped in awe.
Old Eye closed the cube, hiding the treasure from his prying eyes.
"Like all of them: give the power of someone or summon the ghost of that someone. I won't say any more. I don't think you have time to talk, do you?" Old Eye chuckled evilly.
"You're right," Kain headed for the exit.
"Hey, Tainted," Old Eye tossed the cube like an apple. "If you do survive, come back. I and the rest of the city will have a lot of work to do soon - great things are ahead!"
Kain smiled bitterly.
"Derek was right. At the Old Eye's feast, it was indeed possible to make connections."
Three minutes later, Kain rushed over to Derek, hugging him tightly. Yerez and Greyna each got a firm handshake.
Derek's hand carefully and firmly gripped his shoulder.
"You're leaving already? Right now? Not even waiting until the feast is over?"
"Yes, I don't have time."
At the same moment, a man in a cloak appeared near the aisle, piercing Kain with an impatient gaze.
"Thank you for everything. If I get the chance, I'll be sure to see you," Kain said sincerely.
Derek gulped, clenching his fists tightly, watching Kain disappearing behind the rows of guests.
The glass of wine in his hand was quickly replaced by the bottle. A few sips were not enough.
Greyna gently stroked his back. "Don't be upset. It's even good that he's leaving so quickly. If you got even more used to him, the scars on your soul would reopen. None of us need that."
Step.
Under the noise of the crowd, Kain stopped in front of the man, his unusual blue hair peeking out from under his hood.
"Ready?"
"Hah," Kain shrugged. "Like I have a choice."
"Good."
...
For the next hour, Kain saw only dim brick passageways and countless twists and turns in the maze beneath the city.
His only guide was the lamp in Viron's hands, Old Eye's man, and the ray of moonlight that appeared only at the very end. The old roots had long ago fused with the wall, becoming a ladder.
Viron jumped to the top in one leap, Kain had to climb up the slippery roots.
Grabbing Viron's hand, Kain found himself at the top, outside the city walls by the great oak tree on the west side. The sun had not yet risen, but the moon was leaving in a hurry.
"Here," Viron nodded to him a pre-prepared bag. "You have two minutes, or I'll leave without you."
Soon the festive clothes were left on the floor, his body covered by a long blue cloak similar to Viron's. One long dagger, a sack of crystals, and an unknown crate hung from his belt.
"Don't touch the crate yet, it will come in handy for you at the Forgotten Tomb. Follow me. We must get as far away from the city as possible before dawn. If Valkyra finds you, I can't get away either."
A weary smile played across Kain's face. "Whatever you say."
To himself, he thought differently.
'Hah, without special means, there's no way she'll figure out I'm going to the Forgotten Tomb. Greyna said the needle would restrain Red Swirl for a week, it's only been three days. I've got plenty of time ahead of me!'
In the rush of emotions about imminent freedom, Kain completely forgot Greyna's words about the power of blood.
He didn't have as much time as he thought.