Hernan stifled a curse as he walked. It was supposed to be a short trip, a simple learning tour. But he almost died. After recovering, they spent the whole day moving forward without rest, and the night was no better: they slept in the forest, feeding on the beasts they hunted, with the cold biting into their skin.
At dawn, they moved on. Their feet ached, their muscles burned, and their stomachs churned with hunger. Only after midday did they finally reach the capital. What should have been a journey of a few hours ended up taking almost two days.
He already regretted coming here. Why didn't they choose his sister? She surely wouldn't have minded. But the leader had chosen him, and now he had to bear the price of that decision. The only positive thing was that they had finally reached their destination. They just needed to buy what they needed and leave? though Hernan doubted it would be that simple.
The leader paused at the entrance to the city, gazing at the walls with an inscrutable expression.
—So this is the capital. —His voice was calm, but there was a hidden nuance in his words—, What's the feeling?
Hernan blinked. He did not understand the question. He looked at the massive stone gate, the banners fluttering over the turrets, and the steady stream of people coming and going. Through the gates, the bustle of the city came in waves: shouts of merchants, laughter, hurried footsteps on the cobblestones. The air smelled of spices, metal and sweat.
—I have never been here, master. Remember, I've never been out of the sect. If it weren't for the map of the continent, I wouldn't even know its location.
The leader bowed his head with a slight nod of approval, as if he expected that answer.
—You don't think the cult should control a Kingdom in the future? What better choice than one that has caused us trouble?
A shiver ran down Hernan's spine. The way he said it... it wasn't just a possibility. It was a statement.
The leader gave a fleeting smile and started walking towards the city.
—Don't worry. Let's go inside. Aren't you thirsty? Let's have a few drinks. I'm sure some good bar will have good drinks.
As they crossed the threshold of the city, a shadow watched them from a hidden corner. Its eyes followed their every move with cold, calculating attention. As it saw them enter, it disappeared as if it had never been there.
Luis and Hernan walked through the streets filled with passers-by. The sun beat down on the roofs of the buildings, making the banners and armour of the guards gleam. The air was warm, laden with the smells of freshly baked bread, roasting meat and incense burning on the altars in the square.
After turning at random for several blocks, they found a bar: "The Vulture". More than a bar, it looked like a brothel.
Upon entering, the atmosphere immediately enveloped them. The mix of liquor and perfume was intense, a heady combination of debauchery and danger. The laughter was thunderous, the background music vibrant. Tables full of men and women occupied every corner, some drinking, others engaged in clandestine conversations.
They chose a table near the window. At that moment, a waitress in her twenties approached.
—Welcome to El Buitre. My name is Thalia and I will be your waitress today.
Luis smiled with an air of nonchalance, but his look was not casual. He was not here just for the drink.
—Beauty abounds in the capital. Bring us something to eat and a few beers.
—Of course, señor. Right away. -The woman replied coyly and winked at him before walking away.
Hernan watched the exchange with surprise. Their leader was acting like a gallant again... but the last time that happened, they almost died. He hoped this time it wouldn't end in fire and blood.
Suddenly, though, something dawned on him.
—Master... Have you ever been to the capital? How did you know about this bar? More importantly... how did you know that they serve food here too?
Luis let out a laugh, relaxing his shoulders.
—Thank Lili.
Hernan frowned.
—Huh?
He knew that the assassin who attacked them in the carriage was called by that name, but he doubted that she had given him information willingly.
—You seem to doubt. I'll make it easier for you. I used a technique on her to get everything she knew. In other words, I forcibly extracted information. Do you understand?
A shiver ran down his spine. His tone was casual, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
He knew there were techniques for obtaining information, but he had never seen the master use them. However, in the short time she had travelled with him, she understood that he was not a simple person.
His father had told him that he was a descendant of a cult member who lived in hiding, but when he saw his power and the way he acted, he knew he had not told him the whole truth. Perhaps it was better not to try to find out. If it was a secret, there had to be a reason.
The waitress returned with a plate of food and two large mugs of beer.
—Here you go. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.
Luis leaned his elbows on the table and smiled.
—Yes, as a matter of fact, I want company to drink with. Send a lady to distract me.
—Of course, sir, but it comes at a price.
Luis bowed his head with a nonchalant air.
—Don't worry. But I want something special. Tell Marin to come and entertain me.
Thalia froze. Marin was the hidden boss of El Buitre. Few knew her identity. Besides this place of entertainment, she ran other affairs in the capital, and very few knew her real name.
Luis held his gaze calmly, drumming his fingers on the table.
—Tell him the sun is bright today.
The waitress regained her composure. With a hasty bow, she turned and hurried off to tell her boss.
Hernan didn't understand anything. He decided to stop paying attention; he knew it would only get him into trouble. The only thing he wanted was to return to the sect in its entirety and never leave again.
The mood of the room continued, with laughter scattered among muffled conversations, the clinking of clinking mugs, and the bitter fragrance of beer wafting through the air. But then, something changed.
A new presence emerged from the crowd. Her gait was confident, calculated. A middle-aged woman appeared gracefully, her tight red dress outlining every curve with precision. In one hand she held a wine glass; on her face, a dangerous smile, capable of catching anyone unaware.
He approached gracefully and sat down opposite them with the naturalness of someone accustomed to dominating his surroundings. His gaze exuded a heady mix of power and mystery.
—I was told you wanted my company. I am Marin, a pleasure to meet you.
Luis lifted his mug calmly, the beer foam sliding off the rim.
—You're even more beautiful in person. Now I understand why they say any man can die in peace after seeing you.
He took a leisurely sip, not looking away, and then went back to eating just as calmly, as if the conversation was just a passing distraction.
Marin swirled his glass in his hand, the liquid forming little swirls in the glass.
—Thank you, may I know your names and the reason you asked for me? —His voice was melodious, but there was a sharp edge to his words. My time is very valuable. If you seek entertainment, there are many women who would be happy to entertain you.
Luis smiled, tilting his head to one side with an air of nonchalance.
—No, thank you. I prefer the company of the forbidden,—his tone dropped just low enough to turn his words into a whisper laden with intent—, Besides...
He leaned towards Marin with calculated slowness, his hand brushing the warm skin of her cheek. Gently, he turned his lips up to her ear.
—I would like to taste the forbidden fruit of the Rising Sun.
The effect was immediate. Marin felt a slight shudder run through her body. Only her inner circle knew that name. Only her most loyal employees and the men of great power who did business with her. How did the man know?
Luis took another sip with the same studied calm. His calmness was not carelessness, but mastery.
—Don't worry. I just want the Nova service.
The air seemed heavier for a moment. Marin controlled her reaction, but inside her, the alarm was already set. The Nova service was not a simple trade. It was an exclusive offering for cult leaders and monarchs, a bridge between power and secrecy. Its cost was exorbitant, and she herself led the negotiations. Even if the deal did not go through, whoever requested it had to pay for her time. And those who entered into this pact were sealed by a technique that ensured they would never reveal their existence.
Only one person had asked for the service before, and he was not from this kingdom. Now, someone else was asking for it. Without notice, without a name to back it up, but with information he should not possess.
Marin took a deep breath, regaining his poise with the mastery of one who has played the game too many times. He rose in one fluid motion and beckoned to her.
—It will be a pleasure to serve you. Follow me.
Luis nodded and, before leaving, pulled out a bag of gold coins and set it in front of Hernan.
—When you're done, pay double what we've consumed. Then go to the Hotel Olixeo and ask for two double rooms. I'll come when I'm done.
Hernan exhaled with relief. At least he could rest. He knew that if he followed Luis, he probably wouldn't have a chance.
He just nodded and continued eating calmly.
Luis walked behind Marin down an aisle hidden behind the counter. As soon as they crossed the entrance, the atmosphere changed. The bustle of the room dissipated, leaving behind only the sound of their footsteps on the polished stone. The light was dim, casting long shadows on the walls. The air was thicker, infused with the scent of wood and spices.
They came to an office adorned with precious stones. In the centre, an antique marble table gleamed in the diffused lighting, decorated with sandwiches and a small golden bell.
Luis settled into an armchair calmly, his posture relaxed but with a presence that gave no ground. Marin did the same in the seat opposite him. With precise movements, he picked up the bell and rang it.
Within seconds, a young woman appeared with calculated steps.
—Make sure no one is around listening. Also, bring two glasses and a bottle of the most expensive wine in the cellar. No one is to enter without my permission.
—Yes, madam.
The young woman hurried out and returned shortly afterwards with a bottle of the most exclusive wine in the region, its dense aroma filling the air with a refined fragrance. She placed two glasses in front of them and left without looking back.
Marin deftly uncorked the bottle, poured the drink with elegance, then adjusted her position in the armchair. Her eyes scanned Luis intently, her mind honing in on every possible response.
—Now I will introduce myself properly," he said with a measured smile. My name is Marin, leader of the Rising Sun group. May I know your name and what you really need from my organisation?