It had been a little over a month since they left the church in search of a cure. So proud they were, running away. Till they became no better than rats.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGcEFcmOtv
And even though they managed to cure one of their group, now another grew sick.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcY2yrSSrYy
They owed debts. And now they would owe more.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sWgZne6de
The inn they were leaving had info they needed, but Arlin wasn't sure if it was enough. He didn't know where to go from here.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2xivcRPGn
Cold, he thought as he left the entrance of the inn.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xRBddBX0U
He hated winter. It was never warm enough, even covered, to escape the bite of it. He tried to cover his head with the cloak to reduce some of the cold. It never really helped.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8NZ33tPyN
Surprisingly to him though, the darkness magic did something about the cold. The darkness offered him a bit of warmth. He used it on the inside of the cloak, layering shadows like a second skin.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBnPmVotiQ
Behind him, a cough. And a low male voice spoke. "This place always judges us. Why do we even bother coming here?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctWoQeveAv
A smaller female voice replied. "You know as well as I do it's the only place that doesn't recognize us as runaway rats." She drew a small cloak over her wolf-like face, ears tucking low beneath the fabric.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApQasf4gmO
The male voice sighed. "There's got to be something better, sister."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0x0L6WiEYn
"If there was, brother, we wouldn't be here, would we?" the female replied.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZm6Wx79wf
"Enough, you two." Arlin's voice cut through the cold air. "The cold is bad enough without your barking adding to it."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO8kb0oYth
"Sorry," the female voice said quietly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuK952I7K50
"Whatever," the male voice muttered, but they both got quiet. Only a random low cough broke the silence.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG4KIWSF8P
After a moment of standing in the cold—snow falling gently around them, the street nearly empty—the young male asked, "Um... what are we going to do, Arlin? We can't steal around here anymore. Since we got the potion for Ziala, Tommy doesn't like it."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmoxfQgFK4
"I know, Rock," Arlin said, looking at the young wolf. His sister waited quietly for the outcome, breath misting in the frigid air.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9Lhwq6jLg
Arlin knew he was supposed to give these kids a better life than the church he took them from.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHhzeUTaSq
"We could try new ways to steal," Rock suggested.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIR3V2H0e1Q
"That's stupid," Ziala said in a low voice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTijiO57EZd
"Not like you made a plan," Rock retorted, then coughed into his hand.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRZPamQQk3
"No plan is better than a stupid one!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno0fZ6OI6U
They were both just kids, Arlin thought. Why did I think this was a good idea?397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcefk70mnup
"Enough." Arlin's voice was low but firm. The fighting was nothing new, but the cold just made it worse. And today wasn't a good day. "Let's go see Tommy. Maybe we can work something out."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C2U9vUYDw
"Don't think it will go better than last time, boss," Rock replied, downcast. Ziala stayed quiet but nodded in agreement.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASmervPWHA
"We're already at the bottom. Can't get any worse. Can only go up," Arlin said with a bit of mirth.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78NJs48kZE
"Sure," Rock said, coughing a few times before going on. "As long as you have worth, you can always move up."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6SfiUhZcAy
"You know," Ziala said, "that was probably the smartest thing I ever heard you say. Shame it won't last."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehWk6qNTEg
"Whatever," Rock said and coughed more as they left.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRujUtGIwG
The streets were nearly empty from the late hour combined with the cold. Their breath formed clouds in the air. Snow crunched underfoot. Every gust of wind cut through their thin clothes.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGwJFUlYIkX
Their destination was the alchemist guild. The main branch was too rich for them to get near—bright windows, warm light spilling onto clean cobblestones, well-dressed customers coming and going. But the owner, Tommy, had a smaller side branch just for business. Making it easier to do side deals while his main branch sold potions.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrd5eyd0MYa
Out front were two guards who watched them approach with a sneer.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2PTT5FYEI
"You got business here?" one asked from behind a hood.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mHsNwfpyQ
"You know us," Arlin said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIPMJrw2qG
The other spoke up. "Yeah. Street rats. And you didn't answer his question."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rLz8mW4mw
Rock spoke up. "We got business with your boss, not thugs."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnejylO2XQX
Arlin was strained and tired. "We're tired. We just need to talk."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqy53gEw34P
"Sounds like a you problem," the first thug spoke. Neither moved an inch.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfzy5H3kij
"We want to settle a debt," Arlin tried once more.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9XrGrb48Y
"Who doesn't?" the second said, and they both laughed at that.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nvXHCa98w
They just stared at them from behind hoods. When they saw the snow slowly start to drop once more, and the pitiful sight of them not moving, one relented.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmnXJZR484
"Aha. Seems trash can't take a hint." He jerked his thumb toward the door. "Let the boss know. If we're lucky, he'll ask us to take out the trash." They both laughed at that while the second went inside.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q2K8rj0mI
As they waited, Rock coughed some more, trying to hold it back but unable to. Ziala patted him on the back, her small hand barely making a sound against his shoulder. Arlin was reflecting while they waited, staring at nothing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdvfTv7EjA
This was my choice, he thought bitterly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxagrgsMQiL
He hated that they couldn't do more than steal and be rats. The church always gave them scraps, and everyone else took what they could with joy versus being spiteful.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauJmW4zcoQ
A few minutes later, the other thug came back. "Tsk. Boss is in a good mood. Figures rats should be heard for some reason." He waved them forward. "Go ahead. Remember, you're always being watched."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DGv2arG5H
"Yeah, yeah," Arlin said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoMQStSWiL
Rock just stared them down. Ziala said nothing as they entered the building.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7XSjXdGPf
The area was a large lot with side rooms—mostly storage for goods to be sold later, and side labs for alchemy. The room they wanted was straight in the back. As the thug had said, there were various guards casually watching the doors. A few glanced their way but with indifference.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC079vRPyL
When they entered the office, it was very clean. Bright. And warm—almost too warm after the cold from outside. Everything was extreme luxury. Papers neatly stacked. A roaring fireplace. Plush carpet that their dirty boots sank into.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHepxj7S6Z
Sitting behind the desk was a slender man with glasses. He took off his spectacles—presumably used to read—and spoke.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FuDTBjozL
"I'm surprised you got my money already. And early, no less. I'm impressed."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FnP7UOd5L
All three of the street rats went cold at that. They knew they didn't have the money. They were even sure he knew and was mocking them.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kC8zgmtyv
"Well?" he said in a honey voice. "Why else would you be here? I doubt to beg."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmTk4TGgcZ
Arlin, burning with shame, said, "We need a potion for Rock."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNtXQBIE4q
"You... and you... and you... and you..." The man behind the desk droned on in flippant mockery.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwlzCmViGo
"You know we're trying, Tommy," Arlin said, a bit defeated.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdV7aaq12FN
"No." Tommy flatly said. "What I know is you use me and ask for things. Then make an excuse why you can't pay me back."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81EUQrrz6f
"It's hard to work sick. It's why we needed the potion for Ziala. Now we need one for Rock. We'll be good after that!" Arlin spoke with a little heat, forgetting to show respect. "Sir," he added as an afterthought, trying to appeal to his ego.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyE8TFDKbx
It did not work.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQkHBKEVpj
Tommy looked up at the ceiling, smiling. He closed his eyes. "Money is power. So why would I keep giving up that power to rats? Rats that don't pay their debts."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprNRYIYoOF
He leaned forward, eyes opening. "What am I going to do? Threaten your family? You have none." He said it with amusement. "I'm surprised you three even still hang out and haven't betrayed each other! You're not even a real family. Well, they are—but you're a human!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBLy8UZsQq
Tommy said it with a bit of mirth, almost laughing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqEAbLrpzI
Arlin, knowing they were in his debt, tried to find a new angle. "There's got to be something we can do for one more potion."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnfGYPW753
Tommy was mildly amused and replied. "I thought the same. It's why I even took a chance on you kids. As it is now? You're just a waste of more resources, and that won't do." He tapped his desk. "I doubt I'll get back what you owe me, much less the interest."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUChybrs0N3
"We got info," Arlin tried a different angle.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR1DzogCgk
"Nothing you three know can be worth the time I already wasted. But feel free to humor me with the knowledge I lack." He smiled at that, waiting to hear their last desperate pitch.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP39Cezn7o
"We've been going to the Dragon Inn," Arlin started.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLr4w7IX1Xd
But Tommy cut in. "Well, that explains why you lack funds you owe me. Sad if that's the info, but go ahead and explain why you wasted what you owe eating there."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EjRyBwBVF
Arlin was annoyed and ready to fight. But that was when he felt Ziala take his hand. She was a tough kid, but she was still a kid. He sighed.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx7P90tqyv
"We needed info. Stealing wasn't making enough. We were trying to find a bigger score."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5eKUx04RB
"And?" Tommy was already bored and kept interrupting to hurry them along.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFEB0RLRea
"Every once in a while, hunters would stop in and talk. Same with the church people," Arlin said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6T365iR3WX
"And traders," Tommy said, unamused, barely listening, wanting to see if there was a point.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoqGAGO1tO
"Well, among them, talk kept going on about a new dungeon."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi21nCdhvjL
Arlin finally got to finish.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvGWJeQkIpo
That got Tommy's attention real quick. He sat up straighter. His eyes sharpened.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8R5eYfXRZ
"And I was not told?" Tommy asked with narrowed eyes.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpdb4vxHrx
Arlin was hopeful this was the case. It was his ace. He didn't really even know if it had value. If not, he had nothing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJe5YYfC6l
"Let's pretend I believe you. Where would this dungeon be?" Tommy watched them carefully.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mZ4SGGwED
"Lakewood. Just past Crossroads. Think to the south," Arlin spoke quickly, hopeful.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinhPThWN9b
"That backwater runt village?" Tommy wasn't amused or believing. "You're saying they got their own dungeon?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2P3vdh6Ua
"Will get," Arlin corrected. "It's happening within two years. They're building a guild hall as we speak."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxC53XkDow
"And you know that how?" Tommy still didn't believe.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AZeeNhPiH
"It's what we spent the money on. Listening in on the groups eating. We couldn't enter other inns—they saw us as thieves. But this one let us in as long as we paid."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0uMqYnPB3
Tommy hummed before speaking. "And because I told you not to steal near there. Convenient how that worked out."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxiewD0Iq4
He still didn't believe them.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobNRGXB5HP
"You can ask around. It's not a secret—it's just not something they'll tell street rats. So we had to eavesdrop." Arlin was confident in his words.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyiL3iehZF
"So I got the info, and you have nothing. If that was your plan, you thought way too highly of yourselves." Tommy leaned back, drumming his fingers on the desk.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBF6Pyhyh1U
Arlin wasn't done. He finally had an angle he could use.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaQBUwqHKT
"You keep using us to steal copper when you want silver and gold. We'll never pay any debt like that."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhGFNCgaBk
Tommy was interested now. The talk was on him making money.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDLUH8fKha
"Go on," he said seriously, listening now.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8eqbB8zyC4
"Give us the potion for Rock, and I'll help secure things from the new dungeon till all debts are paid."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6aV6HsHSK
He started sweating a little. This was a gamble of trust, and he wasn't worth trusting.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡelXh8ykeEX
"So you want me to wait potentially years for a payoff that may never come while you live debt-free?" Tommy wanted to say more, but Arlin spoke.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlbaVTYFsi
"We live due to your graces, and we will pay our debts."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHLstzQEW8
"Allegedly," Tommy retorted, rubbing his eyes while speaking. "The news would reach me in time, and you telling me did help, if mildly."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpp8Y8sORe
He paused, considering. "But the debt stands. I won't lose money on this, and I need more than the words of three rats to have trust. But I'm willing to make a deal."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ205cdU96IN
Arlin listened on as Rock tried to hold back a cough and Ziala held his hand, unsure where this was going.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPTNeM7ehz
Tommy pointed at the wolfkin. "Those two rats work for me. Not you. As runners. They will earn nothing—the potions have seen to that. To free them of that debt, you need to get me stuff from the dungeon."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIid2vOVGu1
Arlin hated that they'd be slaves till he could free them. But they were already at the bottom. They didn't have many options.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ryyYQ3nrv
"The dungeon won't exist for a while. The deal doesn't take place till then, but we need the potion now."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡghNghArXso
He wasn't giving up.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmEbY3uPX9
"Bold," Tommy said. "Making demands of those in power and even setting terms!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7DROQPYUf
Arlin refused to back down. "I know you need mana crystals."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNBU8J9PP8
"I need many things," Tommy admitted. "If the day comes you can get them, till then, herbs are more precious. But you'll never know which hold the most value, so that's a waste of time too."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJCB6EzOcp
He leaned forward. "I want twenty level one crystals per potion for the debt owed. Since you're not the shrewd type."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqe9HjhrAf
"You can buy a potion selling the crystals with about five mana crystals!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukzMGCDAxK
Arlin was surprised—not at Tommy's greed, but how easily the cure could be bought with money.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡet8uTX4XOb
"Before you get too excited, you would need help to kill things in a dungeon. And the beasts they do spawn can be rare. Add to it, you need to split the loot." Tommy mused, not caring. "Well, let's just say this is not something that will be easy to be debt-free."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dVvRrRfVJ
Arlin was firm as he spoke. "The potion, and you got a deal. But not till it opens. And only I would go. I can make a group and get them. I know it. They won't know me as a street rat in that town. It can work."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNV9E2nAaC
Tommy looked thoughtful for a second, then started drumming the table with his fingers. After a moment, he asked, "I know you don't think me a saint, but I wonder—do you see me as a villain?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1j0M4U5ry
Arlin wasn't sure how to respond to that.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVL2bwGWLHU
Tommy smiled. "You," he said with finality, "are trash. Street rats that beg me, who earns money and power." He paused, letting it sink in. "I am not the villain. You are."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUoD0hqs8p
Arlin kept quiet as Tommy went on.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG7tqM9Ejt
"You beg, and take, and beg for more. Even as I give, what do you do? Beg and ask me for more."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWj2vfH1az
"But—" he said when he saw their defeated looks "—even if you don't see me as a saint, I understand your worth. You do have value, even if a little."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gKgfKJDzw
"I agree. Consider this a test of trust and faith."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7NI0mecfq
He pulled out a vial with a neon blue glow. "This—" he held it up, staring at them "—cost me time and money to make. Neither of which I like losing. So prove your worth is more than this, and we're even."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ke0zYG8kr
Arlin did not move as he stared at Tommy. He knew even this was a test. Could he be a good dog and wait, and kneel when told?397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrgMn0BAfp
So none of the three moved.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVHSJaMXCC
Tommy smiled, happy they knew. "Good," he said. "It's yours."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlMBv0AT4i
He handed the vial to Arlin.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbffZr9Fiv
"I'll find out the details you couldn't. Do me a favor and make yourself worth something."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UMz2g1DYx
"I know you have level three darkness. Train that. Nobody will want to take a runt into a dungeon that brings nothing of worth. You think I'm gaining having rats as runners? It's a modest gain at best."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSAYjHG8Ue
Arlin was holding the potion as if it were gold. He knew it was worth it. Since it healed Ziala, it would heal Rock too.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdUxhXx3tn
"Let's go," he said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5OeCTTD5O
"Remember," Tommy said, smiling, "I'm not the villain for wanting what's owed from those that begged."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0abLEqU7b
As they left, the guards outside left them in peace. They'd been in there long enough. The guards knew a deal was made, and they were smart enough to keep quiet.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67MDxXx1Vf
Once they found a quiet alley free from prying eyes, Arlin handed the drink to Rock. "Go on. Drink it."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94GGykSOsX
Rock took it slowly, not wanting to drink it.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvm6Ucxt4f
"Relax," Arlin said, patting his shoulder. "We're family, and we have a way out. It just takes time. That's enough."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAPYXc6oXnk
Ziala, also depressed, spoke. "Sorry I'm a burden."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp2ItByy2WI
Rock said the same, still not drinking.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xvc3tb4MT
Arlin laughed. "We're rats. We stick together. We rise and fall together!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJWqIXwAhh
He watched them not agreeing, so he repeated it. "Together, remember?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8a1wkQzuQr
They both nodded meekly as Rock drank the potion.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABdNZvlr5p
And just like that, it was gone.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3hPf5Cg8n
So quick. So easy. He was healed.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBMlbcfc0D
Yet the debt that chained them would last much longer.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyRtTJvPct
Arlin slapped Rock on the side. "Better, big guy?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhv5AjXv15Z
He nodded, not wanting to speak, tears in his eyes.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJtjW3o8tj
Ziala, who always fought with her brother, spoke up then. "Don't worry. You still got me, even if you're ugly. I won't leave you, Rock."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCscTNjzOT
Rock, finally feeling better, retorted. "Maybe it was better if I was alone then."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo3T6EJOxA
The bickering went on into the night.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7duzGmAx0q
They didn't want to go to the church. Instead, they wandered into the night, ignoring the money, the bitter cold, and the chains of debt that would haunt them for years.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQMvisoDwj
For tonight? At least for a moment, they were free.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2oDMeEVjx
In a random alley amongst the dim lights and falling snow, they woke huddled together for warmth.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUBqGYwnEe
Another day at the bottom.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQe74mk7eg
They could leave at any time—back to the church. But the church had already failed them before. It was better to be free and cold than kneeling to those who saw you as something to pity.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFYtT4hhm7
Yeah, Tommy used them. But he saw their worth. The church just wanted them to stay in a room, do chores, and wait for their blessing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPCin0pQj9
No.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydm1f9yRVs
Street rats they may be, but free rats were worth more than being caged.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsqu7fk6Ev
He heard groaning next to his side. Ziala was colder than him, it seemed. His darkness was keeping him warm without even trying. He hated how his family wasn't blessed, but he was. It was proof the gods were cruel if they would let loved ones suffer and make a sickness they could not afford.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvItWqmBUX
He tried to huddle closer to Ziala without waking her, causing Rock to also nudge closer for the warmth. They were both overgrown kids, Arlin thought. Shifting awkwardly against each other, breath misting in the frozen air, snow settled on their clothes like a thin blanket.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAtrFWNyYn
He shifted his thoughts to the day ahead, debating whether they should steal. They didn't need the money now that the debt was changed, but the only other option was to submit to the church for the time needed.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwJWZiVkF5
He heard a low voice at his side. "We made it through another night."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOO84wiBAXo
It was Ziala.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUvY2KiIscd
"Did I wake you?" Arlin asked.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0N3fi1AUB3
She shook her head. "No. The cold did."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCARSRKf33l
"We might need to steal again," he said, lost in thought.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyES1UnyGgv
"I know," she said in a low voice.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a3ZaHRG6D
"Funny how we're supposed to be free yet always bound to someone," Arlin said in mockery.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEaBsWIYn2X
"We always knew that, boss. What's new?" Rock said.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMCQu9rhRL
"You awake too, big guy?" Arlin mused.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41QjRWAlKm
"Cold," he said back.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdzUkjFlsE
"Yeah," Arlin said. "I know."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGYiXBWOWb
He paused, then continued. "I think we have to go back to the church. At least for a few years. Then we'll be free. Just have to live long enough to get there."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39HdvJGrSd
Ziala said, "Easier said than done, or we would not be street rats."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHgX23yU9W
Rock added, "They don't care."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoiJCJimRz
"I know," Arlin said. "But we don't need their love. Just their mercy. And they do offer warmth, food, even teaching. Things we need. We use them and get out. Nothing new there."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoI82GVVvD
"We still owe Tommy," Ziala said. "He's not going to let us do whatever till the dungeon opens."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxO7CQpaVCy
"He will," Arlin said. "He wanted the bigger prize. He was willing to gamble and wait, or he never would've agreed to the deal."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXBhTyrqN5p
Rock laughed at that. "Best joke I heard all year. Him trusting rats."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAZWAoU0IC
"Not trusting," Arlin said. "Waiting. He knows we got nowhere to go, and he doesn't want to feed or train us. But he still expects us to pay our debt."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYub3Rqpvd
"So he knows he has to bend a little, lest he breaks us and gets nothing. It's smart business."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVu7NYc7ZW
Rock murmured while trying to build warmth. Same with Ziala, though neither could get closer, and the cold never really became less. But the sun was rising, and the day would bring something—even if it wasn't hope.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Mv8jaOGqK
It was something.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQsFHDEaF1
And for rats, that was enough.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGMqsoeADu
He didn't want to steal, but they also didn't want to go to the church hungry and give them more power. No, they would eat first—at least stand a little straighter and have pride.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmJy9TWnh0
He knew it was hypocritical. He stole with one hand while saying they had honor and paid debts with the other. But he also didn't try to pretend to be anything more than what they were.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjiCJut6jV
Rats.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsMpnAv6HC
Just because they wanted to be better didn't change what they were.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK34AJ4gcr5
The thefts were simple. Rock and Ziala would beg and scout, depending on how the people treated them and how heavy the purses looked. They picked them for stealing.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42b6bChUJu
Money was good at first, and debts were being paid back quickly. But people weren't stupid. Those with money avoided certain streets and noticed rats were around when they lost money.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVWZYJczLO
It wasn't hard to put two and two together.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sa5dtIEq9
The only saving grace was they couldn't prove who did it because of Arlin's darkness magic.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsad4ufFfk0
He blended as the shadows and followed closely the mark, stole the coins, and was gone before they knew they were even robbed. It was beautiful in its simplicity.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNCi2WgTP9
Till it didn't work, and Rock got sick. Then it was too much.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfQSdCgdm8
Tommy prohibited them from hitting certain areas—those areas were more likely to spend money on potions. He refused to let them steal money he was already going to get while also creating a false perception those areas were better, making a loop of more people with money going there.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RUY00aIqL
Well, Arlin thought, there had to be some truth to it. Nobody in the slums wanted anything to do with them as they knew any coins they got were stolen.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA5RkITWuJ
"Let's try anyway," Arlin said. "We got time to scout a few places. Worst case, we change the plan. Skim the edges of the street where we're allowed to hit. Can play stupid if Tommy finds out. It's just this once."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVnmWoyJiY
"Okay," they both said and got up, shaking off the snow that had settled over the night.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAbP0bqvne
Rock and Ziala were not happy they'd left the church. They didn't think the church was evil, but they'd followed Arlin out of loyalty, taking a chance living on the streets. Now they were going back to it.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluvgnrpshs
"Whatever he says," Ziala said dejectedly, trying to shake those thoughts.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKemLotcfFD
While Rock was scouting a new spot, he heard her passing words.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnozfHHVkUD
"You always take his side," he retorted.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo7TWcrVcg
Ziala just shrugged and said, "He's not wrong. He took us from the church and gave us a better life."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BVmsByaIC
Rock laughed. "Yeah, under the thumbs of others. So free."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXDddDJR4j
"Why is this even an argument? Why now?" Ziala asked, unsure.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cXPcDKoF1
Rock said, "We're losing everything. Nothing to show for it."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtEWSNGS7Q
Ziala whispered, "And Arlin is willing to leave us."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ543YtMoYs
Rock stared into the distance, watching a few passersby. "No easy marks," he mumbled. Most in these streets seemed to be just as poor as them. Well, they had a home, but still were poor like them.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLOYXrcsjZ
Strange how the gods favored some people some days and let others suffer on other days.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGcCm8TOi6
Today, it seemed the gods favored them.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YElx38qwo
They saw him. A new person. Lost. Definitely had money. Well-dressed. Could afford to lose some coins and keep living.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseYYnqT4mM
Rock knew he was the one.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNoypM8tWD
A low whistle, and he walked the opposite way of the mark, still whistling.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVb8gcVvRUR
The mark noticed, surprised at the odd behavior of the wolf beastkin, but dismissed it and went another direction.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxobgBxH40S
Ziala was smaller, easy to miss. She followed on the side, hiding as best she could under a small cloak. She waited till the mark was annoyed and confused.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGwWE9227j
When they weren't able to find their way, she spoke. "You lost, mister?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFwLKWG2cg
The man shook and turned to her, seeing a little girl—at least he assumed so.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8HmQl6F1ff
"No," he said. "I'm fine. Good day." And started to leave.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VtHsjhAUk
"I know these streets. I can help you," she said friendly.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaIkJwaPKL
He stopped for a second, saw her dirt clothes, and sneered.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPtbM1pPtl
"Listen, kid. It's bad enough I got turned around in a den where there's rats, but the last thing I need is beggars trying to guide me down a new alley filled with thieves." He said it with venom.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mZnmE1TR9
Ziala flinched at being called out. She wasn't proud of what they were, but every time being called that, it still hurt. Sometimes more when they looked like they had a better life.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclcwyXRYa1
She let out a low whistle and then smiled. "Sorry, mister. My mistake."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGOmeJBgMy
The man was confused. Twice whistles. Are they mad?397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCfKaUYZmm
He looked around, expecting to be mugged. But the area he was in was relatively clean and clear. There was no one around.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRz5SE160uR
He thought.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIiY2OM4Cf
He went to glare at the little girl, but she was gone. He checked his purse—still there. He sighed. Freaks. That's why they're in the gutter.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZcezatKs9
He left for the open area where he should be free.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLLfOr3g1C
But halfway there, darkness rose all around. It paralyzed him with fear and madness. All he could see were shadows. Day turned into pitch-black night.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsaeXWomO6
Terrifying him more.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruvhqY0b7q
It felt like a warm embrace, as if it wanted to hold him and let him know everything would be okay.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1n5fClMsP
He was about to scream and run in a panic when it faded away.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNxGhfEjf
It made no sense!397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZ9FA5Dg1F
Desperate to be free of the madness, he ran and eventually found the main road. Heavy breathing. Half-panicked.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6Q3VlbguE
When he saw others, he couldn't help but feel compelled to tell someone—anyone—what happened.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kwYQWyzIU
The few random passersby who listened to his rambling laughed.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhteRvFjW8L
"You met the street rats, eh?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDfMjYpWQu
"What?" he said, still panicked. "You're talking about the random poor filthy—"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRPH8Y9DXQ
"No," one of them said between a few laughs. "The street rats have got a system. Most know it and how to avoid them. They're harmless if you know what to watch for, but they target those with more money than sense."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneYhIOBfyu
The man, confused, finally registered their mockery and checked his pouch.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKFWxB8DG0
It was gone.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFQyNalkSr
First, he went cold. Then mad with rage.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrNALPWT4m
"That was my potion money!" he shouted.397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYiHCjIcy3
The few men listening laughed and said, "Yeah, well, it's rats' food now. You have to be more mindful of your purse. Although I've never seen them hit the same person twice or target any poor, so just bad luck, friend. The gods can't favor everyone. Someone has to lose. Besides, just let the church know—they'll cover any loss."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhKw6stpthG
The man was still angry. "This has nothing to do with the gods! It's just thieves and rats in the streets! Why do the guards allow this?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMIZNcT61S
"Um..." The last one still listening, as the rest had left, shrugged. "Still got to prove it first. Did you see who did it?"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwmYfgTIBN
"What?!" the angry man replied. "It was the street rats! Just shake them all, and one will have my coin!"397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI6Fwkkojv
The last man shook his head, walking away. "That's not how it works. A lot of poor in the area. Can't just demand every one of them show any coin they have and hope you can prove it's your stolen coin."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKrw3edHAL
"Just stick to nicer areas. They got some codes to keep them from stalking there. They're easy to spot once you know what to look for, and they don't cause trouble."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlsivYtZvU
"Well, no more than anyone else in a gutter. And as the others said, just see the church."397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiNU7bZEG3
He too walked away, leaving the man to stew in unresolved anger.
397Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNZn9h8ULQ
and then Add to home screen.